What is acrylic resin material?

Acrylic resin material is a type of synthetic plaster that is odorless and non-toxic and can be used at home without a mask or gloves. There are also alternatives such as UV resin, depending on the needs of the project.

This type of polymer is mixed with water and poured into molds to create a shaped object. The resulting product is strong, durable, and resistant to water and UV rays. It is often used in various applications, such as wargame scenery, figurines, sculpture, jewelry, prototyping, and other decorative items.

Once dry, it has a hardness similar to porcelain, while being much stronger than traditional plaster.

Which is better, acrylic casting resin or epoxy resin?

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

Acrylic resin material:

• It typically cures faster than transparent epoxy resin. It can be demolded within a few minutes to a day, which can be advantageous when you want to work on several pieces in a shorter time frame.
• In general, it is less durable and more brittle than 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 overly thin pieces. This makes it a good choice for creating miniature terrain or large pieces.
• It is available in white and can be easily dyed or pigmented to achieve specific color effects. This flexibility is advantageous for creating colorful terrain and game pieces.
• It is much less toxic and odorless compared to some types of epoxy resins. This may make it a more comfortable option for indoor use.
• It cannot be transparent.

Epoxy resin:

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

Acrylic resin material is suitable for quick results, medium detail, and color versatility, while the epoxy version 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 to color acrylic resin?

There are three products available for coloring it: liquid pigments, dry pigments, and acrylic paints.

• Liquid pigments are the safest and most recommended option, as they are formulated to mix without altering the cure. To tint the product, simply add a few drops to the mixture. The more drops you add, the more intense the color will be, although it is not recommended that the pigment exceed 2% of the mixture.
• Powder pigments require more attention, as they are more likely to form lumps. Therefore, use moderate amounts and mix thoroughly with the rest of the substance.
• If you want to use acrylics, bear in mind that they contain a water base that can alter the correct liquid ratio for the mixture and prevent proper curing or cause bubbles to form. To ensure a good result, it is advisable to make a small amount of the mixture and check that the product is satisfactory.

Remember that an excessive amount of pigment or liquid colorant could affect the hardness or drying time. Itl should dry in 30 minutes, reaching its maximum cure in 24 hours.

Where to buy acrylic resin material?

Green Stuff World is one of the most highly rated manufacturers and suppliers of acrylic resin material on the market. This product is available in two formats, one 350 grams and the other 700 grams, so customers can choose depending on the amount required for their project. In addition, our catalog has several accessories for this product, such as a mixing cup and a wide variety of silicone molds with which to obtain all kinds of pieces to complement miniatures and create dioramas.

Not only can you purchase it on the official website, but it is also available worldwide through our network of resellers, as well as online on our Etsy and eBay profiles.

This molding material is always available for immediate shipment.

How to increase its the hardness?

This mold filler takes about 30 minutes to set, but needs at least 24 hours to reach its maximum hardness. The normal ratio is 3:1. However, if you increase the amount of resin to 4:1, you will obtain a slightly more resistant piece.

Another way to reinforce these pieces obtained with silicone molds is to apply a thin coat of polyurethane resin with a brush, creating a super-resistant protective layer on the outside of the piece.

How to use liquid acrylic resin?

As mentioned above, the usual way to use it is by mixing three parts acrylic resin material with one part water, which is very quick to do. To ensure that the pieces are perfect, it is necessary to stir the mixture thoroughly and make sure that there are no lumps. Once ready, simply pour it into the desired mold and wait at least 30 minutes for it to dry.

Remember that it is advisable to leave it for at least 24 hours to cure completely and reach its maximum hardness. In addition, the mold must be removed carefully so as not to break the piece. Once out, it can be painted or glued to others to create larger creations such as miniature buildings.

Once the mixing process is complete, store the leftover well so that it does not spoil. To do this, it is recommended to store it in a place away from moisture so that it does not form lumps or start to harden, in a hermetically sealed container in a cool, dry environment. Extreme heat and exposure to UV rays can change its chemical composition, rendering it unusable.

How long does it take to dry?

In general, the drying time is 30 minutes, although this depends on the ambient temperature at the time. It reaches full cure 24 hours after application to molds.

To speed up drying, you can use a domestic oven, although it is always best to let it cure on its own.

Can I carve it?

Yes, it is perfectly possible to carve, sand, or file the pieces using precision tools such as modeling files, fine-grain sandpaper, or a craft knife if you need to remove large imperfections or touch up the shape of the piece. Certain modifications may break it if it is too thin, for example, drilling a hole. Even a hobby hand drill could damage it, so it should be drilled with extreme care.

For tasks of this type, it may be useful to wear a mask and protective goggles to prevent dust from irritating the eyes or reaching the nose, as although it is not toxic, it can cause discomfort.

On the other hand, after making the necessary modifications, a final polish will help improve the appearance of the piece and give the paint a more professional finish. It can also be glazed or varnished, depending on the finish you are looking for.

What is the percentage of shrinkage?

This material does not shrink after drying, so it will keep its shape and size forever, but if there is any excess or burr, it can be removed with a utility knife. Similarly, if the pieces you are working with need to fit together, we strongly recommend using sandpaper to even out and flatten the back of all the pieces obtained from a mold to ensure that they fit together perfectly.

Can you paint resin with acrylic paint?

The best paint for acrylic resin pieces intended to be part of our role-playing games or dioramas will always be the least toxic and the one that gives the best results, which is why acrylic paint is the most commonly used. In fact, any type of paint can be used once the material has dried completely, although it is necessary to ensure that it adheres well and is durable.

• Acrylics (water-based). It is 100% compatible with these resins, has good adhesion, and comes in a wide variety of colors for your designs. It can be used directly or diluted with a little water as long as the product is not too porous.
• Acrylic spray paint (water-based or soft synthetic). It covers surfaces quickly and accurately, making it practical for large, uniform areas or for pieces that only need one color. It is often used as a primer. If the paint is solvent-based, test it first on a piece of product that can be damaged to ensure its effectiveness.
• Latex paint. This can work on decorative pieces that are not subject to heavy use, i.e., without much friction, as they are not very resistant.

After painting the piece, a varnish will help seal the work and make it more durable.

The best paints for acrylic resin material can be found at Green Stuff World, where the catalog of water-based acrylic colors and model paints in general is huge and of the highest quality.

How to remove it from the mold?

Acrylic resins are non-aggressive, so they will not damage silicone molds and are very easy to remove. They do not require any type of mold release agent; the pieces will come out by bending the silicone mold slightly. Make sure they are well cured, otherwise, they will be weak and cracks will form or they will break.

We recommend you take a look at our airbrushes.