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There are several important aspects to achieving good finishes on resin. Surface texture and resin content play a part, as well as post applied waxes, paints, and gilding.

[Clear Resin] [Post-applied Finishes] [Surface Texture] [Resin Content]


(Tiles from the Active Aqua range)

Clear Resin:
There are different ways of treating the surfaces of these castings, which will achieve different finishes. Varying from highly polished crystal clear glass, to an ocean eroded appearance. We can also change the levels of translucency and colour.

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Post-applied Finishes:
Post-applied wax's or colour washes are often beneficial to both cold cast metals and stone, helping to add contrast.

 

Applied Sandstone

We are also able to offer a number of other post-applied finishes. These include gilding using either Dutch metal or Aluminium, as well as specialist paint effects.

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Metal Leaf Gilding

Dutch metal

Aluminium

Moulded from stone. Cast using copper, iron and crushed teracotta, then oxodised.

Surface Texture:
The surface texture of the object is all-important in achieving an accurate finish. For example a sculpture carved in stone will have a certain texture, and will lend itself toward being reproduced in a stone finish. Whereas a sculpture modelled in clay will lend itself more to a bronze finish, as most bronze castings are modelled this way.

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Resin Content:
Metal finishes including Bronze, aluminium, copper and iron are achieved by mixing metal powders with resin. This is known as "cold casting". A convincing, quality finish is achieved by ensuring the highest possible ratio of metal to resin. As a result the surface of the casting is in effect a metal surface. It will age in time, and react to conditions, in the same way as real metal. (The only true difference is cost).

As with metal castings, surfaces can be treated to achieve different finishes. These vary from highly polished surfaces, to a heavily oxidised, or patented finish.

As with "cold casting", stone finishes can be achieved by mixing different types of powdered stone or aggregate with the resin. This along with carefully matched pigments will achieve very accurate stone finishes.

Cold Cast Bronze

Polished and Oxidised sufaces

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