The use of polyurethanes is not limited just to
making serious things like molds and casts. You can have lot of fun and
also express your creative streak by making resin jewelry!
Making jewelry with polyurethane resins is an enjoyable hobby where you are only limited by your imagination. You can literally make any shape, size or design that catches your fancy. Make artistic finger rings, earrings, bracelets, neckpieces in any color and pattern with interesting fillers and more.
Following is an outline of the procedure for making resin jewelry:
Making jewelry with polyurethane resins is an enjoyable hobby where you are only limited by your imagination. You can literally make any shape, size or design that catches your fancy. Make artistic finger rings, earrings, bracelets, neckpieces in any color and pattern with interesting fillers and more.
Following is an outline of the procedure for making resin jewelry:
- You need an optically clear resin for making jewelry. It should be non-yellowing and preferably UV resistant too. Special, high-quality jewelry resins are available in art stores.
- Plan what you wish to make in advance. Decide the shape and size and choose appropriate molds accordingly. Also, decide the color (if any) you want in the jewelry.
- You can add almost anything as a filler - such as dried leaves, flowers, feathers, beads, stones, buttons, sprinkles, glitter and what not. Any special keepsake can also be cast into a resin and worn as a memento.
- Prepare the mold by applying an appropriate release agent and let it air dry.
- Mix the resin slowly and thoroughly (generally equal parts of resin and hardener) to avoid air bubbles.
- If you want to color the resin, add a few drops of a urethane dye to the mix and blend properly. For an enchanting marble effect, leave it after just a few stirs.
- Now slowly pour the mixed resin into the mold. Fill till the brim to allow for shrinkage.
- If you are adding fillers, pour a bit of resin at the bottom, gently add the filler and then top it off with resin again.
- Despite careful mixing, the resin is bound to have a few bubbles. Some will rise to the top of the mold and pop on their own. Pick out the remaining ones with a toothpick or gently blow them away with a straw.
- Cover the mold to keep dust from getting in, and allow it to cure overnight.
- Test with a toothpick to check for cure. Using fingers will leave unsightly marks on the cast.
- Once it has properly cured, the resin cast will pop out easily. Now finish it by trimming with a scissors or smooth the edges with sandpaper.
- Adding a fine coat of wax will render a fine gloss and finish to the piece.
- Add loops, wire or rings to turn the resin cast into wearable jewelry such as earrings, finger rings, bracelets and necklaces.
