Thread: Resin and dye

West System is a good filler. I use it for small knots and holes. It's slightly yellow but that doesn't bother me too much. It matches in with lighter timbers. As it ages, it darkens to a brown caramel colour. I've used Feast Watson Stain and Ubeaut Dyes. A little of the dye goes a along way.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-rang...45%20-%20%2410

U-Beaut Polishes - NON TOXIC WATER DYES

Two things I've learnt so far from experience:

1.Use a blow torch or heat gun to remove bubbles
2. If mixed in a large quantity, it will start to set quickly and begin to smoke. You are probably better off pouring in small batches or finding an epoxy that will suit pouring large batches.

You can also use casting resin, available from bunnings. Make sure you get the little bottle of catalyst to go with it.
It is pretty well clear, perhaps a slight bluish cast when in a large quantity. It gives you more time to work than the West system.

thanks guys

would like to do something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUAydb62g90

big chunk of coloured resin

how about the "polyester

Polyester Clear Casting Resin. Polyester cast features high clarity.

you guys think it will be suitable? its much cheaper than epoxy. or maybe do polyster inside with a 5mm of epoxy resin at the top

In response to your first post on the West System QWERTYU and the yellow colour this does not apply if you use the 207 hardner. It will set perfectly clear so whatever colour you use will give you a great result and no yellowing.

I looked at using Polyester for casting and was a bit put off by the MKEP which is very dangerous to use, get a little drop in your eye and you're blind. If its just a oncer job stick with the Epoxy, IMHO.
Cheers, Ian

Originally Posted by qwertyu

thanks guys

would like to do something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUAydb62g90

big chunk of coloured resin

how about the "polyester

Polyester Clear Casting Resin. Polyester cast features high clarity.

you guys think it will be suitable? its much cheaper than epoxy. or maybe do polyster inside with a 5mm of epoxy resin at the top

Yes, that's the type of casting resin I was referring to. Bunnings have the same type of stuff, different brand, cheaper. Like all these things, you need to be careful - vinyl gloves, well ventilated and safety glasses, but otherwise no problems. You need to do large amounts in layers, but that's the case with all these things.

Originally Posted by AlexS

Yes, that's the type of casting resin I was referring to. Bunnings have the same type of stuff, different brand, cheaper. Like all these things, you need to be careful - vinyl gloves, well ventilated and safety glasses, but otherwise no problems. You need to do large amounts in layers, but that's the case with all these things.

Awesome thanks. Is nitrile gloves ok? and you can use a flame to get rid of bubbles too? Lastly, does epoxy resin stick to it - i might go for polyester bulk fill and expoxy at the top of durability

I'm not sure if nitrile gloves are OK, different materials respond in different ways to polyurethane, epoxy etc. You can use a flame to bring up the bubbles - you can also use a hot air gun - my preference. I don't know for sure if epoxy sticks to it, but I'd guess it does.