Resin test #4

Preparation for resin test #4 meant finding better measuring cups.  What I was hoping to find was those shot glasses with measurements painted on the side.

This is the best I could find for now, but I will keep looking for those shot glasses.  (I thought for sure Dollar Tree would have them.)  The smallest unit the cup measures is 1/2 tbsp., so unfortunately, I will be mixing 3 times the resin as in previous batches.  Before I make a batch, though, I used water to verify the two cups are accurate, at least to each other; and they aren't, damn it.  They aren't even accurate to my 1 tbsp. measuring spoon.  That settles it.  Next time I buy from a scientific equipment store.  At least that should be more accurate.  I am going to proceed with this test as a bubble test anyway.

Speaking of bubbles, I am beginning to wonder if my mold release spray is causing some of the bubbles.  When I spray it on, there are several bubbles on the surface of the mold.  I decided to check a piece of resin that was made without mold release spray.  Sure enough, the bubbles are less prominent, although they are still present and noticeable.  I should run to the hobby store and get another mold to test that theory, since I am going to be making 3 times the resin anyway.

Okay, bought another resin mold for $3.  Not really happy with it, as it is two small circles and one big one.  However, it should be big enough to do the next resin test.  First, I prepared the mold of squares with mold release, and what do you suppose happened?

Bubbles!  This could be a source of some of the bubble problems.  Hopefully, this test will prove I don't need the mold release spray.  Next, I measured out the chemicals.

As you can see from the pictures, I poured a little more hardener (on the right) than resin (on the left).  We shall see if the jewels come out hardened or not.  I did the 2-minute mix, poured the mixture into a clean cup, and stirred another 1 minute.  Unfortunately, I forgot to switch to a clean stick.  Damn!  That means if this doesn't work it could have been something as simple as changing the stick.

Here is the result:  a very bubble-filled resin.  I tried to pull some of the bubbles to the surface, but it only seemed to make things worse.  Every time I put the stick into the mixture I created more bubbles.  The bubble problem is going to be more difficult than I thought.  In the future, I may use a different resin product to compare bullagenesis (bulla = bubble; genesis = forming).  I filled the molds with this bubbly brew.  However, another problem was encountered during clean-up.  It seems the rubbing alcohol I use to dilute and clean the resin also diluted and cleaned off the cups' exterior measuring markers.  :::sigh:::  If it isn't one thing it's another.

So, in 24 hours I will check the jewels to see how well they solidified.

The pictures on the page appear smaller than they are.  To see them larger, simply double click on the picture.  Also, I always welcome your constructive criticism.  Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say "No" or have a number in front of it.

References:
"Medical Terminology - A thru Z." GlobalRPH. David McAuley, Pharm.D., 10 Dec. 2013. Web. 4 May 2014.

Palmer, A. Richard. "Zool 250 - Greek & Latin Roots A - C." UW Courses Web Server. University of Alberta, 8 Jan. 2006. Web. 4 May 2014. . Rpt of Bailey, B. 1999. Bull. Malacol. Soc. Lond. 32:6-7. Print.