I've recently started experimenting with epoxy resins, finding new and interesting ways to use them. One thing I stumbled across was making epoxy planets using a cake-pop mould.

Supplies

Epoxy Resin
Tinting colours
Semi-circular silicone cake-pop mould
Cup and mixer
Glitter/beads
Var

Step 1: Step 1: Decide on Your Colours/adornments

The first thing you'll need to think about is the colours and patters you want to see in your planets. Glitter and small beads can also be used to add texture and a sense of magic and sparkle. You can base it on a planet in our solar system, with swirling oranges and reds for Mars, or create a solar system of your very own. I decided to go with a bunch of new colours, trying lots of different combinations to see what worked well.

Step 2: Step 2: Mixing Your Resin

Find yourself a clean disposable container and mixing rod. Ideally, find a silicone container, so you can turn out the excess resin after it has dried to resue the cup, but if you're only just getting started like I am, a small paper cup will do just as well.

Mix your resin as per the instructions on the bottle. I used a 2 part resin from Easy Composites which worked a treat. Make sure you measure it exactly, else it may not set. Give it a good mix for a minute or two (or as directed on the bottle) to make sure it's all mixed together.

This is the time to add colours to your planets. If you want multiple colours, split the resin into multiple containers now. Add a drop of tinting colour (I used ones from Easy Composites again) and mix well. This will give your planets a lovely colour, while still allowing them to be somewhat transparent.

You can also add glitter at this point, mixing it in well. It is worth noting that heavier glitters may sink to the bottom of the mould, so use the finest/lightest stuff you can find. Another way to overcome this is by setting a thin outside layer around the mould before pouring your glitter-filled resin.

Step 3: Step 3: Pouring

After making sure your mould are clean, you're all set to pour your planets! For a single colour, this is easy enough, just pour in your resin up to the top of the mould and you're done. If you want a blend of two (or more!) colours, pour in mix and gently swirl with a mixing rod. Be aware that the resin will continue ebbing and flowing for some hours as it sets, so you may end up with a different pattern of swirls when it dries, but that's all part of the adventure!

Another technique is to add colours to your poured resin on the end of a mixing rod. This will result in a single colour planet body, with a beautiful swirl of colour on the bottom, looking like a galaxy!

You can also add extra glitter to sit on the bottom of your planet at this step, genetly sprinkling it on the top of your poured resin.

Step 4: Step 4: Polishing and Shining

After letting your planets set for the time indicated on the resin bottle (at least 24 hours in most cases), they should be ready to be popped out of the moulds! You'll notice the bottom side (the side exposed as they dried) is shiny, while the curved edge is likely to be dull. This is just a result of using a silicone mould and can be easily rectified.

Working with increasing grades of sandpaper, polish up your planets. I used 2000 grit sandpaper, before moving on to polishing. I was lucky enough to have access to a mechanical polisher, but a beautiful shine can be achieved just as well with a cloth and some elbow grease. I also used some car polish I had lying around to help really bring the shine out.