Resin Encapsulation and Latex
Week 13
What is the technique?
Resin Encapsulation
Resin is a composite blend, which is rotationally molded into strong and pliable products that can mimic the look of stone and metal materials at a more affordable cost and a fraction of the weight. As compared to plastic, resin is designed and manufactured to withstand all kinds of wear and tear, weather and abuse.
Latex
A latex is a colloidal suspension of very small polymer particles in water and is used to make rubber.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique?
Resin Encapsulation
- Mould
- Liquid resin
- Objects to encapsulate (leaves, beads, insects, fabric etc.)
- Wax spray
Latex
- Mould
- Liquid latex
- Colours (acrylic paint)
- Wax spray
How to achieve the technique?
Resin Encapsulation
- Prepare the resin
- Wax the mould
- Place the objects to encapsulate into the mould
- Pour the resin into the mould in parts and adjust the encapsulated objects as desired
- Wait for the resin to dry before peeling off the mould
Latex
- Prepare the latex
- Wax the mould
- Pour the latex into the mould
- Wait for the latex to dry before peeling off the mould
What are the uses and applications of the technique?
Resin Encapsulation
- Screens
- Lamp shade
- Dental implants
- Toys
- Jewelry
Latex
- Rubber gloves
- Medical equipment
- Special effect makeup
- Garments
- Moulds
Photo
Examples of Resin Encapsulation
Examples of Latex
Waxing Mould
Mixing Resin
Waiting for Resin to Dry
Final Product
Mixing Latex
Reflection
What I learnt from this attempt is that resin encapsulation is really spontaneous and possibly unpredictable. I did not expect the resin to turn so yellowish when it dried which caused the objects I wanted to encapsulate to not be as visible as I would expect. Also, I have a love-hate with result of sanding down the resin as it gives a matt effect so the “clear” effect is gone. None the less, I still find the mix of protruding objects and the encapsulation the best results.
On the other hand, l did not enjoy doing latex because the mixture just turns out too sticky and thick to put in any mould the it never really dries up to a defined mould.