Resin stage for beginners [extremely simplified!]

[RedRanger]

Hi beginners!!
This is a very simple guide for resining your models for the first time, tried to simplify this as much as possible for anyone struggling with the current tutorials

YOU WILL NEED:
-Disposable Gloves
-Disposable mixing stick
-Cheap paintbrush
-Mask (Respirator) to be worn when using resin
-FIBERGLASS RESIN (in america, can buy at wall-mart.... if in england, can buy at halfords)
-Hardener (often included with the resin, make sure it is before purchase
-Fiberglass (or cheap tissue for anyone looking for cheap option, works quite nicely as well)

STEP ONE:
get all the shiz ready basically... Separate fiberglass (or tissue) into very small amounts. use variety of shapes for efficient use later on... Use small amounts of resin at a time, to reduce wastage. Add hardener to resin (amount normally specified on the resin tin) and mix like A BOSS. Use your disposable gloves, and clothes you dont mind screwing up [Much more experienced users have told me that amount of hardener needed depends on various factors such as temperature, so look into that]
make sure your model is there with you

STEP 2:
apply first layer. I find (depending on size of model) it is good to work in sections just so you dont get overwhelmed Use paint brush to paint on resin (YOU MUST WORK FAST....no pressure) once there is a nice coat of resin, apply fiberglass (or tissue) and make sure to push it into all the nooks and crannies to keep detail and strength. Continue working round until there is one layer everywhere. Repeat for about 3 layers (or until you think its hard enough) and leave to dry.

EXTRA STEPS:
-MAKE SURE: that the model dries in the right shape! the weight of the resin can often warp it... KEEP AN EYE ON THIS.
-DO NOT: let it dry where it might stick to the floor or something use some kind of makeshift stand

oh, and also, if i were you, i would do this to the inside of the model to keep detail on the outside

GOOD LUCK!!!! questions welcome if i missed something

PS. if you found this helpful, please support mine and a friends facebook page dedicated to this hobby and this website https://www.facebook.com/HaloDiyArmor

 

[AI Blue Fox]

I'm a 5 yr vet of the 405th...and this helped me. I have piratically mastered pepakura, but it was resin that stomped any of my builds that got that far, for years I've been working on long unfinished products that were either gonna be vacuum formed or molded or foam. This will actually allow me to go back to the original way of doing it without having to reread all those beginners stickies which i spent multiple days on a long time ago.

 

[RedRanger]

haha cheers! i love it when my tutorials actually help people!! XD

 

[Macattack64]

This stuff has been posted quiet often but it is always good to reiterate safety and the step. Somehow people seem to miss them sometimes! Nicely done!

 

[PigBenis]

doesnt matter how many times it will be postet ( and i think it will be quite often ) but it helps. i knew it already to be honest but if i would have read this some months ago i would have safed a helmet

 

[Shrouded Maribel]

I'm sorry but you're missing a couple dozen things and tips. I don't even know where to start if I did I could just write my own guide. Too simplified for my taste.

 

[PigBenis]

I'm sorry but you're missing a couple dozen things and tips. I don't even know where to start. Too simplified for my taste.

Then just add your opinion .

 

[RedRanger]

thanks for the feedback i'll make sure to cover more if i make another
I just made this as a starting level guide though, so it wasnt meant to be 100% completed ^_^

 

[TheRabbit]

I don't think you should be recommending people not use proper safety equipment, even if you are outside, you should be using a respirator when working with resin. If you can smell it, it can cause serious damage to you. Keep that in mind.

 

[Octorock]

I'm a 5 yr vet of the 405th...and this helped me. I have piratically mastered pepakura,

...
....
Arr... Matey.

 

[misfitjh]

Ok not to pick apart you tut but there are a few things you got wrong. First let me just say I've been working on cars and doing body work for almost 30yrs so I know the product well.

First oops is the fiberglass you should have that cut up before you mix your resin. If your working on a helm then 2 inch by 2 inch squares are good, if your working on a chest peace then cut your fiberglass to fit the contours of the part with some 2 inch by 6 inch strips for the corners and bends.

Second oops is the respirator. YOU NEED ONE NO MATTER WHAT!!! Like one of the others stated if you can smell it it will do damage. DO NOT USE A SURGICAL MASK they are not designed for this kind of work. Your filters should filter out organic fumes and you should have another set for fine particles when you sand or a really good dust mask.

Third oops is mixing the resin DO NOT USE THE AMOUNTS LISTED...the amount of resin you use depends on a number of things, how much resin you plan to use, what the temperature is outside. If you use a little amount of resin on a hot day you want to add less hardener or it will harden to fast. If you use a fare bit of resin(I use the white lid that comes with the resin as a mixing bowl) on a cool day your going to need more hardener or some from of heat to get it to dry. I use about 3/4 of the cap that comes with the smaller cans and about 10 to 15 drops depending on the weather.

Basically what I'm saying is your going to have to experiment with the resin and hardener based on where you live and how much you are using. If anyone needs help or has questions just send me a pm and I'll do my best to answer them as fast and as best as I can.

 

[RedRanger]

thanks for that, i'll edit those in