How to Use Resin to Photo Etch
- 1). Capture the image via computer scanner. Since this project requires premium printer paper, rather than photograph paper, the desired image is captured using a scanner. Scan the image into your computer, and save the picture as an image file, such as: .jpg, .gif, .png, or .bmp.
- 2). Edit the image in photo editor software application. If there are any changes needed for the image, use a standard image editor application like: MS Paint, Corel Draw, Photoshop, or any other program designed to aid in image manipulation. Open the file and make any needed changes or add desired text to the image. You can also create a special border by surrounding the image with a shape like a heart, oval, triangle, square, or whatever other shape you want your resin casting to be. When you are satisfied with the image, resave the altered copy.
- 3). Print out reversed image. The image must be reversed before it is printed. The settings of many printers actually offer this option, but in any case the photo editor will be able to handle this task with the click of a button. Using the "Reverse" feature (may be called: flip, mirror, or reflect) in the photo editor drop-down menu (usually under the "Edit" category). Once the image is reversed, save the image once more and print in a color inkjet printer with premium printer paper (non-glossy).
- 4). Build a clay border around the image. To contain the liquefied resin, it is necessary to build a border around your image that will properly contain the liquid plastic solution. Using clay, build a border around the picture to contain the resin. Make sure that the border is the proper height to create the desired thickness once the resin is cast. If you made a special border in your image editor, use it as your guide for the clay border.
- 5). Mix and pour the epoxy resin evenly over your image. Mix the epoxy resin, explicitly following the instructions issued with the resin you have selected. Once the epoxy is ready, pour the epoxy over the image until it reaches the desired height within the clay border. The epoxy will actually absorb the image into the surface layer of the plastic as the resin sets.
- 6). Remove paper from the hardened plastic. After the epoxy is dried and completely solid, remove as much or the paper from the hardened plastic as possible without scraping or damaging the surface of the casting. Next, soak the casting in water with about five dish detergent drops in it. After an hour of soaking, rub the remaining paper from the casting, revealing your embedded image.
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