Posted on by Katherine Swift
Using resin molds is fun to make resin crafts and jewelry. You can make everything from man cave coasters to boho earrings. I can’t think of a better day than that.Until it isn’t that amazing day.Because sometimes epoxy sticks to your mold and won’t release.Which then makes you google, ‘Why is resin sticking to my mold?’
Hi. 👋 I’m Katherine, and I’m going to help you get out of this mess.
Here are reasons why resin is sticking to your mold:
Reason 1: Your silicone mold is at the end of its useful life.
Unlike TSA check-in lines, resin molds don’t last forever. They will dry out, get brittle, and tear with use. It would be great if they lasted indefinitely, but they don’t.
⭐️ BONUS: Here’s what you can do to care for your silicone molds to make them last longer.
Reason 2: You didn’t use a mold release.
Mold release helps resin castings pop out easily and prolongs the life of your mold.
But really, do I need to do that?
⭐️ BONUS: Here are three reasons why I always use resin mold release.
Reason 3: Under-mixed resin stuck to the mold.
Be sure to scrape your mixing utensil and the sides of your mixing cup several times while mixing. This ensures your resin is thoroughly mixed before pouring into the mold.
⭐️ BONUS: Learn how to mix resin in 5 easy steps.
Reason 4: You’re using a torch to remove bubbles.
Using fire to pop bubbles is all fun and games until your mold gets hurt.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t use a blow torch for snow removal either.
Excessive heat will melt your mold and cause the resin to stick in places. Use a heat tool instead.
⭐️ BONUS: Learn how to use a heat gun with resin.
Reason 5: You’re using molds that aren’t meant for resin.
Candy molds? Candle molds? Concrete molds?
Yeah. They might not work for resin. I know because I’ve tried.
⭐️ BONUS: Here’s what happens when you use resin in a soap mold.
Reason 6: Your resin is too hot.
It’s normal for resin to get hot when mixing. But, too much heat can melt the mold, sticking your resin to it.
⭐️ BONUS: Here’s another reason why you don’t want your resin to overheat.
Reason 7: Your silicone mold isn’t fully cured.
If your mold has spots of uncured silicone, the resin will stick in those places and tear when demolding. This most commonly happens with tin-cure silicone molds.
⭐️ BONUS: Learn how to use silicone putty to DIY resin molds.
Frustrated with your results when creating with epoxy resin?
It’s why I wrote the ebook Resin Fundamentals. I’ve condensed my 17 years of resin experience into an easy-to-read PDF book. Go from confused to confident with resin in only a couple of hours. Buy a copy now, and a PDF download link arrives in your email inbox in minutes.
Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © 2023 Resin Obsession, LLC
