QuestionIs there any resin to catalyst ratio to use for resin casting. I am trying to dip fresh flowers, orchids to be exact, since I have read their easier, but with using Castin' Craft Polyester Resin, the instructions give a 1 drop catalyst to 1 ounce resin ratio, but list on the chart to add so many drops of catalyst per resin depth measurement when molding, which doesn't seem to accurate, especially since I am dipping. Or am I reading this all wrong.
Answer
green orchid
Jessica, I finally heard back from The manufacture that I wrote to called Smooth on. they said that they didn't have anything designed for use with natural plants.
Sorry I didn't have better news. How is your pursuit going?
Chris
Ps thanks for the rating.
C
Jessica,
I haven't had a lot of experience with this type of jewelry making however I do know that moisture is the main issue you will have to deal with in preserving the colors and structure. I have seen many and few preserve the original color and shape. The trick is catching the Blume when you have the shape and color you want then misting a top coat of lacquer or preservative perhaps you might try the preservative they use on pastel paintings to capture the viewing surface shape and color. Then allow the flower's moisture to evaporate enough to capture the shape and color without fading occurring. Timing is very important and critical to getting the best result. Each flower's timing will vary depending on it's moisture content. It will also take you a few to get the right time to seal the back and begin your total coating and then dipping process. otherwise the flower will not come out as you hope.
We did however dip and plate "electroforming " many roses, the buds worked much better than the open blumes did but color preservation wasn't a factor.
I hope this will help you. you can see some examples of the pros work but I think they use a die enhancement to accent the colors it can be seen in the veins of the flowers.
http://www.hanamiusa.com/Gallery_a/133.htm
I have also asked fire mountain if they supply the resin, they do sell the flowers:
http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H207916JW
And this company "Smooth On"
http://www.smooth-on.com/techsupport.php
Both companies have as of this post not replied. I will keep you posted.
I did follow up today on the cs line with fire mountain and they don't sell the resin they purchase their flowers from overseas ready made.
However in our conversation we remembered silica gel packs, you know those drying packets you find in most of the electronic items you purchase to keep the moisture out of the item. They might work well at speeding up the drying process once you coat the top to preserve the shape and color. It might help you to dry the flower out before it has a chance to decay and then you can seal it with a second coat and procede to dip in resin. Again I remind you that moisture is your main issue. you must remove it to seal the flower. If you don't you will find out why, and each flower has a different moisture content and therefor takes its own schedule. I wish there were a simple answer for you.
We also commented that most all looked died as well to get that vibrant color.I would call Hanami in NY perhaps they will be more help I sent you the link above but here it is again perhaps you can call them monday they might be able to give you some pointers since they do it for a living. They say in their add that they use natural flowers and only help a little...
http://www.hanamiusa.com/category_s/49.htm
I will upload one of their pictures to make sure this is the look you are after.
Also specifically the resin you asked about tends to run hot when curing and cook the subject.... probably not the one I would pic for flowers. According to it's customer reviews.
Here is a link to the instructions from Casting craft :
http://eti-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Casting-Resin-Instructions.pdf
they say that the drops / layer are in drops /oz.
again not too accurate as their customer reviews remark.
However the link does give you a manufactures contact information.
Chris
