discussion Casting epoxy resin, any good? how to get rid of bubbles?

[pjgtech]

I happened to see something made from clear epoxy resin today, and I wondered if anyone used it at all?

Its the sort that comes as a two pack, eg: resin and a hardener which is then mixed and apparently you build up layers let it set, add another layer, etc until you get the depth you need.

It looked like an ideal candidate for using as deep water, as it seems to set very clear.

But, I did notice some small bubbles, which although small, could be out for scale if used for something very small scale, eg: ships, etc.
Is there a way to get it to set without bubbles?

If its doable I am thinking of using some for a small dio of some sort involving deep water.
Cheers

 

[Andy T]

A few of us have used it, and bubbles do tend to be an issue.

Playing a flame over the surface will pop the ones at the top, just don't set the foliage on fire like John Race did

Very gentle stirring, letting the resin settle and pouring from height are all suggestions for reducing bubbles. John & I have even discussed miniature vacuum chambers to degas the resin, like the ones used in industrial pours.

 

[stillp]

Pouring from height Andy? Won't that introduce more bubbles?
Pete

 

[Andy T]

Apparently not Pete. With height the stream of resin becomes thin, meaning the bubbles are more likely to pop than if they are inside a thick "glug"

It's not something I've tried myself, just one of a few suggestions I saw while trying to combat the problem.

 

[John Race]

Yes Andy's spot on, In trying to flame out the bubble I did set fire to some of the vegetation. As with all resins even those with the " no bubbles " you just need to do the pour and pass a flame over the surface. The bubbles just pop.
Once done it's a matter of covering against dust and leaving to set hard.Just make sure your base is completely sealed. I used still water from Vallejo to seal. Just put a thin layer over the intended area.