Omar Khalid
Resin is a versatile material that can be used on a variety of surfaces, but it's important to know which materials it doesn't adhere to. Some plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and Teflon, are known to resist bonding with resin. Additionally, epoxy resin may not stick well to certain types of plastic bags, silicone, and non-porous surfaces. However, it's worth noting that the list of materials resin won't stick to is extensive and includes items like glass, plexiglass, and specific types of metals. Artists and crafters can utilise this knowledge to create unique pieces, ensuring that their projects are successful and long-lasting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic | Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polycarbonate, and Plexiglass |
| Other | Silicone, Teflon, Nylon, Mylar, and Water-repellent materials |
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Polyethylene plastic
Polyethylene, or polythene, is a type of plastic that resin does not stick to. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, and containers, including bottles, cups, and jars). Polyethylene is also used in automotive parts, surface coatings, and carpet backing. It is the most commonly produced plastic, with over 100 million tons produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market.
Polyethylene has a high melting point, typically around 110 °C (230 °F) for LDPE and 120 °C (250 °F) for HDPE. It is a versatile material, available in both low-density (LDPE) and high-density (HDPE) forms, each with unique properties and applications. LDPE is known for its flexibility, softness, and resistance to moisture, while HDPE is valued for its excellent chemical resistance, impact strength, and stiffness.
The structure of polyethylene contributes to its unique properties. LDPE has a branched molecular structure, preventing the polymer chains from packing closely together, resulting in a flexible material. On the other hand, HDPE has a linear backbone with minimal branching, allowing the polymer chains to pack closely, leading to a dense and highly crystalline material with high strength and stiffness.
Despite its widespread use, polyethylene poses challenges for waste management due to its non-biodegradability and long-term environmental impact. However, polyethylene can be recycled and reused in various products, such as containers, piping, and clothing. Additionally, it has been discovered that certain organisms, such as the Indian mealmoth larvae, can metabolize polyethylene, potentially offering a natural way to degrade this type of plastic.
In summary, polyethylene plastic is a versatile and commonly used material that resin does not adhere to. Its unique structure and properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from packaging to automotive parts. However, its proper recycling and disposal are essential to minimize its environmental footprint.
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Silicone
The combination of low surface energy, chemical inertness, and smooth texture makes silicone ideal for molds and release agents in resin casting. Resin artists can use silicone mixing jugs to mix resin, then leave any resin mix to cure in these jugs, fold them out, and wipe off any excess resin.
Additionally, freezer paper, which has a polyethylene (plastic) coating on one side, can be used as a non-stick surface for resin. The plastic-coated side of freezer paper remains non-stick due to its non-porous, low surface energy barrier, making it suitable for protecting surfaces during resin work.
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Plastic cups, bowls, and Tupperware
When using plastic cups as moulds, it is crucial to consider the volume of epoxy resin required, the proportions and design of the final piece, and the ease of the demoulding process. Cups with tapered sides or flexible material can make removing the cured resin easier. Additionally, the quality of the plastic cups is important to prevent deformities or breakage during resin pouring or curing.
Plastic bowls can also be used as moulds for epoxy resin. One technique involves using a glass jar placed inside a plastic bowl and then pouring the resin over it. This creates a free-form bowl shape without the resin sticking to the jar.
While plastic cups and bowls can be used as moulds, it is important to note that epoxy resin does not bond well with certain types of plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). If you are unsure whether epoxy resin will bond with a specific type of plastic, it is recommended to test a small amount first.
Regarding Tupperware, there are discussions about using it as a mould for casting objects in epoxy resin. However, the focus of these discussions is on safety concerns related to resin fumes rather than the bonding capabilities of resin with Tupperware plastic.
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Glass
Resin is often used on smaller glass items, such as glassware, wine glasses, and dishes, with no issues. However, these items are not dishwasher-safe or microwave-safe and need to be washed by hand. Resin is also commonly used as an adhesive for glass tiles and to cover mosaic tables.
To use resin on glass, it is recommended to lightly sand the edges and the area where the resin will be applied to give it a better grip. If this is not done, the resin may separate from the glass. Artists using glass for their resin art should be aware that resin may expand and contract differently when exposed to extreme temperature changes.
Overall, while resin can bond to glass, the potential for cracking or breaking due to temperature changes is a significant consideration.
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Metal
Resin tends to stick to many surfaces due to the chemical bonds it forms. However, it does not typically stick well to pure metals because they are very smooth and non-porous, providing little surface area for resin to adhere to. Pure metals often have a naturally occurring oxide layer on their surface that acts as a barrier, preventing resin from making a strong bond. However, Craft Resin's epoxy resin will adhere to aluminium and work well on a number of different metals with some surface preparation, such as sanding the top metal layer.
Resin will not stick to wax, and it can be pulled off afterward. This property is useful if you want to create a void in your resin charm or casting. You can pour the resin around the wax and let it cure before pulling the wax away. Nevertheless, be cautious as a fast-curing resin can melt the wax and create a mess.
Resin also does not bond to Teflon (PTFE), polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or Mylar. It bonds poorly to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, and polycarbonate plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Resin does not stick to polyethylene plastic, which is commonly used in resin molds. Other types of plastic that resin does not stick to include polypropylene, Teflon, nylon, and Mylar.
Resin does not stick to silicone, making it a useful material for mixing and pouring resin. Resin also does not stick to the non-sticky side of shiny tape, ceramic tiles, and plexiglass.
The factors that affect whether resin will stick to a material include the material's finish, porosity, and water repellency. For example, materials that repel water will prevent epoxy resin from sticking.
To prevent resin from sticking to your work surface, cover the area with plastic sheeting or a waxed melamine board. You can also apply automotive paste wax to create a non-stick surface.
Resin can be used on glass, but it is not recommended due to potential issues caused by differences in expansion and contraction between the two materials. Small glass items, such as wine glasses, decorated with resin seem to have no issues.
