Vid #156:
“Thanks for testing the UV Resin, Cindy. Perfect for Part III to a bumper May line up of video lessons!” ~Mary-U
You wanted it… now you got it!! It is time to start taking your polymer clay skills to the next level by learning how to add beautifully shiny UV Epoxy Resin coatings to your flat charms and pendants! So on Friday, May 21st at the Polymer Clay Library (Vol-024-3), the member video tutorial will be all about how to work with UltraDome UV Epoxy Resin.
I am super excited about this, both the product and the tut. I love the effect of resin covered pieces but had experienced so much frustration from the products I tried on my own that I gave up. ~Elizabeth-S
Ah Cindy – you are amazing. I had been wanting to learn to make faux opals out of polymer clay and I found you just before you did the opal tut. For years I have been wanting to learn how to use resin in jewelry and here you are, coming to my rescue again!! Please count me in as a YES also. I can’t wait! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ~Cheryl-V
I know when Cindy’s video comes out, it will show me how to use resin in the simplest way… you know how she “makes the mistakes, so we don’t have to.” ~Phaedrakat
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts about this new Ultradome UV Resin product. I really would like something that doesn’t pull away from the sides. Hope this new stuff is easier to use. I ordered some today. ~Bonnie-K
I would love to learn more about using epoxy resin. I have seen some of Lisa P. work with magic gloss, a pendant made with black clay and silver foils. It really was magic the sheen and beauty in the pendant. I have never used any kind of resin for any kind of craft so I am eager to learn more. Learning this from you Cindy will mean it is something I will be able to accomplish. So please play away and share with us in that magical way you always do. I for one can’t wait to see what you bring to us. Love and Uuuuuuuugggggggs. ~Peggy-B
Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
Supplies & Tools: Video-024-3: UV Epoxy Resin:
- Flat baked polymer clay item you want to coat with resin (a pendant, cane slice, charm, button, etc.). For best resin doming results, make sure that all of the vertical edges of your piece are crisp, and at a 90 degree angle to the horizontal top face of the item. See this resin doming diagram for a visual illustration. Alternatively, resin can be used to coat over polymer clay that has been placed in a raised edge bezel or other cupped receptacle.
- UltraDome UV Epoxy Resin. Please note that many aspects of this tutorial will be applicable to other brands of UV curable resins as well. But for this demonstration I used the UltraDome product.
- Dispenser bottle with long nozzle Luer-Loc tips and UV Storage bottle (optional). You can get these when you purchase the Ultradome resin. If you end up getting the UltraDome product branded as Jewelry Glaze, it has a dispenser tip built into the bottle.
- BBQ Lighter or mini-torch used for popping bubbles.
- Long pin or needle tool.
- UV Lamp or good strong direct sunlight for curing resin. A 36 Watt UV Lamp or larger is ideal. But it is also possible to use the smaller, 9 Watt units which are commonly sold for curing finger nail finishes. The cure time is MUCH slower though. For the direct sunlight approach, this must be done outside on a very clear day without any wind blowing the dust around. A sunny windowsill usually won’t work because most window glass blocks much of the UV spectrum of light. Tina Holden has experimented with curing under a regular piece of glass with success though I would find it frustrating to have not be able to cure in the evening or a cloudy day so I definitely recommend a lamp if you can afford one.
- Non-slip shelf liner (optional). I use a small piece of non-slip shelf liner I got at the dollar store to keep my pendant and pieces from sliding around when working with them. Once you watch the video you will see what I mean.
The full version of the Vid-024-3 UV Epoxy Resin video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday May 21, 2010. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the “UV Epoxy Resin” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-024 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Hi Cindy, thanks for the opportunity to offer feedback on the intro course. I found it great, succinct and very good at showing all the basic “stuff”. Money well spent for a ‘show me’ learner. ~Hope-N
I’m really enjoying the videos and the blog, feel like I’ve signed up for a bit of info and instead have received a wealth of knowledge in return. With the ideas generated by the members (such a supportive bunch); of course everything you’re offering from basic practical tips to beautiful, current techniques – I’m truly inspired and feel so fortunate to have come across your site. My husband has been battling ALS for several years now so unfortunately creative projects have been slowly pushed aside. I find it’s become difficult to start anything because of the time needed to invest in and complete projects. Our situation now doesn’t allow a lot of time for that. So, I thought polymer clay, beading and jewelry making might be a good way to create (even if it’s a little at a time). It’s been a great outlet so far. Thanks again for the wonderful teaching tool you’ve created. You share your knowledge in such a professional, yet warm way – the care you take in what you offer your members is highlighted through your sense of detail and attention given to every inquiry. This has been just what I needed, what a great experience! Bye for now.
~DJ
The following topics are included in this week’s UV Resin video tutorial:
- See examples of several different pendants, charms and necklaces in a variety of different styles and colors, using the UV Epoxy Resin coating.
- Discussion of the type of polymer clay projects well suited for resin application.
- Learn why it is important it is to have a crisp edge on your flat pieces before coating.
- Tips on how to fill in the surface with the resin and get beautiful smooth edges.
- Learn how to remove bubbles in the resin and how to avoid them in the first place.
- Find out how to keep the resin from spilling over the edges of your polymer clay pieces, how to cure them and how to clean up after.
The full version of the “UV Epoxy Resin” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-024 Back Issue Package.
woooohooooo!!!! I love it. Cindy, you are definitely the best!!!! Can’t wait for the 21st!
Hiya Cindy,
Do you think there might be a stand alone vid by next Fri? The resin technique is not for me, and I’ll need a project for that day… *big grin*
BTW, I love the Faux Leopard Cane…so simple, yet so cool looking..!!
Thanks for all you do,
~Lisa :)
@Lisa Whitham (and anyone else in the same predicament): If resin is not your thing, and you still need your Friday Video Fix (LOL), then this would be a perfect opportunity to go to the back issue order page (see link by my name) and add another archived Volume of videos and A-series color recipes to your personal library account. All of the back issue packages are Stand-Alone, one time fee purchases. There are so many to choose from now, that you will likely find something that catches your eye :-)
Resin – YES!!! Thank you!
This one IS for me. Although I have done quite a bit of resin jewelry work and love the look, I know I am going to learn something new from you, Cindy. I have only used Magic gloss so far. Ritzs
I’m excited to finally get to see the resin video! The examples shown in the video demo are gorgeous. I know we’ve seen some of them before, but you gave us a “better look” this time, and they’re breathtaking! I love the Faux Leopard link you made, I can see all kinds of great bracelets (and more!) using polymer made even stronger by this cool resin!
I’ve been sick for a few days, so I wasn’t able to answer some comments. I’m really sorry about that. I wanted to let a couple people know I wasn’t ignoring them! I’ll come back to “visit” later, and hopefully feel a little better. Hope everyone is well — it’s kinda quiet around here!
I’ll come back to visit later this evening, and hopefully feel better.
@Phaedrakat: I hope you soon feel well again and nothing to serious, Maybe a big hug will do the trick so I am sending you one Ritzs.
@Phaedrakat: Oh I pray you are feeling much better very soon. You give so much here and I know you are often in a lot of pain. Such a kind hearted soul you are. I just got back today myself and WOW alot happens when you miss a few days. I don’t know if it is all this rain or just my turn for some bad days again. But at least we can all turn to our PC for some comfort. Hope you and everyone else not feeling well get back with us all soon.
Love and Uuuuuugggggs, Peggy
Woo hoo!! Now if I can get my hubby to find the time to make me a UV lamp! It has been raining but by Friday it may be sunny! I hope so I can try this!!
@Phaedrakat, I hope you are feeling better! My husband came out of his surgery just fine. They didn’t find any more tumors! He will be on a yearly check up now. We are so thankful for everyone’s prayers!
This Friday sounds like a great tut so everyone better get well and ready to clay!!
@Catalina: What wonderful news!
@Catalina: Cat I am so happy for your hubby, don’t think I remembered to say anything. Thank God things will be easier for both of you now. Less stress and less tests. Prayers do help and I pray he continues to get even better.
Uuuuugggggs, Peggy
Phaedrakat – I pray you are better if not yet then very soon. Being sick can be so frustrating. Not just because of the pain but not being able to be there for the ones you care so much about and love. You take such good care of everyone here, please do not forget to take care of yourself at home and get run down. I know that is much easier said than done. Before we can help others we need to take care of ourselves so we have the strength for everyone else. I know, I have been there, done that and probably do it again and again. It’s always easier to tell someone else how to take care of themselves than taking care of yourself. Does that make sense to anyone else but me?? Hurry back to us but no running, you may fall.
Love and Uuuuggggs, Peggy
Cindy I am pretty sure I have everything I need to do this tute on Friday if I am able. Can’t wait. I have a couple different pendants, not sure which one I will try to do first or be very brave and try both at one time. Watch out resin here I come. Thanks for the wonderful tute you and Doug are bringing to us on Friday.
Enjoy and Uuuuuugggggs to all, Peggy
I would love to know how you made that pendant with the flowers and leaves done in powders!!
So does anyone know if Michaels carries the uv resin by Lisa Pavelka? I have old fashion two part epoxy. I have not stepped up to the newer stuff.
@Claycass: Michaels doesn’t carry Lisa Pavelka UV resin. I wish they did, too. But, that is not to say that they will never carry it. I could look into it and see if it is something they could add.
Hi cindy
everything you do is so interesting, I cant wait til Friday for this video about the Resin. My left eye op is on Wed 26th so I will get to see the Resin video. What a great way to seal the clay, and so professional looking too. cant wait.Hope I can do this as i would love to move up a notch with my work.
Phaedracat, hope you are ok, cant have you being out of it, what would we do without you and your charm, so hope you are back soon.
Love
XXX
Elizabeth k.
Hi Cindy and all,
just watched the Resin Video.
Very interesting.
Great to see some one who knows how to do it , makes one feel not so afraid to try it.
Not sure if I am going to be able to get the right resin.
There are probably other makes but I wouldnt be sure if they would do the same thing so easily?
Dont know of anyone who carries it here.
Can some one from Aus who may know this let me know, Thanks.
It is certainly a lovely finish to a project.
Almost back to normal with one eye, other one set to do next Wed, 26th May.
See you here again soon.
Love
Elizabet K.
XXX
You are a student’s dream teacher. I can’t wait to try this. I am at my daughters in Peoria IL today had appt with specialist yesterday so we spent the night. Couldn’t sleep so I slipped downstairs to the study to get on the computer so I could watch this awesome TUTE!!! Had a moment of sure panic. My computer at home is set up to remember pass word and I forgot what it was. Thank God I finally remembered so here I am in a student’s class room of glory. I can not wait to try this at home. Due to the flame I will try this one without grandkids around. I am so glad you did this tute for us. I think there will be a lot of shine in everyones lifes real soon. Have another great weekend with the kids CIndy and Doug.
Shine away with lots of Uuuuuugggggs, Peggy
Cindy you are awesome! This is just what I have been looking for. I hope to find the UV resin soon so I can try this process. I have a friend that is arriving today for a few days. She is very interested in what I am doing with PC hopefully I will be able to get her hooked and she will become a member too. I used to look forward to Fridays for payday now I look forward to Fridays for clay day. Keep up the great work. Sandy
Cindy,
Great resin video! I have some of the Magic-Glos to try, but will have to order the Ultra Dome as Michael’s here doesn’t carry it. I live in sunny Florida and it’s in the 90’s right now, so I can try this even without the UV light. I have two mokume gane slices for pendants I want to try this on, plus a batch of matching beads. Can you also cover beads with the resin, or does the surface have to be flat?
Joansie
Thanks, Cindy… it looks like really neat stuff! I’ll definitely have to get some, although I’m not sure how cost effective shipping the UltraDome brand specifically to Australia would be! (It probably won’t stop me, but might delay it a bit as I’ll have to get a suitable UV lamp too… and might try some locally-available resins in the meantime.)
I’m a bit curious about why the dispensing bottle is clear though, when it means the product can start curing if the bottle is left in the light. I would have thought UV-blocking plastic would still be OK for a dispensing bottle as you’d be able to tell from the weight how much was left. Or a mostly-UV-blocking bottle with a narrow “window” strip down one side for visually checking the amount of resin left would be good in both respects. Can the dispensing tip be made to fit onto the UV-blocking bottles? (Easily, anyway… I’m sure something could be arranged if one really wanted it that way! ;D)
excellent demo Cindy. A lot of great tips. I am now going to get on the internet to check about the availability of the product in Australia also.
This product does seem easier to use than the other brands because it is not as thick. That is a big plus. A UV lamp is also important because last lot of curing saw a mosquito stuck on the finish!
I love the video. I have been anxiously waiting for this video. I do have one question. How did you make the bead in the copper bezel? I have been trying to place beads in bezels or frames and have not had much success. Thanks
Great video Cindy. I have that resin and can’t wait to try it again. It got cloudy on the last thing I did but I think it was the piece. I like the idea of the candle lighter, mine came with a butane torch but I was afraid of it.
Thank you so much. Really makes me want to do more resin especially since it’s 100 and very sunny here.
Where do you buy the UV lamp?
Been needing this one Cindy. Thanks so much..
Hi Cindy: I love the UV Resin video – awesome. Can’t wait to purchase the supplies !! Love your website – I just highly recommended you to a friend yesterday who was talking about making clay beads Hope she signs up – will be the best investment she’ll make in learning how to make polymer clay beads.
Take care.
Thank you so much Cindy and Doug! So many frustrating questions answered : using the shelf liner to keep the piece from moving, actually seeing how the bubbles are eradicated with the lighter, and knowing that the piece has to cure for 80 minutes with a 9 watt lamp (I was taking my stuff out after 20 min and smearing it). On to making beautiful jewelry!
Once again, Cindy lives up to her title “I learned by my mistakes so now you don’t have to!” So many tips here. Not having the dispenser bottle UV resistant doesn’t bother me, maybe it’s a matter of the property of the different plastic: maybe a UV plastic doesn’t squeeze as easily? And who would have thought about bubbles in the needle tip??? (And yes, I would have been one of those people would have found that the resin cures in the bottle…) Now off to gather the materials needed, whoooosh!!!
Hey Kat, sure hope you’re feeling better real soon.
Andrea
Thanks everyone, I knew you would like learning about UV Resin! It really ‘kicks your clay up a notch’! There are many things you can do with this cool product that I will be showing you in the future!
I have let Terry the owner of UltraDome know that you all have a few questions so hopefully he’ll pop in quickly. He would know about the costs and logistics of getting this product to countries like Australia, England and others since many of you are scattered all around the world.
Great suggestion Sue about the UV bottle! I do believe the product under the name Jewelry Glaze is in a UV bottle but Terry would be able to clarify that and possibly be able to tell us why the other bottle is not. I suspect that Koolbraider could be right about the squeezability, hopefully he can tell us.
Joansie, as far as putting this resin on round beads, it would be tricky. I tried ‘painting’ it onto on of my Mushroom Beads but found I had to keep daubing up drips. Once it started setting it was OK and looked pretty but was such a pain that I would have to find a different solution before recommending it.
Lynn, the ‘the bead in the copper bezel’ is actually not a bead but a cane slice that was baked into the bezel before adding the UltraDome. I will do a tutorial on that in the future.
Dorothy, as mentioned in the post above in the Supplies List, you can purchase a 36 Watt UV Lamp (Glazing Oven) at the epoxyjewelry.com site which I recommend since the small 9 Watt lamps are really too small. As an alternative you can look online in places like E-Bay. Just so you know, I always post the Required Supplies and Materials List the Tuesday before the Friday Tutorial comes out. That way you can be prepared when the video comes out.
Sandy I loved your comment… “I used to look forward to Fridays for payday now I look forward to Fridays for clay day.” Brilliant!
Samone, thank you so much for giving us a glowing recommendation to your friend! I really appreciate that!!
@Everyone: With Phaedrakat and Carolyn being ill and away from the blog for a bit, I have noticed that most questions are not being answered by the community (you guys) as much. If you know the answers to questions posted by others, or can offer a warm welcome to newcomers, that would greatly be appreciated. It is your community, and you all make it a better place with every helpful comment you make!! :-)
Hello everybody,
I am Terry Morris with UltraDome and I will try and answer some of your questions.
We do ship to most countries and we have found that U.S. Priority mail is the most cost effective way. If you wish to order any of our products shipped outside the U.S. please email us from our web site with a list of what you want and a shipping address and I will return a quote for shipping.
As for the dispensing bottles. Our Luer-Lok tip bottles are made of LDPE which makes them soft enough to squeeze over and over. These bottles with epoxy will be fine in an ambient light room for many hours, just don’t let them sit in direct sunlight from a window or skylight. We do sell a plastic blue bottle that blocks UV light that can hold the dispensing bottle with the Luer-Lok tip on it.
We now have our resin (repackaged as UV Glaze on EpoxyJewelry.com) that comes in a 2 oz. white opaque bottle that gives some UV resistance and has a twist open top.
We want to supply you great products at the lowest cost we can, so we didn’t spend the $14,000 quoted us on a mold to make our own custom bottles to our specs. We find the best suited product that is already being made to help keep the cost down. This saves you money in the end.
I will be checking back to this thread from time to time so please let me know if you have any questions for me.
Thank You!
Hi everyone loved this tut very much, but as i have not got the supplies yet i wondered if ultra thick embossing powder would work to make a shiny durable finish ?Any answers please
@Terry Morris: That totally makes sense about the bottle cost Terry. Your resin is far cheaper than the other resins I have found out there. Thanks for popping in!
@Carole Holt: You can use UTEE on clay but the quality isn’t near as good as the resin. It scratches easily and isn’t as clear and smooth. More of a crafter quality rather than a jewelry quality, so if you can purchase the resin, I recommend doing so.
@Carole Holt: You could do that but it would not be as durable as the UV resin. I have used the embossing powder but I had to put a layer of Future to keep it from getting scratches. Maybe for jewelry I would keep to the UV resin and non jewelry clay pieces you could use the embossing powder. I have used it on some of my clay boxes and it work just fine.
Wow, great video! I can’t wait to be able to try this; I love the shiny, glass-like finish of the resin. You explained it perfectly, Cindy, and gave us some great tips. I haven’t ordered a UV lamp yet, (well actually, I haven’t done anything for a week!) since I live in a sunny area. I’m hoping to hear someone say they got excellent results using the sun and plastic wrap, or something weird like that! I will want a UV lamp eventually, though. When it gets over 100 degrees, I’m not going to want to go outside to cure a piece! Thanks so much, Cindy, for this great tutorial. I’m even more enthusiastic about resin now that I’ve seen it done, and know how to get rid of the bubbles, etc. And your sample pieces, once again, are gorgeous! If someone finds a good price on a 36W lamp, please post it here!
Thanks everyone, who sent me a “get well” comment. I’m still feeling sick, but it’s the first day I’ve felt strong enough to type. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong. I’ve got a whole list of symptoms that feels like a combination of the flu, panic attack, hot flashes & a crazy virus all rolled together. I “overdid” it when preparing for the garage sale we had last weekend, (to make room for the pool equipment,) and I’ve been sick ever since. I’ve been stuck in bed, but too weak to pick up the laptop or anything. I’m going to give it a couple more days. If I don’t feel better Monday, I’ll have to go to the doc.
@Ritzs: Thanks, Ritzs — a hug back to you! I don’t THINK it’s serious, just persistent!
@Catalina: I’m so happy to hear the good news about your hubby! What a wonderful blessing. I hope things go well with your health, too! You’ll have to let us know if your hubby makes a UV lamp for you, that would be awesome. I wonder how hard they would be to make?
@Peggy Barnes: Thanks so much for your kind words. You are such a sweetheart; you always have something lovely to say to everyone. I hope you are feeling better yourself — sounds like you are battling your own health issues right now. I pray that you’ll triumph over the “bad days”, that they’re gone for a long, long time.
@Elizabeth K.: Thanks, you’ve got quite a bit of charm, yourself! I hope all goes well with your eye surg. Wednesday. Soon, you’ll have both eyes finished and you’ll be seeing beautifully. Can’t wait to hear about that!
@pollyanna: Thanks, Andrea!
Whew! I’m tired already, so let me just say thanks again to all of you for saying such nice things! I miss you guys. It’s only been a week, but you’re my polymer family! Cindy, thanks again for the tute, the gorgeous projects and the inspiration. I hope to be back to my normal “a-little-too-helpful?” self very soon. Bye for now ~Kat
@Phaedrakat: Thank you so much for the well wishes for my husband. I hope you get well soon.
I bought the resin but forgot to get the needle applicator! Duh!! I was in a hurry I guess when I ordered it.
I’ll let you all know how the UV light box turns out if I can get my hubby to find time to make me one. He has been on overtime and that means “little time” for extra projects.
I love how this resin is inexpensive and thin. Seems like it will go a long way. I haven’t used Magic Glos, but I’ve seen so many comments and complaints where people have used their entire bottle on just a couple items. I imagine that’s due to the thickness and the fact they aren’t curing the edges first (then filling in the middle later.) It seems like this Ultradome will be quite economical, (especially compared to the other UV resins.) You can go with a thin coat, or make it thick with multiples — you have that option. I just hope I can find a good deal on the UV lamp. If anyone finds a good US source, can you please report it here…?
Hi all, so I’m new to the library and so excited to be here. I was wondering does anyone know – if you put the resin on before a through buffing will it still make the supper glassy finish; i.e. can I forgo the buffing by applying the resin after tumbling my beads or will they not look as good? The sanding and buffing are the bane of my existence. Thank you Cindy for the rock tumbler video – already got the river rock at Home Depot yesterday. :)
@Desiree: Hi Desiree, welcome to the library! We’re so happy to have you here! I just recently got the rock tumbler video myself, and I’m busy gathering my supplies. I was wondering, how much did you pay for your river rock at Home Depot? I bought some at a craft store, but the rocks weren’t as nice as they looked in the pkg. I’m going to need more, so I was wondering about yours. I can’t wait to get my tumbler set up; it’s going to be exciting, not having to sand all those little beads!
Re: your question. I haven’t tried the resin yet, but I’m sure it will always give a glossy shine. I’m guessing that the better you sand your piece, the better results you’ll get. I would, at a minimum, sand out imperfections, at least to a 600 grit or so. Buffing might not be as crucial, since you’re going to end up with a high gloss from the resin anyway. You’ll probably have to do a bit of sanding, though, or fingerprints/bumps/lines will show under the glossy finish. It might even magnify imperfections, like varnishes will on unsanded beads. Also, the back & sides need to be finished, unless you plan to put resin on the entire piece. Anyway, I just thought I’d put my 2 cents in. Cindy can address this better tomorrow. In the meantime, welcome again. I hope you have lots of fun! ~Kat, Riverside, CA
PS: Where are you from?
@Phaedrakat: Hi Kat – Thank you for the warm welcome – I’m excited to be here. I’m from San Jose, but I went to college at Redlands – right near you. My husband said the river rock was like $4, but we will have to clean it in soapy water to start. He also said he couldn’t see how many rocks were white cuz the bag was dirty – but it’s a big bag. So when we get it together and try it (after school gets out-I’m a kindergarten teacher) I’ll let you know how this cheep kind works. :) I’m going with the theory river rock is river rock, right?
Thanks for your input on my question. I just hate sanding and want an easy way to avoid it. It’s the one thing I really don’t like about polymer clay – it makes my fingers bleed :(
@Desiree: Hi Desiree, I still haven’t made it to Home Depot to check on this rock. School’s in session (at least it is here,) so I’m guessing you haven’t sifted through your bag of rocks yet? I just wanted to mention it, so you don’t forget about me – LOL. :D I’m still on the lookout for the right kind of rocks. And with my car still uncooperative, I’m not able to shop around for the things I need. (I sure wish I could, it’s “driving” me crazy!) Anyway, let me know how it goes, once school lets out and you get a chance to relax — away from all those little 5 & 6 yr. olds! It will be nice having an easier way of sanding. I hate bloody fingers, too! Thanks, Kat
Is there a way to use this on beads that are round?
@Linda: Hi Linda, you’ve got some lovely things in your Etsy shop! I’m especially in love with the mica shift pendant. As for your question, Cindy answered it in @her comment above. I guess there’s more experimenting to be done. :~) I think Ultradome is going to be wonderful and extremely economical; it will go so much further than the thicker UV resins like Magic Glos. However, a thick resin might work better on round beads. I’m just guessing here though — haven’t tried it yet. Perhaps someone who’s tried the thick resins can shed some light on how (or if) they work on rounded surfaces? I know several of you have worked with Magic Glos…
Kat & Desiree: One of the things that I’ve learned as a decorative painter is that paint and sealers stick better to surfaces that have “tooth.” When I’m painting on something very smooth or non-porous, I lightly sand the surface to give it tooth.
If you’re applying a finish to the entire surface, it seals itself around the item and there are no edges to lift. But with resin, it seems that you only cover one side of the surface, leaving edges. Can the resin lift? I don’t know.
IF it is possible that the resin could lift, I would sand out the imperfections, but I wouldn’t go up as high as 1000 grit or polish the part of the surface where the resin will be applied. I would, however, sand and buff the parts of the bead that will not have resin applied.
Perhaps resin by its very nature will not lift up…I don’t know.
Desiree- I’m so glad I’m not the only one who loses that much skin while sanding! I am having incredible results with my tumbler. I use the sandpaper bits in mine. On my larger beads, I use 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1500 grits for 4-5 hours each. On my tiny ones (I have extruder flower beads that are about double the size of a pea) I skip the 400 and 600 grits. They are buffing up wonderfully!
I love this segment on using UV resin with polymer clay. I’ve been waiting for someone to show me how to do this.
I do have a couple of comments about the process. For those of us who are afraid of using flame in their shops, there is a product called Bubble Buster that is used for the same thing when using a resin type of sealant for mosaics. All stained glass stores either have it or can get it for you. The other issue is using the UV light. You absolutely must use UV glasses when you use a UV light. You can damage your eyes if you don’t. Once again stained glass stores can get these for you and you can get them from photo-processing companies like IKONICS.
Oh, I forgot. All you have to do with th Bubble Buster is spray it on the surface and the bubbles will disappear.
@ Phaedrakat – I got my river rocks – a small mesh bagful form the Dollar store. I sorted them out and kept the whiter ones for use with my tumbler
@Cheryl Hodges: Hi Cheryl! Are they the small ones? I bought some from JoAnn’s, but they were bigger than they looked in the bag. I need to get to the dollar store anyway, though. I want to get some of that non-slip shelf liner Cindy mentioned. And some other goodies — don’t you just love those $1 stores? Thanks! :D
@Desiree: Phaedrakat did a good job of answering your question about sanding. Since the resin is so much thicker than a regular clear coat, sanding isn’t real necessary to get a good shine. She was also right about removing imperfections like fingerprints , as well as sanding the sides and back of your pieces. I would do this by hand rather than in the tumbler though, since the tumbler tends to round corners a bit and the crisper the edges are on your pieces, the higher and rounder the dome will be on your resin.
@All: I know many of you have trouble with sanding. I have heard about a new product for sanding that comes in a cloth or a pad form. It is supposed to work much faster and easier for sanding plastics like polymer clay. I am currently looking into getting some so I can share it with you all. Hopefully it can cut down on the work as well as prevent anymore worn out fingers and bleeding skin!
@Kathy: Thanks for the safety tips for the UV Glasses as well as the Bubble Buster. You can never be too safe!
@LindaK: I haven’t known of any lifting problems, it seems to have a pretty strong bond between the resin and the clay. I will do some testing to see if I can purposely pry the layers apart, to see how strong the bond really is. I’ll let you know.
I have used two part resins with mosaics and found that they don’t handle heat well. I purposely used a blow drier on the back side of a table I resined? to see how it would react and it lifted from the wooden base. It may not lift from other materials but I can’t see that a piece of jewelry would get that hot unless it was left in a hot car.
HI Kat, yes still in session – wrapping up soon though. :) What’s wrong with your car? I hate car problems. :( I’ll be sure to post as soon as I know how those rocks work and with a picture, if I can, so you can see what they look like. Best, Desiree
Has anyone used Ultradome UV Resin yet? I want to try it out but I haven’t seen any people commenting about it too much. I want to be sure lots of people like it before I buy. Why no opinions on it from people? JK I just want 2b sure. Thank you for helping me if you can give me opinions about it i would feel more reassured. I trust Cindy, but I want to know that average people like me can use it too. Jennifer xoxo
@Jennifer T.: Hi Jennifer! I mentioned my Ultradome experience on another thread. Here’s what I said:
I finally ordered and received my Ultradome (I actually bought the 2oz. Jewelry Glaze bottle from EpoxyJewelry.com, which is the same thing.) I haven’t been claying lately with all that’s going on, though……
I really want to get started & give the resin a try. And we’ve certainly had the sunshine for it…..I may eventually have to get a lamp, like in the winter, or if it gets unbearably hot. When I get one, I’ll definitely go with a 36W, regardless of the type of resin. The Magic Glos users say that the 9W lamps are too slow, as well. I don’t want to wait forever for the resin to cure! I found some good lamp deals on eBay, too, mostly the nail dryer-type lamps. Just make sure you get one that has a way to turn off the timer. You don’t want to have to switch it back on every 2 or 3 minutes! If you’re not sure, contact the seller. I got responses from everyone I contacted. Mixed results, too. One seller told me the timer could not be turned off on the model lamp he had. A different seller (& a different model# lamp) reassured me that there WAS a “constant on” setting. Unfortunately, I was too cheap and did not end up with the winning bid on that one!
Ultradome 2 oz. includes shipping, and is only $12. The cost of shipping only kicks in if you buy extras like the dispenser bottle w/Luer-lok tips. I bought mine as Jewelry Glaze, like Cindy mentioned on the video page, and it came in a bottle with an extra dispenser tip…..I’m just letting you know this because if you’re worried about the cost…..it’s really only $12.00 total here in the states. Anyway, I’ll let you know as soon as I put the resin to use. Has anyone else tried it? I’m really surprised no one’s mentioned it so far!
Ultradome is so much cheaper than Magic Glos, almost half the price. I agree that for certain projects MG might easier to use because it’s thicker. But for pendants and things like that, Ultradome seems like the obvious choice. From what I’ve heard, you go through the Magic Glos very quickly because it’s so thick. It also has that “pulling away from the edges” problem, so you have to use it twice as a workaround. There’s probably a workaround for the beveled edges issue with Ultradome, too; we just need to play with it a bit. Cindy probably also has some ideas and maybe some tips she hasn’t perfected just yet. Once I get going with the resin, I think I’ll buy some Magic Glos, too, so I can see which resin does what. Perhaps having a little of each is the most economical way to go, especially when Ultradome has free shipping on the 2 oz bottle!
Have fun everyone, and report back with your findings so we know how everyone’s doing with this resin!
I haven’t ordered my UltraDome resin yet, but I wanted to report something interesting that I observed the other day.
I have a pair of eyeglasses that I usually only wear for golfing…they’re the ones that darken into sunglasses when they’re exposed to UV sunlight. When I got them, I was told that they wouldn’t darken in the car because the windows are tinted and don’t let UV rays in. The other day I left them on the table in my living room in front of the sliding glass doors. To my surprise, they darkened while sitting there.
So I’m thinking that if enough of the UV rays get through those glass doors to darken the glasses, then there are probably enough rays to cure resin.
@Linda K.: Makes sense to me! It will probably work, it just might take a little bit longer…
Please could you tell me were I can buy this Ultra Dome Resin in Cape Town, South Africa?
@Carol: Hi Carol! The Ultradome resin has to be mail ordered. For details on how to get it in S. Africa, you’ll have to contact Terry Morris. You can email him from either of his resin websites: ultradome.com or epoxyjewelry.com. Go to either website to see the available products (epoxyjewelry is the one geared more towards jewelry applications.) Click on “Contact” to find his email address. I’m sure if you contact him, he’ll be happy to let you know how much it will cost to ship to you. Good luck!
Hi Everyone! I am so excited! Last Thursday night, (07/15) at 10:00 p.m., I submitted an order to Ultra Dome/EpoxyJewelry.com for the UV light and some resin. My order was delivered to my door on Monday, 07/19!!! Talk about customer service! Isn’t that amazing? I can’t wait to begin my new adventure.
Thanks for letting me share my excitement with you! My family doesn’t seem to understand why this excites me but I knew that my poly clay family would understand.
@Cheryl V.: Hi Cheryl—that’s awesome! You can share your excitement with me. I certainly can appreciate it! I know how it is; my family doesn’t get it, either. I had very speedy service with my Ultradome order, too. I haven’t used it yet, though. I really, really want to get at it, but life has been really crazy lately.
I just got my internet back up, after having my modem go out (and since my car’s out of service, had to order a new one my mail.) I finally towed my car to the shop today, and got the bad news about how expensive it will be to fix. I’m gave them the go ahead, though; I just hope that this fixes it, and they don’t call back and say, “oh, yeah, you ALSO need this part or that part…” I didn’t approve the AC fix. It’s too much right now, so I’ll have to “save up” for it. Summer is actually kinda mild right now, but I know it won’t stay that way. I’ll have to do my shopping or errand-running in the evenings when I have that choice. Keep you fingers crossed that this will fix my car and they won’t charge me more money!
I never did get a chance to reply to your post about your San Francisco trip. I had it bookmarked to come back to, and then I had my ‘net go down. I had planned to “tease” you some more about your love of ceramic clay, but when I read how excited you were about the bowl you’d thrown, I changed my mind. I haven’t tried it myself (except when I was very young—and supervised by an adult!) So, I can respect your decision to do cool things like trimming, bisque firing, and glazing your piece! I do not understand what these are, exactly, these are just the things you mentioned in your comment… ;D
The day you wrote that post was the day of the really big earthquake. I know, we have them all the time, but that was a pretty big one. I DID feel it. It put cracks in the new concrete around the pool, so we’ll be having some repair work done at the end of summer. My sister was so upset, she was crying over the cracks. Luckily there’s insurance, and they put wavy lines in the cement, which disquise the cracks quite well.
Well, I hope you’re having fun with your resin. Let us know what you make with it! Talk to you later~ Kat
I’m with Cheryl about being excited about uv resin! I just got my uv lamp! I got it on eBay and found it in the UK so shipping only took a week – and it was free!!! Most come from China or Hong Kong and can take a month to arrive!! Hubby says he can change the timer to whatever time I need. It is set for two minutes which is not enough time, of course. If not, I know I could just tape the button down.
Now the question is: Do I wait till my hubby comes home so he can go down to the basement and get my projects and uv resin? Or do I go now and get it myself? I think I could do the stairs ok. Today is a week since surgery and I feel pretty good today. But, then he will be home in three hours! Oh, man! Three whole hours? :)
Catalina, did you wait til your hubby came home? How did it go with the UV resin???
@Tanya L: oh, man! I couldn’t wait! I thought I could go down -one time – and it would be alright. Well, I made four trips! I kept forgetting stuff. I was sooooo sore! No pain, but sore. I thought my hubby was going to scold me. It would have been ok if only I took my time. I forgot I needed to be careful – I guess I was anxious!
The uv lamp worked great! I had to keep pushing the button to keep the light on but it did a nice job. My hubby came home, after working 10 hours and taking our youngest son’s car in to be fixed, and went straight to adapting the uv lamp to my specifications! He is too good to me. But this is what he loves to do. It’s not work for him but play!
After checking it out he found that the only thing he could do was to disconnect the timer so it would stay on as long as I wanted it to. Perfect! He did this without even getting anything to eat first!!
Finally, he ate then gathered the trash to put out to the curb and then cut the lawn!! I feel so guilty! I just lay around trying to heal. It is very difficult and It’s more than I thought it was going to be.
So, if you were thinking about getting one check out eBay. I think I paid $25 and shipping was free! There are ton of people selling them but look for someone other than China or HongKong so it won’t take a month to get it to you. Well, worth the trouble. Can’t wait to do more but I will wait till maybe the end of the week. I should a lot better and the stairs won’t be too difficult. Oh, how I wish my studio wasn’t in the basement.
@Catalina: How do you feel today? I hope you didn’t over-do it! Just remember, you have another surgery coming up so you need to rest up! Sorry, I’m a mother hen.. It’s great that your hubby’s so helpful. And talented. And to do all that before eating? WOW! You can’t feel guilty- You NEED to heal! If you push you’re going to have problems. Until you’re able to get around to do more maybe you could sketch some ideas? Just a suggestion, ’cause I know you’re climbing the walls!
What kind of UV lamp did you get? How many volts?
@Tanya L: Opps! I thought I mentioned what kind I bought! It was the 36w Gel Curing UV Lamp. The kind for nails. It works really good. Can’t wait to be able to get down to my studio to really put it to work.
Yes, I did too much and paid a nice price too. I was sooooooo sore! So, I know I have to take it easy. Hubby had to take Bubby (he’s his dog anyway) to the vet when he got home. Then he vacuum the living room! I wonder how long I can get him to keep this up! LOL!!
@Tanya L: forgot to say the idea about sketching ideas down is a good one. I even started that today. But, I saw all my other ideas in there and it made me resize how behind I am. I want to do soooo much and with not working now it is hard to sit still. But, I will! And you can “mother hen” all you want! I need to be reminded quite often! :)
@Catalina: You don’t know what can of worms you just opened.. I’ve got 4 kids and a grandson so I have plenty of practice!! :) Seriously, it’ll all wait.. you need to take care of yourself and rest. Think of it all as your planning stage and just add to what you’ve already planned.
Hi Cindy,
What brand resin are you using for the video?
@Judith L: Hi Judith, I thought I’d try answering for Cindy, since it’s the weekend and she’s ‘off’! ;D She used Ultradome resin for this tutorial. It’s a UV Resin…available at Ultradome.com or its sister site, Epoxyjewelry.com (as UV Jewelry Glaze — same product.)
There’s lots of information about UV Resin and how to use it in Cindy’s wonderful video. Of course, all her videos are great! There’s more info on resins in general…all over this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find more articles and comments on this topic. Type in things like “Ultradome” “UV Resin” or even “Terry Morris” (the owner of Ultradome.) Be sure to read the comments under the articles…lots of great tips there.
Cindy makes amazing tutorial videos — in case you haven’t had the pleasure yet. If you sign up for the Polymer Clay Newsletter…you’ll get 3 free videos, as well as free weekly color recipes. It’s a good place to start! But it’s easy (and very inexpensive) to become a member…just go to the Member Video Library link at top of the page. It will take you to the back issues listing…you’ll see all the amazing tutorials done so far. Click on Become a Member there to sign up, or choose a back issue (like this resin video, for example.) Have fun!
~Kat Riverside, CA, USA…..Where are you from?
JUST POSTED… Member project photos that relate to the theme of this page… UV Resin, Polymer Clay Jewelry.
You can view the larger images by clicking on the link by my name.
BTW: Thanks to everyone above, who took the time to comment in this thread. Your feedback, support and engaging conversations are always such a wonderful part of my day. Although I don’t get a chance to address everyone individually, please know that I do read and give consideration to everything that is said here. ~Cindy
Dear Cindy, a fantastic video! but I have a question, what about with rounded beads? The resin will fall down? or using the uv light, how can I put a rounded bead on the mirror tray?thank you!!!!
Well I finally had time to play with the resin over the weekend, after 40mins of cure time (pour-cure-imbed- pour cure) and an hour and a half of sanding with the Micro Mesh pads due to an uneven second pour on my part, I now have a lovely “water clear” cab with a single dried flower from a Hydregna blossom imbeded inside. I hope to photograph it tonight and get it posted on FB.
Terry – this product is fantastic and I will tell EVERYONE about.
@Amy: Hi Amy! Cindy answered that question in the comments above, on May 21 (4th paragraph of her reply.) I haven’t seen anything further about using resin on round beads — from Cindy or anyone else. I was hoping that someone might have some tips for using a thicker resin like Magic Glos, but nothing yet…
First of all I love my purchase of the entire set of back issue videos! What a joy to have a “tutor” instead of flying by the seat of my pants, wasting time, money and some pretty cool things that never got finished like I wanted….I mean really finished. Now, here is the question? Probably deemed silly by most, but I want to do it right. With this UV Resin, do you put it on both sides and the edge, curing between each step, or do you just do the one side and then sand and polish the rest. Thanks for any help here. Blessings, Bonnie
@Bonnie Blasingame: Hi Bonnie, so glad you bought all the back issues! It really is a joy having Cindy as a tutor, isn’t it? I still have a few more back issues to go until my collection’s complete, but I love them so much! Cindy’s videos are so informative, and they always inspire me…
Your resin question certainly isn’t silly! It’s great that you want to do things correctly…and a properly finished bead is very professional. How you apply the resin is entirely up to you…there’s no “right” way. You can do the top/front only, or cover the entire piece with resin. What’s important is that all sides of the piece are “properly finished”. That finish can be all resin, or sanded and buffed all over with resin on one side only.
Good luck, & have fun! :D ~Kat
turning back to the rounded beads, do you think it’s possible to aply UV resin in several times? can I get a 3D bead covered by resin part to part. can I expose the resin several times to the UV light without problems? maybe using something as an edge?
thank you and regards
@ Amy – Yes you can put resined peices under the UV lights multiple times. I just completed a resin cabochon with a pressed flower embeded in it which was under the UV lights three times.
Thanks for the reply. I will probably be a regular on this blog….is this a blog? LOL. I love watching the videos….I have watched EVERYONE of them just because I wanted to see it all…boy did I do that! Had no idea I would be able to learn to do the wire work! What a huge blessing! I can hardly wait to get the next tutorial. Also, how can I get whatever it is to know what the next turtorial is so I can have all supplies set out and just it do it “right along with the teacher”!!!! Yea I can hardly wait. Glad to see from Ken that I can re-resin and put under the light. I have a good uv lamp, but I also have beautiful sunshine where I can do MANY at one time…..lot to be said about “Music City USA” but this is really good. Gonna stop…I tend to write novels……Blessings, Bonnie
@ Bonnie B – welcome, your input is welcome here, on Tuesday there is a “Preview” of what the next tutorial video will be on Friday, there is usually an equipment list at the end of the post, so tomorrow you will get a sneek peek at the topic for Friday and the suggested items needed to clay along with Cindy on Friday. Again Welcome to the Family.
Hi Ken….Thanks for the info and thanks for the welcome. Gonna love it I know. Cindy is excellent and teaching, showing and doing….I am thrilled. BonnieB
Hi Cindy
Just purchased and watched the UV epoxy video and I have one question. I assume that the piece can just be turned over and the process repeated when you want to epoxy both sides? And what about the sides of the piece? How do you apply the epoxy there? Do you just push it over the edge? Wouldn’t there be a danger of it ‘pooling’?
Love your videos. I’m trying to buy a few, but having trouble with PayPal…
Isabel
@Ken H: @Bonnie Blasingame: Thanks for the support you two!
@Isabel: Thanks! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos It is so great having you as part of our clay family! You are right in assuming that you can do one side, cure it then do the other side and cure. As far as the sides go, unfortunately the resin is too thin to coat the sides with. For that,either sand and buff to a high shine or just use a glossy finish such as Future or Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze. This will tie in nicely with the resin finish.
*For any issues you may be having with PayPal make sure to email me and we’ll get that straightened out.
Special Offer From EpoxyJewelry.com …
I just wanted to announce that Terry Morris (the resin guy) has let me know about a special offer he has for you guys. His Jewelry Glazing oven used for curing UV Resin is on sale for $49.00 ($20.00 savings) only until December 10th. I’ve got one myself and love it! So if this item is on your wish list, now would be a great time to get it. (Maybe you can tell Santa about this one since Christmas is just around the corner!)
To get this special deal you need to go to epoxyjewelry.com, then scroll down to the very bottom of the home page and click on the box that says “Merry Christmas” to get to the sales page.
BTW… I will be demonstrating another new product from Terry in this weeks Friday video tutorial, that I think you will all be very excited about… so stay tuned for that. The sneak peak video will get post on Thursday Dec 2 here at the blog. And the full video tutorial will be published in the members library on Friday Dec 3.
I’m so excited!! I just went to Terry’s site and bought myself a UV Resin Christmas!! I got the 36watt oven (Merry Christmas Sale), resin and all the fixins and I even got myself the micro mesh pads. After reading all of the comments, I can’t wait to try these! WooHoo!!
@Laura Z: Hi! I’m glad you’re excited! I guess Christmas comes early at your house! Just to warn you: this can be addicting!! And there is no known cure!!! :)
@catalina: That’s ok, I have lots of flat beads/pendants just waiting to be “domed”. Is that a word? LOL) Good thing I bought the big bottle of resin. Hmmnnn….there are “worse” things I could be addicted to, right?
That’s what I keepp telling my husband. I don’t drink, smoke or spend the day shoe shopping. My hobbies are my additction. Unfortunately, I do have quite a few. But, hey, everyone benefits from my hobbies because I give most of what I make away!
Just finished this process for the first time, YAY!!! No bubbles. It is a beautiful finish that domed up perfectly.
I did use Cindy’s video to the letter, and purchased all products used through Terry. Thanks to you both.
Cannot wait for spring, imbedding epoxied wild flowers in silicone mold bezels will be my passion.
Also checked on the dried stuff (pansies) sprayed thoroughly with PYM preservative spray, original colors are still clean and fresh. Has anyone used the spray on products they later successfully imbedded in Terry’s expoxy yet?
Carolyn, get better soon, because I’ll be coming back to you for more of the fixative spray soon.
Hi Cindy, on the UV resin, when it cures, how brittle it is – is there some flexibility so to speak or will it shatter if struck or dropped? or just a small dent? Thanks – love your tutorials – am enjoying them so much and am looking forward to hibernating this winter and playing with clay!
Janet
You are so right girls about polymer clay being the good kind of addition. No rehab needed!! :-)
@Jocelyn: Sounds gorgeous! Can’t wait until you can post some of your work on Facebook. I think Ken may have used PYMII on his Hydrangea Petal he embedded in UV Resin but you will have to check with him to be sure.
@Janet Mundziak: Terry’s UV resin is really strong, flexible and won’t chip. I put some UV Resin on a piece of fabric I had polymerized and you can bend it back and forth without any chipping or cracking at all. I suppose you could possibly mark it if you scratched it with nail or hit it with a hammer, but with normal wear it would be difficult to harm.
Hi ladies! I just wanted to let you all know that I found a website that sells Magic glos for $4.95 a bottle. I also purchased a uv light for $18.00. I know most of you have said the 36 watt light is better that the 9watt, but I did not want to go all out before trying out the cheaper one first. Anyway, the website is mimisgems.com They also sell the pendant frames in several finishes.
@Tiffany Morkovsky: Thanks, Tiffany! I checked out mimi’s & they have a lot of cool stuff. The Magic Glos was under “tools & supplies”, but it didn’t show a price, or a way to add it to a shopping cart (at least as far as I could tell.) Did you have to order it by phone or something? Anyway, have you made some fun stuff with your new goodies? Hope you had a lovely Christmas! ~Kat
Hi Cindy,
Do i need a lamp or does resin dry even without sun? I cant find uv resin anywhere. I saw a set of colored resin somewhere, but no clear resin. What exactly should i look for?
Marion
@Marion K: ultradome.com
Terry should have everything you need, and instructional videos. Good luck. It’s wicked fun.
@Marion K: Jocelyn is right, Ultradome is one company that carries the UV Resin and Lamps online. You can find their products and lamps at epoxyjewelry.com as well. Maybe someone here from the Netherlands can help you with a resource that is closer to you.
Just so you know, there is tons of other information that has been discussed on this blog already that may help you out. Just use the search box at the top of the page and type in words like ‘resin’ and ‘two part epoxy’, etc. and a list of articles and comments will come up. Once you click through to an article page, a great tool to use that will help you find what you need, is the ‘Find’ feature in your browser. I use Firefox as my browser, and all I have to do is press the CTRL + F buttons together at the same time on my keyboard, and a little box pops up that that you can type in specific words you are looking for on the page.
Hopefully that makes sense and helps you to find the answers you need.
@Marion K: There are different types of resin, so it will really help to read the comments, as Cindy mentioned above, and decide which type you want to go with (or which is easier to find in your area.)
UV resins do not “dry” on their own — you need a UV lamp or sunlight to cure them. Ultradome, the brand in Cindy’s tutorial above, is a great product…at a low price. Magic Glos is a well-known UV resin (at least in the clay community.) It’s a bit more pricey, but it might be easier to get your hands on overseas (product by PC artist, Lisa Pavelka.)
Two-part (2-part) resins will harden without sunlight. Ultradome makes this type of resin, also. Other ‘non-UV’ resins you may hear things about are ICE Resin, Envirotex Lite, EasyCast, etc… Hope that helps! ~Kat
Thanks Jocelyn,Cindy and Kat, this really helpt! I decided to order the 2part resin as sterting this new hobby is quite expensive-well any hobby is- and orderdering from the states is as well. But i hope the 2part resin will work fine as well….
Thanks for the links, its hard to find the right spot to look for stuff,hahaha, for me it is!
If I want to cure the UV resin in the sunlight (I live in Florida) how long does it take.
While sifting through hundreds of UV resin comments, I didn’t see the answer… How long DOES it take to cure it by using sunlight?
Dorothy
@Dorothy H: While Terry estimated an hour in his comment (direct sunlight, not thru a window,) he’s talking about Ultradome — Magic Glos is different. I imagine where you live affects time, as well…
Hi Patricia and Dorothy,
Terry Morris, the supplier for the Ultra Dome Resin I have been using, posted an answer to this question in another thread. The link by my name will take you there.
Here are words I typed into the search box at the top of the page to find this answer fairly quickly: “curing uv resin sunlight”
When you read through the other uv resin articles and comment threads that come up in the search results, you will find even more references where members have talked about their personal experiences while curing their uv resin products in the sun.
Hi everyone, hope you’re having a wonderful Friday.
I purchased and watched the UV Resin video and have a question that I haven’t found the answer for. Where the flame is being used, is this touching the resin directly or is it held a small distance away? In the video, it looks like it might be touching, but I couldn’t be sure.
Thank for the help :)
Hi Angela, wave the flame just above the surface of the resin to pop the bubbles. If it touches the surface briefly, it usually isn’t a problem but if you have it touching for too long, you can scorch the resin. Hope that helps!
Hi Cindy:
Can I use the uv technique you teach with the Lisa Pavelka Magic Gloss? I am wondering if is similar to the product you use.
Yes Ines, you can use any brand of UV Resin for this technique. There are subtle differences between brands such as viscosity, doming abilities, whether they pull from the sides and cost (a big one!). You’ll find the Ultradome UV resin I show is far cheaper than the other brands you mentioned. But the basic principals are pretty much the same. Hope that answers your question!
Hi Cindy
I purchased Lisa P UV resin and now I have your tut on it.. have not had a chance to watch it yet.. is there anything I should do differently when using hers.
Hi Everyone, This is my first time posting here and was eagered to let you know about my new 36watt nail dryer UV lamp for $20. I bought it before reading some of the replies here regarding the timer some nail UV lamps have which might allow only 2-3 minutes of heat time and this really discouraged me because mine has a 120sec and 180sec timer. What I didn’t see was the words “timer off” on the side of the timer, I just clicked top or bottom for the120 or 180, but then when I balanced the button to timer off, the lamp stayed on as long as I wanted, so that made me very happy. I’m telling you this in case some of you have a similar one with a timer and think that you might have bought the wrong one. I haven’t tried to heat anything yet, but will soon, I’m just waiting for my other products to arrive. The name of my UV lamp is USpicy 36W mail UV Lamp Acrylic gel and shellac curing light timer dryer SPA quipment – I got this from Amazon. This equipment is for hands and feet and you can slide the base in and out. If anyone has any negative experience with this machine, I appreciate your input, thank you.
It is so nice to see you here Vivian, Welcome! Thanks for posting such a helpful comment. I am sure everyone will appreciate you taking the time to let them know about that button trick. What a great deal you got on the lamp as well!
I just made a heart shaped uv resin pendant and wanted to make a polymer clay backing. I was going to pop it into the oven when I wondered if you can bake uv resin? I’m thinking you can’t but I thought I would ask.
I can’t see why it wouldn’t work Catalina. But just like everything you don’t know the answer to, it is always a good idea to do a quick test yourself, on a small sample piece. Do come back and let us know how it goes!
Well, I tried it and the clay cracked. I think maybe the resin expanded an caused the clay to crack. I’m out of resin so I will have to try again later. Plus it did get dark. And I had dried flowers embedded into the resin which discolored, too. Maybe not a good thing to do.
Well that is disappointing Catalina. :(
Was the UV resin, Ultradome or something else? Did the resin itself darken and if so how much? I’m not too terribly surprised that the flowers discolored. They usually change when they heat up… like in the rose petal beads. But I am surprised the clay cracked. How was it attached and how thick was it?
You can learn so ouch from these kinds of testing experiments. Hopefully the resin piece wasn’t too important to you. Thank you so much for coming back and letting us know how it went.
Wow!! What a great tutorial! I have a UV lamp which I purchased for making polymer stamps and I am SO happy to have another use for it! I had no idea how to use the UV resin I bought but this lesson answered all my questions! You rock Cindy!!
Thanks Denise! That’s funny I have been wanting to make polymer stamps with my UV Lamp. What brand of polymer plates do you recommend?
Check out the Teresa Collins Stampmaker at thepapergourmet.ca They have the different liquid polymer packets but you also need the magnetic frame to squish the liquid nice and tight. You have to make a B&W negative on transparency paper – the white will harden into your stamp and the black will stay liquid and you can just wash it away. Hope this makes sense!!
Denise, wow, thanks for the link. That Teresa Collins Stampmaker System sure looks like fun.
Nice that it allows you to use either an ink jet or laser printer to get the images.
Hope I’m not asking you to repeat yourself, but hours spent looking for an answer finally drove me to YOU! You are a wizard and have (or will get) all the answers…thank goodness!
I’ve been using Easy Cast epoxy resin for coating round beads. I stick them on a tooth pick, coat them (after wiping with alcohol) and stick it in foam mounted on my rotissere. After a couple hours of rotating they are set enough that i can turn it off and let them sit till hard. Has worked well till this summer… in AZ. Sometimes it’s 110 in the shade on the porch….and lately the resin has been pooling somewhere on the bead by pulling away from edges. Does anyone have the answer? I do 50, give or take, beads at a time and the last two batches have shinny spots and dull spots. Most unacceptable!!!!! I measure and mix properly (what else) and this labor intense labor of love is out the window. HELP!
Hi Julie,
This is a guess, but as I understand it the handling and curing characteristics of both 2-part and UV-curing resins will change if they are too old. Proper storage can extend the shelf life, but they don’t last indefinitely.
I haven’t used the Easy Cast brand myself so I don’t know what it does as it ages, but is it possible that your resin is just too old now? Let us know if you find an answer, anyway!
Sue
Sue; Thanks for your reply. Just bought the easy cast from Michael’s which is a busy store. And it seems to me that their inventory should not be “old”, but what do i know.
Our weather is finally cooling down a bit so we will see if that changes things although my mentor does not think so.
Am attending my first guild meeting this weekend and will ask them….maybe someone will have an answer.
Will let you know if i get any info.
Again…thanks.
Julie
Hi Julie, Sue may be onto something… often issues with resin can be due to the age of the product, so if it is a product that you are very familiar with and you know you haven’t done anything different with the mixing or the curing, then it may be the case of being too old.
I love your rotisserie idea btw! That was very ingenuitive! Love it when people are inventive and come up with mechanical solutions to their problems.
Sorry to hear your resin is causing you problems though. DO hope you can get to the bottom of it soon. DO come back and let us know how it goes!
Thank you Cindy for all your help,
I just love your tutorials. For all that is out there on the web yours are by far the best.
Stella
Thank you so much Stella for your kind words!! That makes me very happy to know that the videos are of such a great value for you. Thanks for taking the time to let us know! :)
Hi Everyone,
I just used Ultra dome Resin yesterday for the first time, it was very easy & I love the results, it was on my blend & switch piece & the resin really makes it pop!! I did have one problem however & wondered if you have any tips. The problem happened when I put the resin on the other side of my piece (it was a flat piece btw)….it was stuck to the Hamma perler pegboard. I had to pry my piece off after putting under the lights and I actually broke my piece ugh! Now I am wondering if I shouldn’t put resin on both sides of my pieces or if I should have waited a day or so before applying. (I think I had waited 30 minutes.) I am making pendants & also think that the resin may have dripped through the hole, is there a way to plug the hole when doing the other side? Is the silicone mat is better to prevent the pieces from getting stuck? Does anyone have any tips to prevent this from happening?
Thank you!
Chris
Hi, Chris, I had the same thing happen to me, too. The resin probably dripped over the edge and it became stuck to the pegboard. Making sure you put it on a level surface and move it very carefully into the UV light. Once the one side is cured and it is hard it won’t “soften” or get “sticky.” Once it is cured it is cured. Just make sure you cure it for the correct amount of time. If the resin is not really fresh, give it ten more minutes or so to cure. I had some UV resin that was 1 1/2 yr old and it cured at 45 minutes. A lot longer but it still worked! Cindy even told me that if you miss a spot you can cover the whole piece again and you can “fix” your mistake! (I haven’t tried that on my butterfly pendant yet, Cindy, but it is on the list!) If you are able to get it off without breaking it you might still be able to salvage it. I hope that helps. Good luck!
Thanks Catalina! I think your are right as far as trying to not to move it too quickly & keeping it level. I did move my piece from where I applied the resin over to the UV light so I think it is very possible that the resin dripped to the other side, plus I think that some could have dripped inside the hole. I was unable to salvage the piece it really had stuck to the pegboard & really had to pry it loose, but that’s OK as I have learned something!! It is nice to know though that you can fix mistakes so I appreciate you passing along Cindy’s tip!
Thanks again:)
Sorry about your piece breaking! I’ve never tried to add the ultra dome to both sides of a piece before, though I’ve considered it… I’m curious to see what others might have to say about this.
Thanks Katy for your response too! I too am curious if others have applied ultra dome to both sides & if they have any tips especially for making sure the resin doesn’t drip through the hole for the pendant piece.
I’m making a polymer clay bezel necklace. Do i put UV resin on the clay and bake it for 29 minutes?
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Kim, the thing to do is add the polymer clay to the bezel, then bake. Then add UV resin. Hope that answers your question!
Hi Cindy, I listened to your last FB broadcast and someone had problems putting UV resin on both sides of a cabochon. It spilled over to the front side of the cab and made a mess. You mentioned why the problem happens but didn’t tell us how to apply it to both sides. Does your tutorial (Vol. 024) give specific instructions for applying Ultradome to both sides of a piece and to the edges if it is a thick piece? I will buy vol. 024 if it gives these instructions.
Hi Diane, yeah I noticed I did that after I listened to the broadcast. As far as showing how to do both sides of a piece, I actually don’t go into that in that tutorial… or any tutorial for that matter. I suppose that is another thing I should be doing a tutorial on in the future. The trick is to keep both sides quite thin and not try and dome them too much. Also if you keep the polymer piece on the thicker side, you’ll find it a lot easier to keep the resin from scooting under the piece. You can always sand the edge after the first side is done, so the edge is sharp when you go to the second side. As far as doing edges, you can just add a super thin amount on the sides with a brush. and get it curing right away so it doesn’t drip… or use one of the brush on resins like the Deep Shine from Tiny Pandora, just for the edges, Hopefully that answers your questions!
Thank you, Cindy. You answered my question completely. I think I’ll buy the tutorial anyway because I like the color palate that comes with it and because you are so nice :)
Thank you for the kind words, Dianne :)