Common Reasons Why Resin Bends Over Time: Prevention & Fixes
Resin bending is a common issue that can impact the quality of your art projects. Understanding why resin bends over time is crucial for preventing this occurrence and creating successful resin pieces. Joining a resin art workshop can provide valuable experience in fixing bendy resin, allowing you to gain practical skills to address this issue effectively.
By comprehending the common causes of resin bending, you can proactively take steps to mitigate this problem, ensuring the longevity and integrity of your resin creations. In this blog, we will explore five common reasons why resin bends over time and discuss strategies to prevent and fix this issue.
1. Short Cure Time
Insufficient curing is one of the common reasons why resin bends over time. When resin does not have enough time to cure fully, it can remain soft and pliable, making it prone to bending or warping. Cure time refers to the time it takes for the resin to harden and reach its full strength. Different types of resin have different cure times, typically ranging from a few hours to several days.
If the resin is not allowed enough time to cure properly, the chemical reactions necessary to harden completely may not be completed. This can result in a partially cured resin that remains flexible and unstable. Over time, the lack of complete hardening can gradually cause the resin to bend or warp under its weight or external pressure.
Following the manufacturer's instructions regarding recommended cure times for your specific type of resin is crucial to ensure proper hardening and minimise the risk of bending. Most resins require at least 24 hours to cure, but some may need up to 7 days for full strength. It is important to note that temperature and humidity can also affect curing times, so it's also essential to consider these factors.
2. Thin Pour Technique
The thin pour technique in resin art involves pouring a thin layer onto a surface to create a smooth, glossy finish or to build up layers for intricate designs. This method is commonly used to create multiple layers of resin coasters, jewellery, and artwork.
Importance of Using a Surface for Thin Pours
Using a substrate or base for thin pours can significantly impact the outcome of the resin piece. A suitable substrate provides a stable foundation for the resin, reducing the risk of warping or bending as it cures. For example, a level and sturdy backing such as MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) or silicone moulds can help maintain the shape and prevent bending during curing.
Choosing the Right Surfaces
Choosing suitable substrates is crucial for successful thin-layer applications. Here are some factors to consider when selecting substrates:
- Compatibility: Ensure that the substrate material is compatible with the resin type.
- Warping Resistance: Opt for substrates that have good resistance against warping.
- Smoothness: A smooth surface on the substrate will result in a polished finish on the resin piece.
- Adhesion: Consider how well the resin will adhere to the chosen surface.
- Demoulding Ease: If you're using moulds, select ones that make it easy to remove the cured resin without any damage.
3. Measuring Mishaps
Accurate measuring is crucial in resin mixing to ensure the proper ratio of resin and hardener. However, inaccurate measurements can have consequences that lead to bending issues in resin projects. Let's explore the potential problems and discover tips and tools for ensuring precise resin ratios.
Consequences of Inaccurate Measurements
When you don't measure resin and hardener accurately, the mixture may not cure properly, leading to various issues, including resin bending over time. Here are some expected consequences of inaccurate measurements:
- Insufficient Curing: If the resin-to-hardener ratio is incorrect, the curing process may be compromised, resulting in a soft or sticky resin that eventually bends or warps as it cures.
- Brittleness or Weakness: Inaccurate measurements can also result in a resin mixture that is too brittle or weak, making it more prone to bending under pressure or changes in temperature.
- Incomplete Polymerization: The chemical reaction between resin and hardener requires accurate measurements to ensure complete polymerization. Incomplete polymerization can lead to an unstable resin structure that may bend over time.
Tips for Ensuring Precise Resin Ratios
To avoid these issues and ensure accurate resin measurements, consider the following tips:
- Use Measuring Tools: Utilize measuring cups or syringes specifically designed for resin mixing. These tools provide precise measurements and help maintain consistent ratios.
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Resin kits often include instructions detailing the recommended ratio of resin to hardener. For optimal results, it's crucial to follow these guidelines meticulously.
- Double-check Measurements: When measuring resin and hardener, double-check each measurement before mixing them. Even a tiny error can affect the outcome.
- Mix Small Batches: It is advisable to mix small batches when working on intricate projects or experimenting with a new resin brand. This approach allows you to fine-tune your measurements and minimise potential waste.
4. Mixing Mistakes
Mixing resin for your art projects is an important step that can significantly affect the final result. If you don't mix the resin properly, it can cause problems like bending or weak spots in your finished piece. To make sure your resin creations turn out flat and sturdy, here are some things to keep in mind when mixing:
- Thorough Mixing: One of the main reasons why resin can bend over time is if it's not mixed well enough. Ensuring the resin and hardener are fully combined helps them bond evenly and become strong. Mix everything thoroughly for at least three minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container. This will help eliminate air bubbles and ensure even drying throughout the artwork.
- Stirring vs. Shaking: When mixing resin, stirring is always better than shaking. While shaking might seem faster, it can introduce more air bubbles into the mixture. Instead, gently stir the resin with a stirring stick or spatula. This will give you better control over the mixing process and prevent too many air bubbles from forming.
5. Excessive Use of Colourants
Using too much colourant in resin can make it unstable and more likely to bend over time. While adding colour to resin can make your artwork look amazing, it's essential to be careful and use colourants correctly. Here are some things to keep in mind when adding colourants to resin:
- Use the right amount: Don't add too much colourant compared to the resin you use. Too much colourant can change the resin's chemical makeup and weaken it, increasing the chances of bending. As a general rule, try to keep the total amount of colourant below 6% of the volume of resin.
- Choose the right kind of colourant: Different colourants can affect resin differently. Some colourants, like dyes made for resin or pigment powders specifically designed for it, work well with the material and don't interfere with its curing process too much. But if you use non-resin colours such as acrylic paints or too many pigments that don't mix well with resin, it can damage the resin and cause bending problems.
- Mix it well: Thoroughly mix the colourant into the resin so it's spread out evenly. If you don't mix it enough, areas with higher concentrations of colourant might weaken the resin and lead to bending over time.
- Test it out: Before using a new colourant or trying different amounts, it's a good idea to do some small tests first. This way, you can see how different colourants work with your specific brand and type of resin and figure out the best way to use them without causing any bending issues.
Other Contributing Factors
When it comes to resin bending over time, there are other contributing factors besides those previously discussed. These include:
- Exposure to Moisture and High Temperatures: Environmental factors such as high humidity or extreme heat can compromise the stability of resin, causing it to bend or warp.
- Non-Resin Colours in Resin: Using non-resin materials for colouring, such as acrylic paints, can impact the chemical composition of the resin, potentially leading to bending issues.
