Resin is an incredibly difficult medium to work with – and takes months of experimentation to perfect. Tawa and Aroha have spent 3 years learning and experimenting with molding and casting processes specific to resin.
In its liquid form Resin is highly toxic, highly corrosive, and has a high exothermic (heat producing) setting point. The liquid also has a strong and toxic vapour so safety equipment such as masks, goggles, and gloves must be worn at all times.
The corrosive nature of the resin we use means that there are a limited number of materials that can be used as molds to cast with it – so we personally create from scratch, our own (expensive) silicone molds. These molds only withstand a limited number of casts, so must be re-created every 5-10 uses. This means that no one can duplicate what we create buy purchasing an “off the production line” mould.
Resin needs a specific moisture level in the air in order to set properly, and be at its best – so we set this the day before we pour into the moulds. The two part mixture must be exactly measured in small amounts and carefully stirred in order to reduce bubbles. Colour is hand mixed in – so by the very nature of the continually changing molds, and hand measuring and mixing no pieces are exactly alike, and small imperfections are part and parcel of the process.
But it’s STILL not over!!! After pouring, the resin takes 24 hours to set. In colder temperatures it takes even longer. The pieces are de-molded at this point but are still very brittle and fragile, and need to “sit” for another two to three days before they strengthen and can be finished.
Each piece is then ground, hand sanded, the edges rounded and finished, buffed, polished and oiled. A time consuming process – and again toxic as resin powder is harmful to the lungs and safety equipment must be worn.
PHEW!! But is sooooooooo beautiful!! We love the stuff!
Tawa and, Aroha
Aotearoa
