Polycraft Cold Casting Metal Powders - By MB Fibreglass

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on cold casting with metal powders, as demonstrated in the MB Fibreglass video. Cold casting is a technique that allows you to create the appearance of metal in your projects using polyurethane resins and metal powders. This method is ideal for achieving realistic, metallic finishes for art pieces, models, and various crafts.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before starting the cold casting process, ensure you have the following materials ready:

• Polycraft FC100 Fast Cast Polyurethane
• Metal powders (available from MB Fibreglass)
• Mixing cups (600ml)
• Mixing sticks
• Protective gear (gloves, mask, goggles)

Tip: Always work in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate safety equipment.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Set up a clean and organized workspace to minimize contamination and facilitate the casting process:

• Clear off any clutter from your workbench.
• Cover the surface with a protective layer (e.g., plastic sheet).
• Keep all your tools and materials within reach.

Common Pitfall: Avoid working on surfaces that can be easily damaged by spills or resin.

Step 3: Mix the Resin and Metal Powder

Follow these steps to mix your resin with the metal powder:

1. Measure out the required amount of Polycraft FC100 resin. Refer to the product guidelines for mixing ratios.
2. In a mixing cup, add the corresponding amount of metal powder to the resin.
3. Use a mixing stick to combine the resin and metal powder thoroughly until you achieve a uniform mixture.

Practical Tip: Adjust the amount of metal powder based on the desired metallic effect. More powder can enhance the metallic look.

Step 4: Pour the Mixture into the Mold

Once your mixture is ready, proceed to pour it into the mold:

1. Ensure your mold is clean and dry.
2. Slowly pour the resin-metal mixture into the mold, avoiding bubbles.
3. Tap the mold gently to release any trapped air bubbles.

Real-World Application: This step is crucial for achieving a smooth surface finish.

Step 5: Allow to Cure

After pouring the mixture, let it cure:

• Follow the curing time specified for Polycraft FC100.
• Ensure the mold is undisturbed during this time to prevent defects.

Tip: Higher temperatures can accelerate curing, but be cautious of overheating.

Step 6: Demold and Finish

Once cured, it's time to demold your casting:

1. Carefully remove the cast piece from the mold.
2. Inspect for any imperfections or rough edges.
3. Use sandpaper or a file to smooth out any rough areas.

Common Pitfall: Be gentle when removing the casting to avoid breaking or damaging it.

Conclusion

Cold casting with metal powders can yield stunning results for your projects. By following these steps—gathering materials, preparing your workspace, mixing resin with metal powder, pouring into molds, allowing to cure, and finishing your pieces—you can create realistic metallic finishes. For more advanced techniques or questions, feel free to reach out to MB Fibreglass or explore their website for additional resources and products. Happy casting!