UPDATED 28/10/2005
Hi all,
I have added photos of a couple of the nepenthes in resin before curing at the bottom.
I am in the process of teaching myself to embed nepenthes, cephalotus, etc... in a clear resin.
The first time i tried with one of my small lowii pitchers and a fly which ended in an abrupt volcanic eruption. I had mixed too much catalyst in the first layer and did not leave enough time for it to cure. I then applied the second layer. The reaction was not instant, however 30 minutes later the resin in the mould began to react and pour over the sides. You can imagine the shock. Hehe. I should have used a venus fly trap leaf and trap. I won't show the pictures as you will be utterly disgusted.
My second attempt was some what amateurish but did result in a good specimen. I am still yet to add the final top layer. Photos as below. I apologise for the photos being large.
Top view
Side view
As you can see in the side view photo. The bottom layer I added the catalyst and allowed the resin to cure for 10hrs (only because I was impatient). It appears that the catalyst has yellowed the resin. The middle layer I applied it without the catalyst and it resulted in a clear finish. I am still in the process of adding the top layer after another 12hrs.
My main concern is how to preserve the color of the pitcher. The reason that during curing time, with or without the catalyst, the resin heats up and shrinks. The heat resulted in the discolouration of the cephalotus pitcher. The procedure suggests to apply the resin in layers to prevent this, however, I am also concerned that the viability of the plant tissue will be compromised if you have to apply the layers 12hrs between each other.
Is there a resin that is slow drying and does not produce heat that resulted in the discolouration? Also one that cures in one go rather than in layers?
Cheers,
C
Hi all,
I have added photos of a couple of the nepenthes in resin before curing at the bottom.
I am in the process of teaching myself to embed nepenthes, cephalotus, etc... in a clear resin.
The first time i tried with one of my small lowii pitchers and a fly which ended in an abrupt volcanic eruption. I had mixed too much catalyst in the first layer and did not leave enough time for it to cure. I then applied the second layer. The reaction was not instant, however 30 minutes later the resin in the mould began to react and pour over the sides. You can imagine the shock. Hehe. I should have used a venus fly trap leaf and trap. I won't show the pictures as you will be utterly disgusted.
My second attempt was some what amateurish but did result in a good specimen. I am still yet to add the final top layer. Photos as below. I apologise for the photos being large.
Top view
Side view
As you can see in the side view photo. The bottom layer I added the catalyst and allowed the resin to cure for 10hrs (only because I was impatient). It appears that the catalyst has yellowed the resin. The middle layer I applied it without the catalyst and it resulted in a clear finish. I am still in the process of adding the top layer after another 12hrs.
My main concern is how to preserve the color of the pitcher. The reason that during curing time, with or without the catalyst, the resin heats up and shrinks. The heat resulted in the discolouration of the cephalotus pitcher. The procedure suggests to apply the resin in layers to prevent this, however, I am also concerned that the viability of the plant tissue will be compromised if you have to apply the layers 12hrs between each other.
Is there a resin that is slow drying and does not produce heat that resulted in the discolouration? Also one that cures in one go rather than in layers?
Cheers,
C