Ethan Clarke
Insect and arthropod specimens set in clear resin are a valuable tool for teaching entomology. A team at Texas A&M University has developed an efficient, cost-effective process for resin casting and shared the instructions with the entomological community. The process involves first calculating the amount of resin and catalyst required, then pouring the mixture into moulds. After waiting for the surface to become tacky, the insect is placed upside down and covered with a second layer of resin. A third and final layer is poured to completely cover the insect. This method can be used to create paperweights or preserve insects, such as a dragonfly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Preservation |
| Specimen | Insects and arthropods |
| Materials | Resin, catalyst, moulds |
| Process | Calculate resin-catalyst ratio, pour resin into mould, wait until surface is tacky, place insect, pour second layer of resin, pour third layer of resin |
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What You'll Learn
Using resin to preserve insects
Preserving insects in resin is a great DIY project and a cool way to display insects. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to preserve insects using resin:
Firstly, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area as you do not want to inhale resin fumes. Sanitize the insect in alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl, for at least 5-10 minutes and allow it to dry.
Next, prepare your resin mixture. You will need a resin base and a catalyst hardener. Follow the specific mixing instructions on the resin package. Typically, you will need to slowly stir together the resin and catalyst in a disposable container, such as a clear plastic cup. Avoid using styrofoam or plastic containers as they may react with the resin. Pour the resin base into the cup, add the required number of drops of catalyst, and stir slowly and thoroughly for about a minute.
Now you are ready to begin the casting process. Pour a layer of resin into your chosen mould. Silicone moulds are a good option as the hardened resin can be easily removed, and they create a smooth finish. Allow the resin to set for about 30 minutes until it becomes tacky. Use tweezers to gently place the insect into the mould and cover it with another layer of resin. Pour slowly to minimize the number of air bubbles in the resin.
Let the resin set for at least 24 hours before removing it from the mould. The resin should be fully hardened within this time, but it is recommended to wait for a few extra days before handling to ensure the surface is no longer tacky.
And that's it! You have now successfully preserved an insect in resin. You can repeat this process with different insects and explore different mould shapes and sizes to create unique and interesting displays.
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Calculating the ratio of resin to catalyst
To effectively cast insects in resin, you must first calculate the required amount of resin and the corresponding drops of catalyst. The ratio will depend on the type of insect being cast, and the manufacturer's instructions. Each paperweight requires three layers of resin, with the insect set in the centre layer.
To measure the amount of resin needed, pour water a third of the way up the mould, then pour it into a measuring jug to see how many millilitres it is. This will tell you how much resin to pour into your mixing jar.
The number of drops of catalyst to add will depend on the ratio specified in the manufacturer's instructions. For example, a 1:2 ratio of epoxy resin to hardener would require one drop of catalyst for every two drops of resin. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the resin sets enough without becoming too hard and cracking.
Once you have measured out the required amount of resin and added the correct number of drops of catalyst, put on your safety gear, including gloves and safety goggles, and begin mixing the two together. Stir for at least two minutes to ensure the mixture is well combined.
After mixing, pour the resin into your moulds and wait for the surface to become tacky before placing the insect on top. This will prevent the insect from sinking or moving.
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Pouring the resin into moulds
When pouring resin into moulds, there are several important steps to follow. Firstly, it is crucial to prepare your workspace and protect your work surface. Use a plastic cover or a silicone mat, and ensure your area is well-ventilated. Wear gloves to protect your hands, as resin can be toxic.
Next, mix your epoxy resin thoroughly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid overmixing, as this can introduce bubbles into the mixture. The viscosity of the epoxy resin should be such that it flows easily into the mould. Before pouring the resin, apply a release agent, such as a silicone mould release spray, to ensure the cured resin can be easily removed.
Now, slowly pour the resin mixture into your mould, filling it to the desired level. Use a stir stick or toothpick to guide the resin into any corners or intricate details, ensuring there are no trapped air bubbles. If you are creating something deeper than normal, you can pour in layers, applying the next layer before the previous one has fully cured.
Once you have filled your mould, use a heat gun or torch to remove any air bubbles that may have formed. Hold the heat source a few inches away from the surface and move it back and forth to avoid overheating the resin. Allow the resin to cure, following the instructions for your specific resin, and consider covering the mould to keep out dust and debris.
Finally, after the resin has fully cured, gently remove it from the mould by flexing or peeling the mould away. You may need to use a craft knife or scissors to cut away any excess resin that leaked out. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can successfully pour resin into moulds and create beautiful and unique items.
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Placing the insect in the mould
To embed insects in plastic, you will need to follow a few steps. First, calculate the amount of resin you will need for each pour and the number of drops of catalyst to add. The tin's instructions should provide the ratio. You will need three layers of resin for each paperweight. To measure, pour water a third of the way up each mould, then pour it into a measuring jug to determine the millilitres. Next, pour the water into a glass mixing jar and mark the level with a permanent marker. Put on your safety gear, pour the resin into the jar up to the marked level, and add the required number of drops of catalyst. Stir for two minutes to ensure it mixes well.
Now, pour the mixed resin into your moulds. Cover the moulds with something to prevent dust from blowing in. Wait until the surface becomes tacky (around 40 minutes) before placing the insect. This will prevent the insect from sinking or moving. Do not wait too long, or you will see a layer or line in your finished paperweight. Once the surface is tacky, place your insect upside down, keeping in mind that the bottom of the mould will be the top of the finished paperweight.
After placing the insect, mix and pour the second layer of resin. Again, wait until that layer becomes tacky. Finally, mix and pour the third and final layer, completely covering the insect.
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Covering the insect with a final layer of resin
Preserving insects in resin is a valuable tool for teaching entomology and can be a fun activity for kids. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide for covering an insect with a final layer of resin:
Preparing the Resin:
Before you begin, it is important to calculate the amount of resin and catalyst required for each pour. The ratio will be specified in the instructions provided with the resin and catalyst. It is crucial to follow these instructions carefully, adding the exact number of drops of catalyst to ensure the resin sets adequately without becoming too hard and cracking. Utilize a measuring jug to determine the volume of resin needed for your mould, and mark the level in your mixing jar. Put on your safety gear, and then pour the resin into the mixing jar up to the marked level.
Layering the Resin:
After stirring the resin and catalyst mixture for two minutes, pour it into your chosen moulds. Cover the moulds to prevent dust from settling in. Allow the surface to become tacky (usually around 40 minutes) before placing the insect. This step ensures the insect doesn't sink or move. Once the surface is tacky, carefully place the insect upside down, keeping in mind that this will be the top of your finished piece.
Final Layer:
For the final layer, mix and pour the third layer of resin, completely submerging the insect. This layer ensures the insect is securely encapsulated within the resin. It is essential to work swiftly and efficiently to avoid any delays that could cause visible layers or lines in your finished piece.
Additional Tips:
You can experiment with embedding other objects along with the insect. For example, you could try placing a flower beneath a bee, creating a unique and captivating display. Dried flowers may be a better option due to the heat generated by the resin. This process allows you to create fascinating paperweights or decorative pieces that preserve insects and showcase their intricate details.
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Frequently asked questions
The process involves using resin to encase insects and arthropods. The specimen is placed between layers of resin, which are poured into a mould.
Embedding insects in plastic serves as a preservation method, similar to museum specimens. It also allows for observation of the insect's morphological details, making it a valuable tool for teaching entomology.
The primary materials required are resin, a catalyst, and a mould. Safety gear is also recommended when handling the chemicals.
The ratio of resin to catalyst depends on the volume of the mould and the number of layers desired. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the resin and measure accurately to ensure the resin sets properly without cracking.
