New Alumilite Clear Cast Formulation
- Thread starter KenB259
- Start date
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NJturner
Member
Ken - Not sure it is a new version - it's been out a while. The biggest difference is Alumilite Clear Slow is a urethane resin and the Clear Cast is an epoxy. Each have different characteristics, but as a general statement, the epoxy is harder, more brittle, and subject to chipping more than the urethane resins. You should use different mold releases for each - the epoxy tends to destroy silicone molds faster than the urethane, so mold release comes into play.
Kevin
Yeah, I know Clear Cast has been out a long time but even Alumilite's website says this outdoor version is a "new arrival".
NJturner
Member
I guess I needed more coffee before answering this one - I missed the 'Outdoor' add to the label - my apologies! I know there is a lot of conversations going on now regarding UV sensitivity of resins - I have been trying a number of different ones myself looking for something that will hold up clear as long as possible for ink windows. Maybe this might be one to look at - I am just not a fan of epoxy for pens due to the long set times.
Kevin
The long set times are why I only use the epoxy for clear casts. I've only used Liquid Diamonds Epoxy for that in the past and stick to Alumilite clear for anything with color.
NJturner
Member
I have been using Liquid Diamonds for the clear as well. I don't worry as much about the set time, as I both degas it when mixing and put it under pressure when in the vertical molds I use. A little overkill, but I want it to be crystal clear.
I did try and use LD for some mica and glitter and was surprised at how much of the mica settled out as it took a long time for everything to set in my unheated garage. Maybe retry now that the weather is warmer here.
My latest resin pours have been using the Thermoset Solutions urethane resin that Tim McKenzie originally introduced in his Diamondcast blanks. It has a lot of UV protective additives in it but is a bit more challenging to cast and is a bit chippy once cured than Alumilite Clear Slow. Pretty similar turning to the epoxies I've used, but has a better cure time.
Kevin