With epoxy resin, you can create a solid and durable layer around insects. This way, you protect the embedded insects from unwanted damage and prevent their degradation. Such treated insects are very popular as educational aids or even decorations.
What you will need for production
Silicone mold
Epoxy resin
Decorative materials
Consumables
Scale
Well-dried insects
Production process
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Prepare the mold on a flat, covered surface and use adhesive tape to remove any dust or dirt. Level the surface ideally with the help of a spirit level. If the surface is not perfectly level, the resin will flow to one side.
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Mix the required amount of resin and hardener. For embedding insects, we most often use resin Fluid, iCrystal, Glass, or 5-five. These resins are chosen because they have high UV stability and therefore remain clear for many years without yellowing. They are very suitable for transparent products.
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Always mix the resin according to the mixing ratio specified on its packaging and weigh both components on a digital scale with gram accuracy. Remember to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from contact with the resin or its fumes. Thoroughly mix both components from the bottom and scrape them from the sides of the cup (about 3-4 minutes), then transfer the mixed resin to a new cup and repeat the mixing. This eliminates poorly mixed areas that may not cure properly.
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The insects must be very well dried. Depending on their size, we recommend drying for 3-5 weeks. You can dry insects in silica gel to save several weeks of drying.
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Before embedding, we recommend coating the insects with a thin layer of resin or treating them with this penetration. This prevents not only the release of air into the resin but also avoids air trapping on the hairs, which are often found on insect legs. This also strengthens the insects, making them easier to handle in the mold.
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You will likely be pouring the resin in layers. Since insects are not heavy and contain a lot of air, they will float. This needs to be accounted for in the subsequent process.
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You can embellish the first layer with various decorations, such as flowers, shells, stones or other ornaments and place the insects in this layer so that the resin will hold them after the first layer cures and prevent them from floating up during the pouring of the second layer.
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Do not delay processing the mixed resin - the resin is often in a higher column in the cup than the recommended maximum pour height, so it works faster and may cure quickly in the cup.
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Next, pour the second layer. You can do this after the first layer has fully or partially cured. If you pour the second layer during the gelation phase, the transition between layers will be less visible or completely invisible. However, this method risks the insects from the first layer becoming dislodged and floating up. Therefore, be prepared to regularly monitor the casting during curing and push down the insects with a spatula if necessary.
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After pouring into the mold, remove surface bubbles using a lighter. Never hold the flame over the resin too long; just pass it over the bubbles. If you hold the flame too long on the mold's surface, the resin may burn onto the mold, damaging both the mold and the product. Never pass the flame over the insects to avoid burning them.
Remove bubbles underneath the mold using a toothpick, and also check the mold's corners where bubbles may accumulate. -
Cover the product to prevent dust from falling into it and let it cure. You can cover the mold with a plastic box or place cups around the mold and lay cardboard on top.
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