Epoxy Resin for Beginners: Using Silicon Molds

by Amethyst Star

164K26743

Intro: Epoxy Resin for Beginners: Using Silicon Molds

I remember when I started working with resin, I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Well, I'm here to fix it. Here's a quick tutorial on how to work with silicon molds.

What you'll need:

  1. Molds (You can see I have a pink cylinder mold, orange heart (chocolate) mold, and other smaller ones)
  2. Resin (I'm using epoxy resin, and it should come in 2 parts)
  3. Syringe (or something to measure with
  4. Popsicle stick
  5. Plastic disposable cup
  6. Disposable gloves
  7. Something to put in your resin (I'm using glitter, but you can also use dyes, charms and flowers)
  8. Straw
  9. Magnet (optional)
  10. Glue gun (optional)

STEP 1: Getting Ready

Wash your silicon molds out using water, and leave the water in the washing basin. (For cleaning up) Silicon is a material that can gather a lot of dust and other particles, so you'll need to wash it before you use it.

Leave the molds on a napkin/tissue paper to dry.

Meanwhile, place newspaper on your working table, which should be in a ventilated place.

STEP 2: Mix Your Resin

Wear your gloves, and using different syringes, measure out the amount that you need, and make sure it's EXACT. Mix your resin in the cup with the popsicle stick. Remember to read the instructions on the label CAREFULLY, because different brands have different mixing instructions. Also, you can't look at it and think: close enough, whatever... It has to be exact, or else it's going to be either too watery, or, it won't set.

*cough* Totally didn't make this mistake *cough*

If you're using dyes to colour your resin, drip it in according to what it says in the instructions. If you're thinking of using food colouring, don't. It's like oil in water. My favorite dye to use is India ink, but if you don't have it, acrylic or poster paints are okay, as long as you mix it long enough.

I'm going to be using glitter today, because it's Christmas. I don't care if it's not a valid excuse.

If you're going to use glitter like me, you have to mix in A LOT. All the glitter sinks to the bottom and the top will be completely clear.

STEP 3: Placing in Mould

Using your popsicle stick, scrape your resin into the molds.

Keep in mind that the meniscus level exists. Translation: Liquids dip in. You will find that both surface tension and meniscus level can be very annoying. The resin will set with either the meniscus level, or with a domed surface. I think that was horrible grammar. I'm sorry...

After it's half set (for me, it's after about 4 hours), you can place your charm on the thickened resin. Making another layer is optional, though.

After it sets, you can place another layer of resin on it, until you're satisfied with the thickness.

STEP 4: Cleaning Up

Carefully move your very watery and easy to spill resin to a dry and safe place where your dog won't be able to reach. Or cat. You do not want your pets to eat it or touch it or do anything to it, or else you'll have to be prepared to cut plastic out of your pet's fur. Or, in worst case scenario, take them to the vet.

Then, throw everything into the wash basin and be prepared to scream in frustration as you find that the resin sticks to everything. I also don't recommend washing out the cup that you mixed the resin in, because it doesn't come off, and ends up looking like you've killed someone, if, in my case, you used something red.

For the syringes, I end up giving up and soaking it overnight in soapy water.

STEP 5: Pop Your Product Out

Pop it out carefully without using anything sharp, because it might scratch your mold.

Just sort of bend it in the middle of the back.

STEP 6: Optional Part: Stick a Magnet!

Using a hot glue gun, I stuck some magnets onto the back of some of my products.

STEP 7: Stick It on a Fridge

You can also use these lovely magnets or paper weights as stocking stuffers.

Another option is to stick them on a popsicle stick or a paperclip to use as bookmarks, or maybe on ring or earring blanks.

Happy making!

25 Comments

BigSmiler 3 months ago

You never mentioned MOLD RELEASE. That is scary. Did you assume we know to do that? Many other websites about epoxy in silicone molds insist it is necessary. However, none of them say which type to use. I know from past experience with NON-silicone molds that some mold releases will only bead up and cover the mold with dots of protection, letting everything else bond to the mold.

BigSmiler 3 months ago

I see you never mentioned MOLD RELEASE-- the thing to stop the hardened resin or epoxy from sticking to the mold. This is my 1st time with a silicone mold so I'm hoping you didn't ASSUME everyone KNOWS to use mold release. I'm jumpy about this because in the past I made Large stuff, like auto body panels AND USED mold release, even silicone mold release, and the final product still got stuck to the point of pieces of mold bonded to the panel and pieces of panel bonded to the mold. The greater experts all said I did everything "right" except the odd factor for me was that it had to be weeks before I could begin the release process. Horrible memories. Truly changed the direction of my life!

Perri-lynnC 1 year ago

How do I fill a mold that has sides to be a 6 hold trinkets.. how do I make it into the tray abd where do I fill it?.

BethR23 8 years ago

Hi, I have been doing epoxy resining for several years professionally. Your tutorial is great. I just wanted to suggest a couple things to make it easier for someone who tries it for the first time. I learned over the years to use clear plastic cups you can throwaway when done. I do many large pieces for artists and have mad a "tent" over my work area so that dust doesn't get stuck during the curing process, also, 90% isopropyl alcohol will remove mixed epoxy when it is still in the liquid state. Hope this helps any beginner.

Mike-G 1 year ago

Beninner here lol but it seems like acetone nailpolish remover also works to remove the resin of course..i ordered some resin didnt know it came with metallic flake, +++ also check the camelion mica powders super cool FX cant wait till they cure!! Totally learning to make some super cool handmade christmas gifts!

Amethyst Star 8 years ago

Thanks for the tips! If I ever come around to write more resin tutorials, I'll be sure to include those tips!

rosalindmatteson 1 year ago

I have a mold of a wolf's head. I would like to add a Christmas light to it. The goal is to make a string of wolf Christmas lights. Can this be done?

Mike-G 1 year ago

Dont quote me but think ive seen it done?..i been thinking about epoxy light projects too..probably leds are best, only thing is you might want more molds since each one is gonna take 24hours to cure/dry.. the only downfall to that i think is epoxy can yellow with the light over time.. as long as you dont use alot of metallic stuff that reflects alot of heat leds would probably work?? Ive seen candle molds sold that picture light strands in them**..

Attemptingtocraft 1 year ago

Just wanted to say that it’s 1am where I am, I’m trying to find ideas for my child’s classmates for the end of the year and came across this blog. It has made my day! Fantastically written and has given me a laugh as you’ve mentioned all the pitfalls that I know I would’ve done otherwise! Thank you for putting this helpful guide together :)

paulakoch01 2 years ago

I wanted to know how high do I pour resin into a mold???. I have a problem with it not going all the way to the top of the mold a or over which then it connects to the other mold...I'm trying to make a domino set for a friend and some of the backs are sunken in...please help.

gizzemo1 2 years ago

Hi, what's the small rubber things for??

Bloody Pru 2 years ago

I read your tutorial and found it to be very helpful. However, in the supplies list, there is "straw" and I have two questions about that. First, what kind of straw? (Drinking? Or like hay?) Second, I may have missed this, but what is it for? (This may answer the first question).
Thanks!

74beginner 3 years ago

Hi. I have molds. What exactly do I need now? Resin, i assume, but what type? Anything else? Thankyou I still have to read your instructions, which I will be doing shortly.

Thankyou very much. Going to print them, too.

gigifratus2 3 years ago

If there is tiny popped bubbles that show up later after you already got them out and checked it 10 more times how do you fix it? I will have like 1 on each thing I make that somehow I miss and it ruins the whole thing. I have a little box of them waiting to get fixed.

caryann31 3 years ago

The instructions for my epoxy resin are in chinese and I don't know what the measurements are to mix the resin. Help please?

Maki3782 4 years ago

Good morning! I have some troubles with my epoxy resin, so I would appriciate to get some advice from you. I am using epoxy resin for coasters. I pour it in silicone made of max mold 30. The last few times I have troubles with some wrinkles on my coasters which happens after 24 hours of drying. I work on room temperature between 22-25°C. I do not use heat gun, only hair dryer sometimes. I am seding you some pics so you can see how that actually looks. I hope you can help me solve my problem. Thank you.

SnowStar87 8 years ago

Sweet! I have some silicone molds at home and I can't wait to make some :)

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