An Epoxy Resin Notebook Is Easier To Make Than You Think
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In this article, we will be exploring the process of creating a beautiful spiral-bound hardcover gilded notebook using epoxy resin. If you've never worked with epoxy resin before, don't worry! It's not as complicated as it may seem. However, there are a few tips and tricks that I want to share with you before we dive into the process.
Table of Contents Show
Supplies
Silicone mold: I'm using an A5 size notebook mold.
Notebook rings: The mold kit, above, comes with rings.
Disposable gloves: Protect your hands from the resin, as it can cause burns.
Disposable cutting board or resin-proof surface: Use this to protect your workspace. Trust me: Things get messy.
Epoxy resin: This comes in two parts - part A (resin) and part B (hardener).
Measuring cup or beaker: Use this to measure equal parts of part A and part B.
Gold foil (optional): If you want to add a touch of elegance to your notebook, you can include gold foil.
Popsicle stick or battery-operated resin mixer (much better!): to thoroughly mix the resin and hardener.
Sanding block: This will help smooth out any rough edges on the resin cover.
Notebook paper: Choose blank or lined paper, depending on your preference. Regardless, make sure the paper is the correct size for your resin mold. I’m using A5-sized paper for my mold.
Safety First
Before we begin, it's important to prioritize safety. While the resin I use is labeled as non-toxic and can, ostensibly, work safely without a respirator, I always wear one just in case. Additionally, I make sure to work in a well-ventilated area by opening windows. If you have a garage or backyard, even better (and lucky you!). Bottom line: It's crucial to have proper ventilation when working with epoxy resin.
Steps
Preparing Your Workspace
To ensure a successful project, it's essential to work on a level and even surface. Avoid bumpy or slanted tables, as they can affect the curing process of the resin. If you choose to work on the floor, make sure to protect it with a plastic, waterproof material or silicone craft mat. (Trust me, it’s impossible to not make a mess.) It's also important to remove any pets from the room before starting the project.
Mixing the Resin
Now that we have all our materials ready, let's start mixing the resin. It's important to maintain a one-to-one ratio of part A and part B for the resin to cure properly. Here's how you do it:
Fill a beaker or measuring cup with part A resin up to the 80 milliliter mark.
Pour the part A resin into a separate vessel, such as a solo cup.
Repeat the process with part B hardener, filling it up to the 80 milliliter mark.
Pour the part B hardener directly onto the part A resin. 5 . Use a popsicle stick or a battery-powered resin mixer to thoroughly mix the resin and hardener for about four minutes. This will ensure that the two parts are well combined.
Adding Gold Foil (Optional)
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your notebook, now is the perfect time to incorporate gold foil. Simply push the gold foil sheets into the resin mixture using your (gloved) fingers.
Pouring the Resin
Now comes the fun part — pouring the resin into the silicone mold. Take your time and pour the resin slowly and carefully to avoid any mess or wastage. Make sure the resin reaches all four corners of the mold. You can use a popsicle stick to smooth out the surface if needed.
Curing the Resin
After pouring the resin, it's important to let it cure for at least 24 to 48 hours. This will ensure that the resin hardens and becomes firm and glossy. Once the curing process is complete, remove any excess resin from the mold and sand down any rough edges using an 80 grit sanding block. Follow up with a 120 grit sanding block to achieve a polished and professional look.
Assembling the Notebook
Now that we have our resin covers ready, it's time to add the paper to our notebook. If your silicone mold has pre-punched holes, this will make the process easier. Here's what you need to do:
Take one of the resin notebook cover sides and slip it behind your paper stack.
Align the holes on the cover with the holes on the paper.
Thread a metal binding through the aligned holes, leaving the binding open for now.
Take the second resin cover and place it on top of the paper and metal binding.
Press down firmly to secure everything in place. You should feel a satisfying click when everything is properly clasped.
Finishing Touches
Almost done! Take a look at your notebook and you'll notice three more loose holes. Grab another metal binding clip and thread it through these holes, just like you did with the first three. Clasp them into place to ensure everything is secure.
And there you have it - a beautiful, functional resin notebook!
