The Amazing Clear Cast has a mix ratio of 1:1 by volume. Therefore, use measuring cups with graduations on the side or make your own fill line at the same level on each measuring container. In separate containers, measure out equal amounts of Part A and B. Combine both sides into a large mixing container that has a flat bottom and flat sides to adequately mix resin. Begin mixing resin slowly, ensuring to scrap the sides and bottom. You should also scrap off your stir stick on the lip of the mixing container to dislodge any unmixed resin from the stick.
Continue stirring slowly, not to incorporate any more air into the system as possible. Once all striations have dissolved, mix for another 2-3 minutes to ensure adequate mixing. Note: Failure to mix 1:1 by volume or mix thoroughly will result in tacky/soft spots and/or cause the resin not to cure properly.
The resin is safe to use, however you should always wear gloves and protective glasses when working with it and also make certain that your workspace is ventilated.
Amazing Clear Cast cures in 24-48 hours. Thinner layers will cure more slowly than thicker layers. As a general rule, the warmer the room, the quicker it will cure.
Yes, once the resin is cured, it is fully inert and can be safely used as a food contact surface. Amazing Clear Cast has been approved by the FDA as food safe. When used as directed, cured resin will not leach any substances into food that comes into contact with it.
Prior to pouring your Amazing Clear Cast, thoroughly vacuum the surface and the room where the resin is being applied. Dust in the environment can become air-born and settle onto the surface of the resin. Temperature of the room, surface, and resin will affect how the resin self-levels and ultimately cures. Ideal application temperature is 70-80°F. If resin is cold, place resin bottles with caps tightened into a sink or bucket filled with warm water for 10-20 minutes. Temperature of resin should within the 70-80°F range as well. Protect floors/environment with plastic sheets.
The level of surface prep will depend on the surface being coated. For wood surfaces, we recommend using a sealer such as Mod Podge, which goes on white but dries clear. This seals porosity and reduces the amount of air bubbles that can rise out of surface. If any crevices, knots, or holes exist, they should be pre-filled with Amazing Clear Cast and allowed to cure prior to surface coating. Deep or large crevices may require multiple pours.
A thick coat such as 1/8" thick coating per 1 square foot requires 10 fl oz of volume. This is a good volume estimate to use for your coating project however it does not consider uneven surfaces, edges, absorption, or waste. A thinner coating such as 1/16" will require half the volume per square foot (approximately 5 fl. oz.). Therefore, an approximate coverage of 1 gallon of mixed Amazing Clear Cast is 13 sq.ft. in a 1/8" thickness or 26 sq. ft. for a 2-gallon kit at the same thickness.
Application thicknesses greater than 1/4" in a single pour may shrink, discolor, pull away from surfaces, and/or warp. Where thicker coatings are desired, it is recommended to pour multiple coats. Additional coats can be applied no sooner than 3-4 hours and no longer than 12 hours for optimum adhesion.
If encapsulating photos, Mod Podge should be used to glue photo down during the sealing process and should also be coated over top of picture to prevent bleeding of the photo. Remember Mod Podge dries clear and will not affect the clarity of the picture once coated with Amazing Clear Cast. When encapsulating anything porous, always seal with Mod Pog.
Any light items need to be glued down to prevent them from floating to the surface. If you think it might float, glue it down with super glue or clear hot melt glue.
Note: When pouring Amazing Clear Cast over a surface, any gaps, holes, or crevices will be filled with resin. To prevent using excess resin that will flow into, around, and under these areas, we recommend sealing these up with a clear silicone caulk or clear hot melt that will fill these voids.
Once you have properly mixed Amazing Clear Cast, you are ready to pour. Slowly pour resin onto the surface going from side to side (or in a circular pattern if pouring onto a circular shape). Pour strips of resin close enough so that they will self-level into one another. If you have areas that do not flow together, simply pour more material in area. Continue this process of mixing and pouring until project has been fully coated. For large applications, it is helpful to have one person measuring and mixing while a second person is pouring and keeping an eye on the surface.
Areas of recess or encapsulation should be filled very slowly and poured first. Watch for trapped air bubbles in corners, in the detail of objects, etchings, carvings, or crevices. Ease them out by using a toothpick or other pointed instrument. Do not pour second coat until 3 or 4 hours later.
Note: It is recommended to turn off furnaces/fans/air conditioners as long as possible until product has fully cured. This reduces the amount of dust circulating in the air that can settle onto the surface. This may not be possible in cooler/winter climates as a minimum room temperature of 70°F should be maintained to assist with curing.
As the product self-levels, air bubbles will naturally rise to the surface. Applying a fine mist of isopropyl alcohol over the surface can greatly assist in the removal of air bubbles at or near the surface. This should be done within 1 hour from start of mixing.