HELP? Clear Resin??

Maudi

Hi would anybody know where in ireland I could get resin? Liquid resin that hardens.

robfitz

I've bought resin from RPM Supplies in Dublin.

fergal.b

If you want clear resin I use west systems and get it from http://www.marineparts.ie/paint-and-maintenance/epoxy-repair-kits/ I'd say most marine shops sell it.



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Dramatik

If you're looking for somewhere in Dublin where you can walk in and buy it, o'sullivans graphics have it, don't forget your wallet though, it's expensive :mad:

http://www.osullivangraphics.com/store/product/129165/CRYSTAL-RESIN-150ML-CLEAR/

If you want that super wet, glass-like finish, this'll do the job nicely. Just remember though, when your mixing the two parts make sure you get rid of all the bubbles in the mixture.

DeVore

Hey there... I'm looking for help with resin...

I need a resin which sets clear and can be carved/sanded afterwards (I intend to turn it on a lathe after its sets so that part shouldn't be too hard... if it can be polished, it can be turned in my experience).


I've tried West Systems 207 hardener but its not clear (despite its claims!). Does anyone have any recommendations???

Thanks!

Tom.

DeVore

After some more research it seems like Gedeo Clear Cast Resin is what I need... but now I cant find a supplier in Ireland who has it in stock!!!


ARRGAHGHHHHH!!

DeVore

And I seem to have found one...

http://www.specialistcrafts.ie/

750Ml pack, 42 Euro inc Vat and no cost for delivery. I swear if this doesn't work after all the problems I've had with resin, I'm going to $%^ing drink the stuff.

Dramatik

Try o'sullivan graphics, I've purchased the gedeo crystal resin from there before. This might be suitable for what you want to do as well, although it is very hard when dry and a metal file would probably work better than sandpaper.

http://www.osullivangraphics.com/store/product/119373/CRYSTAL-RESIN-750ML-CLEAR/

DeVore

Thanks, I'm going to put it on a wood turning lathe and use some high speed tools on it... I just need to be able to make sure it shines up ok afterwards...

Tiriel

Mod note: Merged your thread with another on resin DeVore, thought perhaps the original posters above might have some insight for you!

DeVore

I think the reason West Systems isn't curing to clear is simply temp... it seems to need something in the 20s to cure and even indoors in my house its not that temp all day/night. I'm going to play with it some more but I've also ordered some of that Clear Cast resin anyway so I can compare and contrast.

DeVore

So after several months of playing with Gedeo, I have to say, its good.

You need to really carefully measure the amounts (as with all resins) and you need to keep the place warm it seems while it cures. Mostly I've had very good results with the curing but on one occasion it stayed a bit gooey even after 30 hours. I put it in the oven for a little bit (not one I use for food I hasten to add, that's not a good idea!) and it finished curing. I think the problem was that it was middle of winter and the temp dropped over night so now I start the process early in the day and keep the place warm to get it as long as possible in the high temps. At night I put it in my bedroom and keep the heating set to keep it warm there too.

All that said, its very easy to work with. The 30 hours curing time lets all the bubbles surface and since I'm turning away the surface that doesn't bother me. If you need a water clear surface then take a pin to them or a hairdryer set to hot I believe also works. the good thing (and this is better than most resins) is that the liquid is very viscous at the start and the bubbles have lots of time to rise up and out of the cast. I haven't had any problems with bubbles trapped inside.

Carving it on the lathe works well too, it shines up nicely but you need to go to at least 600 grit and then I put a cost of CA Glue (super glue) on, 3 coats in fact, and sand at 600 again and then use a liquid buffing cream (Mylands have a good one) which brings up a perfect clear surface. It takes time and half way through you will think its buggered, but the buffing really brings up the transparency and clarity.

So there you go... good results with Gedeo, but you need to practise a bit to find the right approach for your needs.