How to Make Resin Badges
- 1). Find a mold for the badge style you want to make, or create your own using liquid latex. To do so, sculpt the badge design in a water-based clay, then paint liquid latex directly onto the clay. Once the latex has dried, pull it away from the clay.
- 2). Coat the inside of the mold with a spray can of mold release agent, which will prevent the resin from adhering permanently to the mold.
- 3). Suit up for some serious resin work. Put on a vapor respirator to protect yourself from fumes. Wear latex gloves, long-sleeved clothes and safety goggles to protect your skin and eyes from resin contamination. Bring your supplies outdoors or into a well-ventilated workroom.
- 4). Fill a plastic cup with laminating resin and add the catalyst. Check your product's packaging for brand-specific ratios, or use the chart in the Resources section to determine your own ratio. Stir with the plastic spoon until well mixed.
- 5). Fill the mold with resin and leave it for at least 48 hours.
- 6). Open the mold once the resin has dried and pull out the badge. It will feel like a hard chunk of plastic.
- 7). Put your safety goggles back on and wear a particle respirator. Sand down the surface of the badge until it is as smooth as you like.
- 8). Polish the badge with auto wax or paint it as desired.
- 9). Hot glue a pin back onto the back side of the badge. Be careful not to melt the resin.
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