Hey, creative community! 💕 We’ve been absolutely LOVING seeing more and more of you diving into resin casting with our IOD moulds—especially with our latest Tapers and Bibelots moulds. These beauties are perfect for creating double-sided ornaments and all kinds of gorgeous resin projects. Seriously, you all are so inspiring! 😍

That said, we’ve noticed a little trend: with more people than ever using resin, we’re getting more questions and concerns about mould damage when using resin. And trust us, we get it. When you’re putting your heart into a project, the last thing you want is for your moulds to get damaged. But here’s the good news: most of these issues aren’t the fault of the moulds themselves (phew!). In fact, it often comes down to the resin and how it’s being used, and damage is preventable with certain precautions!

Please Note: Our materials and manufacturing process are exactly the same as always. Nothing has changed with our moulds in this recent release.

Resin casting is a chemical process**, and it needs a little extra TLC. Things like expired resin, not-so-exact mixing ratios, or skipping mould release can all cause problems—like your resin not curing properly or even damaging your precious moulds.

But don’t worry. In this post, we will walk you through some of the most common resin-related hiccups and share tips to help you get the best results while keeping your IOD moulds in tip-top shape. These tips will help protect your moulds and keep those castings looking great. 🙌 Let’s dive in!

Using a Mould Release Agent: Protect Your Moulds and Ensure Smooth Demoulding

A mould release agent is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your IOD moulds when working with resin. It acts as a protective barrier between the resin and the mould, ensuring smooth demoulding and preventing the resin from sticking (and potentially tearing your mould, this is the issue we are seeing).

We spoke with the team at Alumilite, a leader in the resin industry, and they strongly recommend using a mould release agent when casting with resin. This ensures smooth demoulding and extends the life of your moulds—especially with intricate designs like ours.

Why You Should Always Use Mould Release:

• Smooth demoulding – It helps release your resin casts easily, minimizing stress on the mould.
• Mould protection – It creates a protective layer that prevents resin from sticking to the mould’s surface, reducing the risk of tearing or damage.

Recommendations: Following Alumilite’s advice, we recommend using a high-quality silicone-based mould release agent with IOD moulds. Apply a light, even coat before pouring your resin for maximum protection and easier demoulding.

Incorrect Resin-to-Hardener Ratios: Why Precision Matters

When it comes to resin casting, precision is key. Even small deviations in your resin-to-hardener ratio can lead to serious problems—like improper curing. If the mixture isn’t spot-on, your resin may not harden correctly, leaving it sticky or soft. Worse yet, the improperly cured resin can stick to your moulds, causing damage when you try to demould. 😖

How to Avoid Ratio Issues:

• Use precise measuring tools – Don’t just eyeball it! Always use proper measuring cups and follow the resin manufacturer's recommended ratio exactly.
• Mix carefully – Once your ratios are perfect, give your resin a thorough mix, scraping the sides and bottom of the container to ensure it’s fully combined.

Getting the ratio right is one of the easiest ways to protect your IOD moulds and achieve beautifully cured castings every time.

Expired Resin: How It Affects Your Casting and Moulds

Another common culprit behind resin issues is expired resin. Resin has a shelf life, and using it past the expiration date can cause incomplete curing—meaning your cast might come out sticky, soft, not set at all, or cause damage to your moulds. 😬

How to Avoid Expired Resin Issues:

• Check the expiration date – Always ensure your resin is fresh before starting a project. Expired resin can lead to frustrating curing problems.
• Store it properly – Keep your resin in a cool, dry place and tightly sealed to extend its shelf life.

Using fresh resin will help protect your moulds from damage.

So Many Resin Brands, So Choose Wisely!

With the rise in popularity of resin crafting, there are more resin brands on the market than ever before. While having more options is exciting, it’s important to use reputable brands known for their quality and performance.

One of our favorites is Alumilite Amazing Cast Resin, which we have used for years.

Do Not Use Open Flames or Heat Guns

While it might be tempting to use an open flame (like a lighter or torch) to pop bubbles in your resin, this is a no, no! We strongly advise against it. Resin is a chemical product, and using an open flame can produce harmful fumes, cause uneven curing, or even ignite the resin in extreme cases. 🔥 Plus, the intense heat from the flame is likely to damage your IOD moulds.

The same is true of heat guns; do not use them with your resin and IOD moulds.

Instead, opt for safer methods, like letting the resin sit for a few minutes to allow bubbles to rise and pop naturally. Some members of our creative community also recommend lightly spritzing the surface with alcohol to help release bubbles. There are also products made for this. By using these safe methods, you’ll protect both your moulds and your workspace!

Not Ready to Dive into Resin? Try Our Air Dry Clay!

If you’re feeling nervous about working with resin, don’t worry—you have options! Our IOD Air Dry Clay is a fantastic alternative for creating beautifully detailed pieces with your IOD moulds. It’s super easy to use, doesn’t require mixing, and you can start crafting right away. Plus, the clay dries naturally, making it perfect for everything from DIY home decor to furniture embellishments.

So, if you’re looking for a no-fuss, beginner-friendly medium, try our air-dry clay—it’s a favorite for good reason! 💕

Protect Your Moulds and Create with Confidence

We hope these tips help you get the best possible results when using resin with your IOD moulds. By taking a few simple precautions—like using fresh resin, measuring carefully, and always applying a mould release agent—you’ll keep your moulds in great condition.

The Facebook Creative Tribe is the perfect place to share tips, ask questions, and get inspiration from fellow makers. For specific issues related to product damage or troubleshooting, feel free to contact us directly through our contact form. We’re always here to help you get back to creating with confidence!

Happy crafting, friends! 🎨💕

** Safety First : When working with resin, following proper safety precautions is important. Wear gloves, use eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from fumes and skin contact. Be sure to follow the specific safety guidelines provided by the resin brand you’re using, as each may have different recommendations.