Casting Resin Crystals

[darth_chasm]

I picked up some silicone mold rubber and resin to make molds of and cast some crystals. Cool thing is, I ordered same day shipping from Amazon and the package didn't arrive on time so they gave me a full refund and told me to keep the products :)

Never done this before and I'm not sure if I mixed the compounds thoroughly enough, so it may not turn out too well. I'll update later tonight when the silicone has hopefully fully cured.

I am going to try to add some coloring to the resin to get different ones. Possibly even cast one in a color, break it into pieces and then throw those pieces into a clear cast. In my mind that may create a pretty cool effect.

Here's what I'm using and a pic of the mold degassing/curing. Wish I got some pics of the crystal beforehand but I was too anxious to get started. I just hot glued it to the bottom of the cup.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_2444_zpsa0mzczkj.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_2444_zpsa0mzczkj.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_9298_zps6affy7h5.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_9298_zps6affy7h5.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_3939_zps5jlf48ad.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_3939_zps5jlf48ad.jpg.html)

[minorhero]

That really looks like fun! I like the idea of using a mold to make crystals. I did a few test runs of making crystals by using crushed calcite crystals mixed in with tinted epoxy. If you are going to tint epoxy do some tests outside of the mold first. It's super easy to make your crystal opaque by adding too much tint. Really interested how yours turns out. Will you have to cut your mold in half to remove the original crystal?

[darth_chasm]

Yeah, you're supposed to cut it out. Probably not all the way in half though. From what I've read and seen, you cut it down the sides in a zig zag fashion so the mold keys up better. Then I just throw it back into the cup to hold the position. Apparently, the blob of hot glue creates a nice mouth to easily pour the resin.

[MasterStoddard]

I'm interested in how this turns out for you as well. I have a couple crystals that I'd like to try casting. One looks like it could almost be from the caves on Illum.

[darth_chasm]

The mold cured so that's a good thing. I put a cut off cup and s piece of tape around it the hold it in place. Then mixed up the resin and poured. I am a little worried about the resin as that has a ton of bubbles in it some are popping but I'm sure a lot will be left over. Now the waiting game. The resin takes 18-24 hours to cure :/

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_6032_zpsqtrgt4pl.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_6032_zpsqtrgt4pl.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_6662_zpsixqk6lpr.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_6662_zpsixqk6lpr.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_7607_zpstxohb5j4.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_7607_zpstxohb5j4.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_7318_zpsj2ujh8kr.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_7318_zpsj2ujh8kr.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_3486_zpszzkdgqdx.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_3486_zpszzkdgqdx.jpg.html)

[Greenie]

The waiting game sucks. Let's play hungry hippos. :p

[minorhero]

No idea if this would work or not in your application, but when I am making wooden furniture and need to fill a knot I use tinted epoxy. The bubbles do not work themselves out but stay very much in place. In order to deal with them I use a heat gun. When the epoxy is heated the viscosity lowers tremendously and the bubbles can rise to the surface and pop. Your resin is by its nature less viscous then most epoxies I work with since it can be easily poured, so hopefully your bubbles pop naturally. If they don't try mixing just enough to fill your crystal easily and then use a heat gun on it before pouring. I say before pouring because I assume your mold can not stand-up to the heat the heatgun produces, or would insulate most of the resin deeper in from getting properly heated. If it can stand up to high temperature you may be able to apply it without issue. Hopefully this is not needed. Really looking forward to seeing the result!

[darth_chasm]

The waiting game sucks. Let's play hungry hippos. :p

Nice. I call red hippo!!


No idea if this would work or not in your application, but when I am making wooden furniture and need to fill a knot I use tinted epoxy. The bubbles do not work themselves out but stay very much in place. In order to deal with them I use a heat gun. When the epoxy is heated the viscosity lowers tremendously and the bubbles can rise to the surface and pop. Your resin is by its nature less viscous then most epoxies I work with since it can be easily poured, so hopefully your bubbles pop naturally. If they don't try mixing just enough to fill your crystal easily and then use a heat gun on it before pouring. I say before pouring because I assume your mold can not stand-up to the heat the heatgun produces, or would insulate most of the resin deeper in from getting properly heated. If it can stand up to high temperature you may be able to apply it without issue. Hopefully this is not needed. Really looking forward to seeing the result!

Thanks for the tips. Someone on FX gave the same advice regarding the heat gun. Definitely going to try that on the next one. I have noticed that since pouring the bubbles have lessened and the ones left are very tiny. Perhaps that's a result of a slow cure. I am sure if it cured faster the larger bubbles would have been set in place.

As far as color, I was going to use food dye, but upon actually reading the product info (something I have a habit of not doing) I can't use water based pigments. I think since this round of products ended up being free that I am going to get some faster curing resin and some pigments. This wait is killing me and being able to use the mold only once every 24-30 hours doesn't seem practical. I guess I could make more molds, but the wait for the resin... grrrr.

[PhoenixHawk]

Nice. I call red hippo!!

Dang-it.... ok fine i'll take the blue hippo. lol :D

I have dabbled in this a little ....its kinda cool to play with....and yes the fun part is the dry'in time....not. And your right about the bubbles. And you need to get get the proper dying pigments. They come in little bottles and you mix them to the base or the hardener(doesn't matter witch)first. Also it takes a little practice but when your mixing part A an part B don't mix so vigorously you will get less bubbles. and i see you got the good stuff.....well done. Amazing Clear Cast is crystal clear. Have to find the things i make those years ago and post some pic's for you to see.

[Greenie]

Obviously, I want the green one. ;)
Have they cured yet? Can't wait to see how these turn out. Custom crystals to fit custom builds.
Once again DC puts the work in for the benefit of all. :)

[minorhero]

The dyes I use for resin are all powders not liquids. If you want to absolutely get the "right" one then check out this brand: https://www.amazon.com/Stick-Fast-Powder-Stabilizing-Resin/dp/B00E39XY5C

That being said, make-up dye powders also work just fine like these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AP8BQA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[darth_chasm]

The dyes I use for resin are all powders not liquids. If you want to absolutely get the "right" one then check out this brand: https://www.amazon.com/Stick-Fast-Powder-Stabilizing-Resin/dp/B00E39XY5C

That being said, make-up dye powders also work just fine like these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AP8BQA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cool. I am on my way to The Compleat Sculptor to pick up some faster curing resin. I'll check out what they have. Do these dyes work well for translucency?

_____________
I would call the first attempt a success. I probably could have let it go the full 24hrs because it is still sticky, but I think it is stable enough to fully cure outside the mold. Picks up light very well and the bubbles turned out to be not so bad. This definitely seems like a viable option for rounding out your crystal stock pile.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_0827_zpsjfpo96xb.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_0827_zpsjfpo96xb.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_4892_zpsgavcn7cr.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_4892_zpsgavcn7cr.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_3278_zpserbohfyd.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_3278_zpserbohfyd.jpg.html)

[Greenie]

That looks like a win to me. Well played dude.

[minorhero]

Nice! ! Yes they work fine for translucent effect you just use less of the dye. I mean really really small amounts. Like a pile the size of a thumb tack head would make 10 crystals like you just created.

[Whosle]

Definatly a success.
Once upon a time I had heavily researched and attempted some acrylic resin casting. Mine was from micheals and the hardener was difficult to measure out. The equal mix ones are simpler. (I always try and add just a bit more hardener to the mix). They all have weaknesses and strengths. Instructables has some good ones for jewellery.

The bubbles actually help catch the light more.

The stickiness took a long while for mine to disappear. Weeks even(bad ratios?).It collected dust and went foggy after awhile.

What if you mixed in some florescein powder? It'd have to be for a dedicated green blade/crystal. http://www.ebay.com/bhp/fluorescein

My plan was to try and splice two together (with copper or greebles) to make a double terminated crystal.

[Silver Serpent]

Fluorescein is water-soluble, so that may be an issue. Might be worth trying anyhow. It's easy enough to extract it from yellow highlighters.

[darth_chasm]

Wouldn't that only be effective in UV or black light situations?

[Silver Serpent]

Nah, blue light works better. Fluorescein is the dye in the Photon Blades.

[GregTheForce]

Oh they look really cool! ;)

[MasterStoddard]

That looks like a win to me too. Now I want to try to do a couple of the crystals I have and see how they turn out. Just need to find a place to set the molds to keep the cats from tipping them over.

[Jediseth]

Wow, nice job casting. I wouldn't have thought they would turnout that good. I think I like real crystals best, but not too shabby.

[darth_chasm]

Nah, blue light works better. Fluorescein is the dye in the Photon Blades.

Ah, I did not know that. Interesting.


Wow, nice job casting. I wouldn't have thought they would turnout that good. I think I like real crystals best, but not too shabby.

Agree, nothing ever compares to the real thing. This is less trying to replace real crystals and more just trying to learn a new thing and expanding the hobby for myself.

[Greenie]

So what's the next step DC? Casting the LED into the crystal?

[darth_chasm]

Yep. I will be posting a video of the process and result once I'm done editing. It's currently at 45 mins cut down from 80 hahaha. I might just have to provide a time code for people to skip to the results.

[ls-event]

Not sure if it was mentioned but you'll want to degas the resin to remove the bubbles. Only way you'll get it "cystal" clear.

[darth_chasm]

No, I think the bubbles actually work in this instance. And I am not really sold on the idea of buying a vacuum chamber just yet. Maybe if I get into the craft more heavily and want to cast other things.

[Silver Serpent]

I agree. A perfectly clear crystal will have nothing to diffuse the light. A flawed crystal typically illuminates things better.

[minorhero]

Any thoughts on breaking up current crystals and recasting with the mix of shards from the old crystals? I know you said you were thinking of this, just wanted to know if this was done yet or possible. Not sure how well the resin crystals will break apart.

You may want to try integrating real crystals into the mix. Flourite and calcite are cheap on eBay and can be smashed with a hammer to form all kinds of neat and small shapes.

[darth_chasm]

Any thoughts on breaking up current crystals and recasting with the mix of shards from the old crystals? I know you said you were thinking of this, just wanted to know if this was done yet or possible. Not sure how well the resin crystals will break apart.

You may want to try integrating real crystals into the mix. Flourite and calcite are cheap on eBay and can be smashed with a hammer to form all kinds of neat and small shapes.

Funny you should mention that now. Just poured these. I cut up one of the blue ones with some side cutters and threw the chunks into the middle one. I also tracked down some whit leds I had and am experimenting with different combos of led color vs crystal color.

I'll update once I can de-mold

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_9635_zpsutw0r2lz.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_9635_zpsutw0r2lz.jpg.html)

[Silver Serpent]

I am intrigued. Thank you for sharing the results, as well as the continuing developments. :)

[darth_chasm]

So here are the results from today. Not real crazy with the clear one with blue chunks. I have to play around with the idea more. Maybe smaller pieces and definitely need to work out some of the bubbles. Way too many in this instance.

Clear Resin : Blue Chunks : White Led

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_9497_zpskluktnnn.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_9497_zpskluktnnn.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_3898_zpsobxixba6.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_3898_zpsobxixba6.jpg.html)

Red Resin : Red Led (appears much deeper red in person)

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_8115_zpsaw4yrpro.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_8115_zpsaw4yrpro.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_2027_zpsnhhhpist.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_2027_zpsnhhhpist.jpg.html)

Red Resin : White Led (appears much more pink in person)

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_1208_zps27ougr0i.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_1208_zps27ougr0i.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_3757_zpsaauo1t5a.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_3757_zpsaauo1t5a.jpg.html)

[PhoenixHawk]

Very cool bro. I to was thinking of doing something like this as well....once i can get my hands on the money for the supplies.

[ls-event]

I agree. A perfectly clear crystal will have nothing to diffuse the light. A flawed crystal typically illuminates things better.

Won't ever be crystal clear, reason why I put quotes, but it won't have bubbles which imo look silly and not something I'd want to illuminate. A bubble free cast will defuse light, especially if you dye it.

Check out Volpin's Needler prop for an example. He's just a great source for eye candy in general so I advise everyone to check his site out.

[darth_chasm]

Another test with the crushed particles. This time I used a real crystal and broke it up in to really small pieces. I think this works much better. I just have to work on the ratio now so that the particles fill out the crystal a bit more. I used a white led this time. I think next time I should use a colored led to match the color of the particles.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_4293_zpswbyxdnhf.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_4293_zpswbyxdnhf.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_9694_zpswtc3osqf.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_9694_zpswtc3osqf.jpg.html)

[ls-event]

Looks really good. Kinda reminds me of rocket (?) pops, haha. Could try throw stuff in that catches light (like you're doing anyway) but go crazy with it. Glow in the dark material, treated polyc, metal flakes, list goes on.

[MasterStoddard]

How thick was the part A of your silicone when you first opened it? I got some today from Amazon and it was thicker then bread dough.

[darth_chasm]

The alumilite that I used the first round was petty thick. Kind of like gravy I guess. The smooth cast 326 is much thinner. Sounds like you got a bad batch.

[PhoenixHawk]

Yes that's waayy to thick. Send it back for a refund....or replacement.

[MasterStoddard]

It left via ups yesterday afternoon. I'm now waiting for the money to post back into my account. After I get paid again I'll try ordering a different type of silicone. But I am very grateful to DC for posting his results with casting crystals. I hope mine will turn out as well as his did.

[PhoenixHawk]

Remember if you don't have a vacuum chamber do a high pour to reduce the amount of bubbles in the silicone mold. And pour on the outside rim of the cup, never on the part.....also can turn the cup as you pour if you like.

[darth_chasm]

I was able to unload a few of the crystals I made so I am actually on my way to pick up some more supplies to experiment with. Or it could be I just like going there to see C-3P0 and R2 :D


http://i.imgur.com/OQpJYxP.jpg?2

[darth_chasm]

Monkey-ing around with this a bit more. This new batch of resin cures even faster so I am able to pump out quite a few in a short amount of time.

I haven't tried the green dye yet so I went for that with green leds embedded. Also did another experiment with particles that turned out much better. And I wanted to try out some cold casting. Of course light wont shine through those but I wanted to see the results.

Oh, and I am making a mold of a Pez Yoda head right now. I am going to throw in an RGB to see what it looks like. I'll update later when thats done.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_9938_zps3n0tolbe.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_9938_zps3n0tolbe.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_8557_zpsbbb3jdrt.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_8557_zpsbbb3jdrt.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_7954_zpsy5ub0tvz.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_7954_zpsy5ub0tvz.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_9004_zpswmgkzfwa.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_9004_zpswmgkzfwa.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_6527_zpscsmzyivm.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_6527_zpscsmzyivm.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_5586_zps68hazeai.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_5586_zps68hazeai.jpg.html)

[darth_chasm]

Glowing Yoda :D

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_2509_zpszw6vwfuw.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_2509_zpszw6vwfuw.jpg.html) http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t649/DarthChasm/Misc/IMG_5410_zpshc7loeck.jpg (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/DarthChasm/media/Misc/IMG_5410_zpshc7loeck.jpg.html)

[Thalan the Exiled]

ok your having way to much fun with this. Love the work makes me wish i had room for a crystal chamber.

[darth_chasm]

haha yeah youre probably right.

[darth_chasm]

By far the coolest results yet.


http://i.imgur.com/YpfnINI.jpg (http://imgur.com/YpfnINI)

[Silver Serpent]

They look like tiny popsicles! Mmm!

You know, on the appropriate forums, there might be a market for those crystals...

[Cern]

what about using something like this instead of Resin? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mod-Podge-2-oz-Dimensional-Magic-CS11215/204203818?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D24-Paint%7c&gclid=CNzyoIHa3tICFZyPswod1ygNVQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

[darth_chasm]

what about using something like this instead of Resin? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mod-Podge-2-oz-Dimensional-Magic-CS11215/204203818?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D24-Paint%7c&gclid=CNzyoIHa3tICFZyPswod1ygNVQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Its basically a glue. I suppose you could use it but have no idea. I'll probably stick to resin.

[SupremeLeaderAuzy]

This is very cool! Makes me want to try it

[PhoenixHawk]

Yeah like DC stated that epoxy is more of a glue Cern... but if you can't get the two part clear resin, you could try that stuff from Home Depot if you like...but it has a longer curing time.

Darth Chasm those latest crystals look really cool.

[Cern]

Mod Podge does make glue, but that Dimensional Magic stuff i linked to is a milky liquid that dries to a clear hard plastic. I used it on this badge retractor i was spiffing up: http://imgur.com/a/I58Lc

[noslenpar]

Is that The Complete Sculptor store?

[darth_chasm]

Is that The Complete Sculptor store?

Yep :). I see you're in Queens. I'm in Manhattan