What is Acrylic resin material?

Acrylic resin is a synthetic, odorless, and non-toxic plaster that can be used at home without a mask or gloves.

This type of polymer will be mixed with water and poured into a mold to create a shaped object. The resulting product is strong, durable, and resistant to water and UV light. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, such as wargame scenery, figures, sculpture, jewelry making, prototyping, and other decorative items.

Once dry they have a hardness similar to porcelain and at the same time much higher than traditional plaster.

Which is better acrylic or epoxy resin?

Both of them are commonly used materials for various casting and molding applications, including creating miniature terrains, scenery, and many other pieces for wargames. Each type has its own set of characteristics and advantages, and the choice between them depends on your specific requirements and preferences. 

Acrylic: 

• It normally cures faster than epoxy resin and can be demolded within a few minutes to a day, which can be advantageous when you want to work on multiple pieces in a shorter timeframe.
• It is generally less durable and more brittle compared to epoxy. It may not withstand rough handling as well and can be prone to cracking or breaking.
• It can also capture fine details but it is not good for tiny or too thin parts. This makes it a good choice for creating miniature terrains or large pieces. 
• It is available in white color and can be easily tinted or pigmented to achieve specific color effects. This flexibility is advantageous for creating colorful terrains and game pieces.
• It is much less toxic and has no odor compared to some types of epoxy. This can make it a more comfortable choice for indoor use.
• It cannot be transparent.

Epoxy: 

• It has a longer curing time, often requiring 24 to 48 hours or more before it can be safely demolded. This longer curing time can be a drawback if you need quick results.
• It offers excellent strength and durability. It is less likely to break or shatter, making it a better choice for wargame pieces that may undergo regular use and handling.
• It can also capture fine details and it can be transparent. It is often used when durability and strength are prioritized over absolute clarity.
• It is available in various formulations, including those with added pigments or dyes. However, it may have a somewhat limited color selection compared to water-based acrylic.
• They can produce strong fumes and require good ventilation or a respirator when working with them. Always follow safety guidelines when using epoxy.

The acrylic one is suitable for quick results, medium details, and color versatility, while the epoxy one excels in terms of strength, durability, and overall performance in demanding applications. Consider your project requirements, curing time preferences, and desired characteristics when making your selection.

How can I color acrylic resin material?

Simply add a few drops of acrylic paint or earth pigment during processing.

If too much pigment or liquid dye is added, it may affect the hardness or its drying time.

Where to buy Acrylic Resin material?

You can buy it in 2 formats 350 and 700 grams on the official website of the manufacturer Green Stuff World.

This material for molds is always available for immediate delivery.

How to increase the hardness?

This molding material takes about 30 minutes to set, but it needs at least 24 hours to reach its maximum hardness.

The normal ratio is 3:1, but if we increase the amount of resin by 4:1 we will obtain pieces that are a little more resistant.

Another way to reinforce these pieces obtained with silicone molds would be to apply a thin layer of polyurethane resin with a brush to create super-resistant protection on the outside of the piece.

¿How to use it?

How long does it take to dry?

It has a drying time of 30 minutes depending on the ambient temperature, reaching its total drying time 24 hours after its application.

A domestic oven could be used to speed up the drying time.

Can I carve it

Yes, it is perfectly possible to carve the pieces with a modeling hobby knife.

If the piece is very thin, an attempt to make a hole, for example with a modeling drill, could break the piece. This should be done with great care.

What is the shrinkage rate?

This material has no shrinkage whatsoever, so once you have removed the piece from the mold, it will not shrink and will keep its shape and size forever.

If any excess or burrs are generated, they can be removed with a modeling cutter.

If the pieces you are working with are elements that must fit with other pieces, it is highly recommended to use sandpaper to even and flatten completely the back of all the pieces obtained from the mold. In this way, all the pieces will fit together.

What is the best paint to paint with?

Acrylic paint is undoubtedly the best and most recommended type of paint for painting this type of molding material.

You can use any type of paint, once the material has dried completely, but the best will always be the least toxic.

Green Stuff World hobby paints are especially good for this purpose because of their excellent gripping properties.

How to demould synthetic resin?

As a non-aggressive type of resin, it does not damage silicone molds and is very easy to de-mold without using any demoulding agents. Simply bend the silicone mold a little to remove the part. Parts that are not fully cured may have a point of weakness and could create a break in the part.

We recommend that you take a look at our airbrushes.