[Scott Andrew]

I am trying to cast some vinyl records in resin for a gift. I cut the center and sand the edges. The following steps are done before casing in a coaster mold. Both sides need to be bubble free. Top’s are generally looking great its the bottom that are a bit of an issue.

1.) I use 3 coats of Mod Podge glossy on each side to seal the vinyl and label.
2.) I pour a 1st coat oround 0.15″ deep and let it set for 4 hrs

I have tried a few things at this point when I go to embed.

* Insert the object and pour from the edges (doesn’t quite work since the objects are hollow in the middle and lay some what flat)
* Pour ½ the next layer and press the records in to place (always seem to get a bubbles large or small like air being trapped).
* Coat in resin and press into place.

I do wonder if the first coat is too wet and maybe need a more solid (5-6 cure?) base and then pour a thin layer. Maybe cast the vinyl in a ⅛” layer in another mold and let it set for the same 4-6 hours then embed? Will spraying alcohol before embedding help bubbles pop under the record? So maybe:

1. Pour a thin layer
2. Spritz with alcohol
3. Dip vinyl
4. Insert vinyl (at extreme angle?)
5. top off mold
6. spritz.

One of the issue is the record is ⅞ of the mold size so there isn’t a huge amount of room for bubbles to escape out from underneath. One other idea is maybe to dome the first layer a bit so it’s not flat? Keeping mind the mold is 4.3 inches the record is close to 4.25 – 4.28 inches in diameter.

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Scott,

Have you looked at this article: https://www.resinobsession.com/resin-frequently-asked-questions/resin-bubbles/

It should give you some ideas of things to try.

[Scott Andrew]

I have tried all that. I think the issue is how I am embedding the object in the 2nd layer. the first layer looks great before I embed no bubbles crystal clear. I have bought a space heater since we have not had a 70 degree day in a while. I preheat my resin, keep my room warm, pop bubbles and first level looks great.

The minute I embed the item the bubbles form underneath.

[Katherine Swift]

It sounds like what you’re embedding is releasing bubbles.

[Scott Andrew]

I am. I have sealed the LP album but still getting bubbles trapped underneath. I am wondering if I should put some resin on the vinyl and let it get to the gel state too. I am stuck about how to stop bubbles from underneath. The other thought I had was to spray alcohol on the dipped object and a thin layer of resin to help the bubbles underneath. The top is great but I can control those bubbles.

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