Update!
Was able to get wayyy less bubbles on this round. I think it was the combination of stirring more carefully and preparing the room temperature before casting.
(Attachment Link)
Also working on a new mold with a thicker top half to get rid of the lines that shine through. Anyone have advice on that? I'm just squeezing clay into the bottom of the mold cap to create thickness.
Get a digital scale, the small ones that measures up to 200g and can read in 0.01g increments. I used to measure by eye using syringes too, ratios are always off.
Soft results could be caused by the lack of heat. I had this problem even if I left it for hours to cure. You can either heat up the molds beforehand or put the mold into a heated environment after you've poured the resin. I now put mine in a slow cooker ;D
Bubbles will always be there if you use fast curing resin without a pressure pot. You could use a slow curing resin, they produce less bubbles.
Good job on the new cast. You may want to build up the inner walls of the caps too to produce a thicker wall cast. Gives you a stronger cap.
I don't have recommendations for pressure pots because I don't use them myself haha. Someone will recommend some no doubt.
Good job on the new cast. You may want to build up the inner walls of the caps too to produce a thicker wall cast. Gives you a stronger cap.
I don't have recommendations for pressure pots because I don't use them myself haha. Someone will recommend some no doubt.
I wanna know exactly when pressure pot is recommended and why. It's depends of type of resin?
Get a digital scale, the small ones that measures up to 200g and can read in 0.01g increments. I used to measure by eye using syringes too, ratios are always off.
Soft results could be caused by the lack of heat. I had this problem even if I left it for hours to cure. You can either heat up the molds beforehand or put the mold into a heated environment after you've poured the resin. I now put mine in a slow cooker ;D
Bubbles will always be there if you use fast curing resin without a pressure pot. You could use a slow curing resin, they produce less bubbles.
That scale is a great idea!! Focusing on the heat definitely resolved the soft cure issue I was having.
Do you have any recommendations / info on a pressure pot to purchase?
Also, extra picture with the thicker mold (Attachment Link)
Good job on the new cast. You may want to build up the inner walls of the caps too to produce a thicker wall cast. Gives you a stronger cap.
I don't have recommendations for pressure pots because I don't use them myself haha. Someone will recommend some no doubt.
I wanna know exactly when pressure pot is recommended and why. It's depends of type of resin?
Thank you I appreciate that!! I will definitely be looking into purchasing a scale and that heat mat is a great idea. That pressure pot looks amazing but might be slightly out of my price range. This information is a great jumping off point for me and it looks like I will be purchasing the compressor you linked to and a slightly cheaper pressure pot. Thank you again for sharing!
Thank you I appreciate that!! I will definitely be looking into purchasing a scale and that heat mat is a great idea. That pressure pot looks amazing but might be slightly out of my price range. This information is a great jumping off point for me and it looks like I will be purchasing the compressor you linked to and a slightly cheaper pressure pot. Thank you again for sharing!
My only caveat is please be careful with 'cheaper' pressure pots. The cheap ones can and have failed, especially those from Harbor Freight.
Avoid pressure pots with this style clamp:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/fwOznN4.png)
And instead search for ones with this style:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/LffEIIB.png)
The first style will essentially end up digging into the top of the pot, compromising the integrity of it.
Thank you I appreciate that!! I will definitely be looking into purchasing a scale and that heat mat is a great idea. That pressure pot looks amazing but might be slightly out of my price range. This information is a great jumping off point for me and it looks like I will be purchasing the compressor you linked to and a slightly cheaper pressure pot. Thank you again for sharing!
My only caveat is please be careful with 'cheaper' pressure pots. The cheap ones can and have failed, especially those from Harbor Freight.
Avoid pressure pots with this style clamp:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/fwOznN4.png)
And instead search for ones with this style:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/LffEIIB.png)
The first style will essentially end up digging into the top of the pot, compromising the integrity of it.
Update!
Trying out dual colors with varying degrees of success.
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
Still trying to figure out if I should let the first layer fully dry or only partially. Hmmm
Very excited to show the two caps that cured overnight!!
(Attachment Link)
Was able to separate the two layers better but still want to try and let the first layer sit a little longer next time.
(Attachment Link)
The top layer glows :D
(Attachment Link)
Wanted to try pure transparent glow
(Attachment Link)
:thumb:
Very excited to show the two caps that cured overnight!!
(Attachment Link)
Was able to separate the two layers better but still want to try and let the first layer sit a little longer next time.
(Attachment Link)
The top layer glows :D
(Attachment Link)
Wanted to try pure transparent glow
(Attachment Link)
:thumb:
Progress I can get behind, both are looking great!
Very excited to show the two caps that cured overnight!!
(Attachment Link)
Was able to separate the two layers better but still want to try and let the first layer sit a little longer next time.
(Attachment Link)
The top layer glows :D
(Attachment Link)
Wanted to try pure transparent glow
(Attachment Link)
:thumb:
I'd love to learn more about how you made your mold! Those last ones look great!
I'd be your best friend if you made a youtube vid or something. :)
I could use some advice. I cannot seem to keep a larger bubble from coming up around half the time on the edge of the keycap. Below is a picture of what's happening. Anyone have advice to keep this from happening?
(Attachment Link)
Very excited to take it to the next level! :D
(Attachment Link)