A Brief History of Resin
First, the dictionary defines resin as a sticky, flammable, organic substance insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants (notably fir and pine).
Now, anyone who knows anything about trees can very easily imagine getting the sticky stuff all over their clothes, hands and arms whenever near a pine tree. This sticky stuff is the plant’s natural glue. Over time, it “cures” and becomes very hard.
You wonder why I speak of trees? Well, trees are nature’s first resin source. Did you know amber is fossilized plain resin? Yes, the fantastic image of a mosquito encased in the end of the scientist’s cane in Jurassic Park is made of fossilized plant resin.
In ancient times, resin was used to seal boats, food containers and even mummification! Can you imagine? I have heard stories about mummies smelling like fir or pine, now we know why. The skin was painted with resin from fir or pine trees to preserve the body for burial. Amazing, right?
Today we use a synthetic resin polymer to cast. A synthetic is a polymer used as the basis of plastics, adhesives and varnishes along with other products. Since the technology of today gives us a synthetic alternative, we don’t have to worry about the loss of our precious trees to get the resin we need to make personalized art jewelry. Plus, plant resin isn’t nearly as stable in compound as today’s synthetic resins. In some cases, plant resin can take years to cure and there is no guarantee of a final product without blemishes or inconsistencies.
Now on to the most common uses for resin today. Resin is a component of varnish, lacquers, inks and most notably used in modern jewelry making. Using jewelry molds, liquid resin, resin colorant and mold putty you can create just about anything your heart desires.
Clear casting resin is most commonly used for jewelry because you can add resin dyes, pastel powders and metallic powders to change the resulting color to give your piece dimension, texture and unique color patterns. It’s extremely malleable and gives you limitless possibilities!
If you’re just starting out, the best thing to do is purchase a resin casting kit specific to jewelry making. A kit will typically contain resin, resin molds, mixing cups, latex gloves and all of the supplies needed to get you started. Once you’ve mastered the basics using your new kit, you can expand your tools to include making your own silicone molds for bangles, rings and pendants.
Just imagine how much fun resin is! The more you work with it, the better your designs will become and who knows, maybe you’ll be the next “up-and-coming” resin artist.
Stay tuned for a project on making your own amazing mold putty mold for your designs!
RESOURCES:
www.articlesbase.com (ArticlesBase SC #864275)
This article was published on Saturday 02 October, 2010.
