How to Make Resin Statues

Resin is a popular material for creating copies of dolls, toys and other figures. The process is done by making a mold of the statue design, then casting the negative image left in the mold with resin. For this kind of project, polyester casting resin is used, since it leaves a smoother surface than the laminating resin used in fiberglass work.

Instructions

1. Choose a model figure or found object that you would like to make copies from. Make sure that the figure is made from a solid, non-porous material like plastic or stone, or an art material like clay.

2. Create a molding box for your model figure out of Legos and modeling clay. Build a square of Legos 1/- inch longer and wider than your statue, and tall enough to give the figure a clearance of 1/4-inch on the top and bottom. Roll out a flat piece of modeling clay to use as the bottom.

3. Mix together half of your silicone RTV rubber with its catalyst, following the directions on the packaging. Pour the silicone rubber into the molding box until it is filled halfway, then press the figure into the rubber. Press several wooden craft balls around the figure. Let the silicone rubber cure overnight. Remove the wooden craft balls and pour another batch of rubber over the figure, filling the mold. Let the mold cure overnight again.

4. Pull the molding box apart and remove the figure. You should have a negative impression of the figure on both sides of the mold, along with the round depressions that fit together. Strap the mold together with rubber bands, and cut a hole in the bottom of the mold with a razor blade, so that you can see the cavity inside.

5. Mix up the casting resin with its catalyst, following the instructions on the packaging. Pour the resin into the hole in the mold, slowly, so that you do not create air bubbles. Fill the entire mold, then let the resin cure for five hours.

6. Remove the rubber bands from the mold, separate the mold halves, and then remove the new resin figure. If desired, sand the resin smooth. Hold the statue underwater while sanding, so that the toxic resin dust does not reach the air. Paint or finish the figure as necessary.