Casting photo in epoxy
Have you printed a beautiful photo and do you want to protect it from scratches and weather influences? Then cast the photo in epoxy resin. After reading this fun DIY you will know exactly how to process a photo in epoxy.
Can you cast a photo in epoxy?
Yes, you can. To make a photo with epoxy, you need casting resin. Photo projects usually only require a small amount of epoxy. It is important to choose a high-quality transparent epoxy. The surface is quite small and you want to see the photo in the epoxy as well as possible. With our art epoxy, this is a fairly easy job.
How do you cast a photo in epoxy?
1. The photo
Print the photo on high-quality photo paper for the best result. Glossy photo paper works very well. You can also have photos printed online in high quality on beautiful glossy paper.
2. Laminate the photo before casting
Epoxy casting resin can damage photos by staining, fading or discolouring. You can prevent this by always laminating the photo. Laminating the photo also makes the photo stronger and less vulnerable to wrinkles, tears and other damage during the casting of the epoxy resin. The following is important:
- Allow the laminator to warm up properly: this usually takes a few minutes.
- Make sure to leave a margin of film on all sides of the photo. This is important for sealing the edges.
- The closed side of the laminating foil always enters the machine first.
- Make sure that the foil has no wrinkles and that no air bubbles can form.
The difference between a laminated or non-laminated photo
If you choose to print a photo yourself and not laminate it beforehand, this can have major consequences for the end result. It can even be the case that the photo fades away completely and you only see the paper. Our experts are therefore happy to show you the difference.
3. Cooling down
When laminating a photo, heat is released. Therefore, always let the photo lie down for a while so that it can cool down.
4. Finishing / cutting
Trim off any excess edges of the film using scissors or a cutting machine. Leave a narrow edge of film around the photo to ensure the seal remains intact.
5. Pour photo into epoxy
For the best result, our experts advise to process the photo between two layers of epoxy . First pour a layer, possibly with color pigments , into the silicone mold. Then let the epoxy harden for a few hours.
For this step you do not have to let the epoxy harden completely (12 hours). After a few hours the epoxy will have become thick and viscous. Now you can put the photo in the right place. This also prevents the photo from floating later.
Once the epoxy has completely hardened, you can pour the final layer of clear epoxy over the photo.
Prevent air bubbles
When pouring a photo in epoxy, air bubbles can form. After stirring the epoxy, let it sit for a moment. In the meantime, any air bubbles will rise to the surface. Then remove the air bubbles with the Bubble Blaster or a heat tool such as a mini gas burner . The Bubble Blaster spray is ideal for effectively and quickly removing air bubbles from your casting. The gas burner has the same effect. Be careful that the flame does not touch the edges of the silicone mold.
Prevent yellowing
Epoxy can yellow in the long term due to exposure to UV radiation. Fortunately, epoxy from itsOkay is of high quality and resistant to UV. However, if your epoxy artwork comes into direct contact with sunlight, there is still a chance of yellowing. With a UV blocker for epoxy, you can prevent yellowing due to UV radiation. That is why we recommend using a UV Blocker for the best result in the long term.
More information?
Do you have questions about making art, jewelry or casting/coating floors or other objects? At itsOkay, several epoxy experts work with each their own expertise. We are happy to help you.
Please contact itsOkay customer service or take a look at the Epoxy knowledge center .
