Post #275124 by Bowana on Wed, Dec 27, 2006 11:53 AM

On 2006-12-27 09:30, Capt'n Skully wrote:
I'd like a cleaner, better master, but something tells me I'd never be completely happy with it anyways.
The pendant isn't as thick/deep as I wanted..

It's a great Moai, Skully! Take the best resin casting you've got, sand it as smooth as you like, patch any flaws with epoxy putty, put some more meat on the back and remold it. I do it all the time with my stuff.

I need a scale for mixing the silicone.. I had to go with a strict measurement provided by the manufacturer or risk an improper ratio.

Yes, for sure get a scale. In my experience with mixing silicone, if you are a little bit off it's not going to matter. A little too much catalyst means it will set a little quicker, a little less, a little slower. Just make sure you're not TOO far off or else bad things will happen (sets before you're done pouring, or never sets at all). I use a triple beam balance.

I also didn't want to risk not having mixed enough- should do a displacement test for correct amount. Same with the resin- I made over twice the amount I needed.

If you find that you didn't mix enough silicone, you can mix more and pour it right on top. It's best if this is done while the previous batch is still goopey. After more experience with it, you will be able to eyeball about how much silicone it takes to fill any size mold, and how much resin it takes to fill a mold. I like to have extra molds on hand so in case I've got too much resin, rather than throw it away, I'll just fill up those molds as well with what's left. You can also fill a mold with more than one resin batch if you did not mix enough. (Not as desireable as getting it on the first shot, but it still works!)

I hope this is helpfull to you, Cap'n!