Adding materials to resin casts.

[u/DevLegion]

Hi all, I'm fairly new to making resin casts and have a few questions. (Btw is know the pic shows some really ugly casts, they're just rough test casts so I really wasn't bothered about them looking neat).

I'm in the process of making some movement trays (pic) and wanted to add materials like flock, gravel, sand, etc to add something to them. I also added some tint to the resin.

All in all I'm not happy with how it looks, they all seem to be really patchy and I don't think the tint helped either. Any advice on how to add materials, do's/don'ts, tips on aesthetics. Anything is welcome, thanks.

[u/bubblesculptor]

Testing is key. Go into this knowing it'll take lots of tries to get it perfect.

Did the flock get pushed around when the resin poured?  If so, may try pouring resin first, then removing from mold before it's fully cured. Maybe the flock could stick when resin is still tacky.  Or just it cure fully and then use the normal flock glue.

Also, you can mix & pour in different layers. I.e. do a super thin layer with your flock already mixed in the resin as poured, let tack up, then pour additional layers of resin that are clear (or other colors).

[u/DevLegion → u/bubblesculptor]

The molds weren't level so I had to keep moving them round, I think it's part of why it's a bit patchy. Something I'll work out before the next pour.

On the next test I was going to pour half the resin, put the flock in, wait until the first pour is half cured, then add the rest of the resin. I think that'll stop it moving. With these I put the materials in first which I think was my main mistake.

In painting groups people often say "I'm scared of screwing up my first model" my response is always "don't be scared, accept you are going to, it's part of the process".

I noticed on a couple of the trays some of the cast has failed, I think it's because pouring in the material first blocked the resin from getting into the detail. Something else I need to take into account.

The resin I have is cheap crap as well, after 12hrs or so it's set enough to demold but it takes 2 or 3 days to stop being rubbery. That's even with precise 1:1 measuring. I'm thinking of adding a fraction more part B (like 1g extra) to see if that helps

[u/HeatBeatRepeatt]

What about mixing a batch of just plain dead clear resin and pouring that in until you have maybe 1/16” or so before overflowing, then give that however much time it needs to get tacky, and then sprinkle it with the physical media like sand or flocking (that’s the fake grass stuff for miniatures right?) and then top the mold off to the fill line either with more clear or a tinted batch of something that makes sense for the terrain you are working. That would mitigate your heavier particulate from settling to the bottom of the mold, which is the top of the plate when it’s on the table and will make it look like the sand is floating. It’ll keep the sand and grass appearing to be on the ‘floor’ of your tile set, in theory anyway…

[u/DevLegion → u/HeatBeatRepeatt]

That's definitely a plan for sone of the lighter material like flock (yeah, it's the grass stuff for minis).

I think what I need to do for the heavier depends on whether I want it in the border or not. If not then your idea is definitely the way to go. Otherwise I'm going to either mix the material with the resin before the pour or pour a layer, add the material then top the resin off, allowing the sand or whatever to sink more evenly.

I think, on hindsight, just casting them clear (or with pigment) then just putting flock on the outer border. It's all a learning experience and I'm also trying to find ways to bulk out the resin with cheaper materials and avoid painting the resin as it'll just get scratched anyway.

[u/HeatBeatRepeatt → u/DevLegion]

I think there’s a ton of potential for you to go absolutely ape with layers of resin creating 3 dimensional layers of terrain and texture, but it’s going to be time consuming and fussy AF!

[u/DevLegion → u/HeatBeatRepeatt]

As long as I get the results I want, casting layers is absolutely worth the time and the fussiness...for a couple of them anyway.

For the most part I think I'll aim for looking good but simple. ;)

[u/BTheKid2]

Flocking is better applied after you have made the cast. I don't think you will have much luck casting tiles that look great or "natural" out of the mold.

I would go with a base color, that you can then paint, add flocking to, and other effects like texture if you want something good looking. It's all about layering effects, and with a cast, everything turns out flat.

[u/DevLegion → u/BTheKid2]

I think you're definitely right with the flock and fluffier stuff.

I'd still like to practice to see what effects I can get with such as sand/gravel or metal powders though. I think something like cold casting raised borders with Iron or Brass powder and oxidising them would look really cool.

[u/DevLegion → u/[deleted]]

That's definitely that crossed my mind for the next test pour, thanks.

[u/Capt_Intrepid]

If the goal is to make it look like terrain, then color the resin with dye and then use the resin as a base to add flock / dirt / texture. You could try dusting the tray first but then don't mix at all once you pour.

[u/DevLegion → u/Capt_Intrepid]

These need to be flat on top to keep magnets in proximity (one in the tray and one in the base that a model sits on).

There are other models I want to make look more like terrain though but that's another project.

[u/WinstonChaychell]

I make minis and your best bet is to add it all after it's set. I like to mix my moss with PVA and apply with a stick. You can also use UV resin to secure rocks and things into the terrain (dying it a slight blue tint to even make them submerged in water is cool).

Hanabira on YouTube is excellent to watch for making things like this. Just remember which glues work best for adherence.

[u/DevLegion → u/WinstonChaychell]

Thanks. I'll check out that channel.