Post #257785 by Tim on Fri, Sep 29, 2006 12:36 AM

What's the cast material Paipo? Just in case you're working it out by yourself:

I used to make rockclimbing handholds using sand, portland cement, epoxy resin and a plasticiser. The cement is barely wet. Using cement means less resin is required, giving a less plastic feel. Commercial manufacturers use aluminium powder (whatever it is they use in hebel blocks) to aerate the mix, but a concrete entraining plasticiser can do the trick to give lots of small air pockets (small air bubbles stop it from feeling like plastic). Your work might be too fine for air bubbles, I'm not sure. After the hold was set, I'd give a light wipe with resin remover to etch the surface film away. This too might not be appropriate for your work.

I couldnt give exact proportions I'm afraid as its been too long, but only use as much resin as you need to make it strong enough for the job. Theres nothing worse than climbing holds that feel like plastic, I suppose the same would be true for pendants.

I havent done it for 10 years and there might be better backyard techniques by now. What you posted looked good anyway.