To learn about what a transparent epoxy resin for creativity, how to use it to create works, they want many lovers of needlework. In its beauty, such crafts are not inferior to products from natural amber, and you can do them even at home. Learn more about working with the material will help to find out the master class on the use of decorative resin for needlework.
What it is?
Epoxy resin used for creativity is a synthetic oligomeric composition, also known as a jewelry compound. The raw material has a transparent structure, rather dense and firm after the hole, and in liquid form a fluid, viscous. It is this that the decorative epoxy resin differs from a technical, having a characteristic yellowish tint.
Compositions for creativity are produced transparent. In the color version, they are created by the master, adding dyes. Depending on the line, the manufacturer, the intensity of mixing the brightness of the pigment varies. In addition, there are special glitters - fillers that allow you to add glitter mixtures.
Epoxy resin, used in decorative purposes, is also produced by Russian, and foreign manufacturers. The greatest consumer confidence was honored by Epoxy, Crystal Glass. Their products easily take the necessary consistency, does not spread, generates a uniform dense structure without defects. And today, soft glass is gaining popularity - the composition based on epoxy resin having a paste-like consistency.
Decorative parts are made of decorative parts for decorating glass surfaces, create original compositions and crafts, resembling works from Murano glass.
Composition and properties
Epoxy resin, suitable for creativity, is produced in several versions. Between themselves, the compositions differ in color and consistency, as well as operational characteristics. The most popular option has the marking of ED-20, it is divided into higher products and 1 varieties. The second option is considered industrial, thick and grabs no more than 4 hours after mixing. Resin 1 variety goes to the needs of chemical, aviation production, shipbuilding, used in the production of adhesive and sealing compositions, is used in electrical engineering.
High-grade variety is ideal for decorative purposes. Such epoxy resin ED-20 is very transparent, viscous, convenient to work, products from it are characterized by decorativeness. When adding a hardener, the correct mixture is obtained without bubbles, it keeps the specified form well. Other similar compounds are used in jewelry and diverse arts: ED-16, ED-22.
Among the characteristic features that are inherent in epoxy resin after crystallization, several properties can be noted.
- High adhesion ability with different types of surfaces. It is well associated with ceramics, metal, glass, interacts with polymers, concrete, wood.
- Dielectric properties. The resin has an extremely low tokecation, can be used to make decorative lamps.
- Resistance to external influences. The frozen compound is well tolerates mechanical processing, moisture consists, not afraid of temperature drops and contact with chemicals.
- Environmental purity. The material is absolutely non-toxic both when creating crafts and after complete rejection.
Thanks to these properties, epoxy resin has gained popularity in jewelry and decorative industries. It makes decorations, household items, cast countertops and sinks for plumbing needs.
The composition of all types of epoxy resin is the same. It includes 3 main ingredients:
- natter caustic;
- diphenylolpropane;
- epichlorohydrin.
Depending on the type of compound the proportions of substances change. Besides, Manufacturers are added to the additive and substances that allow you to increase artistic properties, simplify work with the material. In addition to the basics itself, a hardener is needed to obtain a resin suitable for operation - a substance that turns the liquid and driving composition into monolithic. It is he who is responsible for the crystallization process, usually attached to the chosen compound, but sometimes it can be purchased separately.
Suitable are considered several types and brands of compositions.
- Telalit-590. Hardener focused on the creation of bulk products and structures. Suitable for work in rooms with a range of + 20 ... 25 ° C. In a liquid state, it is quite unusual, resembles water flow, very transparent.
- Epilox H 10-34. The technical option used in the manufacture of compositions for filling large on the surface area - with its help creates bulk floors, countertops. The degree of transparency is high, viscosity the hardener is close to the oil. The optimal operating temperature is considered to be + 15 ° C.
- Peppa. Budgetizer suitable for use at room temperature. To harden, do not need special conditions, the average term of full grasp - 24 hours. The composition has a light chemical smell, it is better to work with it in gloves. The color is slightly yellow, there is a turbidity, the hardener is rather viscous, it is not suitable for the creation of bulk products.
In order for the epoxy resin for creativity to have optimal consistency and other indicators, plasticizers add to it that ensure improved strength or elasticity of the material that increase its hydrophobic properties. Most often it is funds with the DBF label, DEG-1, S-7106. If low-grade raw materials are used for creativity, the use of additives will help improve its indicators. In a special compound for creativity, they are already present in the desired volume.
With long-term storage, epoxy resin for creativity, as well as its industrial analogs, becomes more viscous. Solvents help to eliminate the problem, this is usually enough White Spirit. However, it is worth using such aggressive fluids only as a last resort - they are intended for technical needs, require extremely cautious circulation. Remove the traces of the resin with acetone-containing cosmetic fluids from hand.
To increase the decorative properties of the product, in addition to glitters and dyes, other substances or fractions are often used. Among the fillers used most often, several options can be distinguished.
- Grinding in crumb minerals and rocks. Pomegranate, snake, marble, travertine look interesting. You can use even ordinary fine gravel.
- Cement (artificial stone). It is added to hardening the material or in order to obtain interesting decorative effects.
- Quartz sand. It does not dissolve epoxy resin. It is used both in the manufacture of large-format floors and countertops, and when creating small decor items.
- Wood flour, chips or bark. Density and strength gives, very small fractions are used in furniture manufacturing in the manufacture of a special composite.
- Aluminum powder. It gives an interesting visual effect. Well combines with industrial-style products.
- Natural dyes. For the smile of black color, powdered graphite add to it. Titanium dioxide is used to obtain pure white color.
Not too good idea is to add to the Epoxy resin aggregates with high hygroscopicity. These include all types of mineral powder - from dental powder to Talca. They also help get the white color of the material, but make it more fragile and vulnerable to external threats.
Scope of application
Epoxy resin for creative works - a unique material leaving an incredible space for needlework. With it, artistic products and items that have practical application are created. Some directions of application of material deserve special attention.Decorations
Transparent resin is ideal for creating original handmade products. Modern artist masters create original pendants, pendants, brooches and rings, epoxy earrings and bracelets. Especially refined products, inside which parts of the wildlife are preserved.
Moss, lichens, flowers, stones and other elements frozen in a transparent drop of resin, retain their beauty for many years.
Decor elements
Unusual press papier for papers, a stylish candlestick, simply the subject of the interior, differ in shape and color from any existing things. With the help of epoxy resin, designer masterpieces that affect the imagination can be made. Their fragile beauty looks quite unusual, attracts his eyes. Vases for colors created by masters can recreate the splash of sea foam or transfer the fragility of it in the frosty glass.
Lamps
Due to its dielectric properties, epoxy resin often becomes the basis for creating original lamps. The form of the product can be any, as well as decorative design. You can create a unique object of the situation for a specific design project of a house or apartment.
Furniture
The use of epoxy resin for the manufacture of furniture does not look too avant-garde, it is worth only to see the result of such work. Most often from a transparent material, a tabletop is made . When pouring it in it, almost any decor can be placed - from dried colors and greenery to sea pebbles. The combination of wood and epoxy resin looks very interesting, the furniture is solid and original. In addition to tabletops, beautiful and durable window sills are obtained from this material, unusual aprons for the kitchen.
Dishes
It can not be seriously replaced by glass or ceramics in the manufacture of dishes. Epoxy resin can not. But from it, interesting decorative items are obtained: fruit and candy vases, stands, clips, serving items. The toned epoxy resin is well combined with wooden and wicker frames.
How to use?
The master class on the use of epoxy resin for creativity allows us to get a complete picture of how it is necessary to work with this material. First of all, standard security measures should be observed: put on rubber gloves and mask or respirator , Provide a free influx of air into the room, to be placed with polyethylene or oilcloth, make sure that the air temperature does not exceed + 25 ° C.
Preparation of epoxy resin requires the acquisition of a specific set of consumables:
- compound and hardener;
- disposable medical syringes or measuring cups with millimeter divisions;
- wooden spatula for stamping composition;
- Clean containers of different sizes.
Before starting work, it is recommended to read the instructions attached to the manufacturer to consumables. The proportions of different compositions change, there is no single recipe. Next, the components are connected in a small bowl or a cup, a cuvette. The accuracy of proportions will ensure the use of cups or syringes with measuring divisions. It should not be prepared too much resin immediately, it can start the polymerization earlier than will be spent.
The connected hardener and compound are neatly and thoroughly mixed in the selected capacity. At this stage, glitters and pigments can be added to them. For some time you need to perform circular movements, removing air bubbles, seeking homogeneity of the composition. If they are still formed, the mixture is defended and heated. Air chambers will rise and will be available to remove.
Until the complete pouring of epoxy resin usually takes 20-24 hours. It is important throughout this time to maintain the right temperature indoors. To speed up the process, you can send the workpiece in the oven for 20 minutes at a temperature of + 80 ° C, and then leav at room temperature until complete crystallization.
Pouring into Molda
The finished resin can be used in different ways. Most often it is cast in silicone forms - moldes, giving the right shape. Such blanks are used to make small items. Thanks to the features of silicone molds, the frozen resin is easily moving away from them. There are ready solutions for rings, keyfobs, pendants.
When using decorative natural elements - shells, stones, they are washed and degreased, herbs, moss, flowers are thoroughly dried. Then these components are stacked in Mold and poured resin. The procedure may be different.
- With pre-location of the decor. In this case, the decor stacked on the bottom of the form. Then the resin is preparing - she needs to be located at least 30 minutes. Upon completion of this process, the epoxy base is poured into Mold. It will only be waiting until the workpiece harvest and clean it up uneven edges with abrasive tools - supfyl, small file.
- With pouring resin. After filling out the form, the decor in it is distributed using toothpicks. This allows you to create products with symmetric and more complex filling.
After frozen, the product from the resin may be subjected to additional grinding and machining. Most often enough sandpaper, but you can use abrasive pecks for manicure and pedicure. In the course of grinding there is a lot of dust - it is worth protecting the eyes, nose and mouth.
Casting within
Products from epoxy resin can be made not only in modules. There are special metal rims and frames. Their main difference lies in the need to grind ready-made decorations with facial and irons. The bottom line of the rim for the time of fillings is usually placed on the surface of adhesive tape to eliminate the leakage of the resin below. You can also add decor elements - leaves and flowers of plants, small diverse stones, photograph.
Such foundations can be made independently. Frames weave from wire, made from polymer clay. It is important that the form allows you to hold the resin as much as possible in the contour.
Beautiful examples of work
Fantasy authors who create their products from epoxy resin are limitless. This can be seen in this, considering the photo gallery.
- The celebration of nature in the perfect form of the sphere. Natural materials have special beauty, and even when placed in an unpainted resin, it looks very impressive.
- Exquisite suspension with golden metal figures inside. The product looks elegant, not too pregnant, suitable for wearing every day.
- Original colored rings with a filling of transparent crystals and metal. The handicap looks spectacular, it may well replace the traditional pair decoration at the wedding.
How to make a pendant with a flower from epoxy resin, look in the video.