Third layer of the sea – Sherry Glaab

Today I added the third and final layer on my most recent batch of coasters – the water layer. Usually I do the water layer second, but I wanted to see how it would look if I applied it last. Hopefully we will see good results (in the next day or two, after it cures). For now, these are the basic steps I took in pigmenting the water and layering it in the coasters.

Mixing the “Natural Blue” pigment into the resin.

I mixed up about 8 ounces of resin, then poured about 2-3 tsp in three cups for the three different colors of resin. This turned out not to be anywhere near enough resin and I ended up mixing another batch of 200 ml later.

Dumping some of the “Caribbean Blue” pigment into the resin.

Three shades of blue. The third one is “Majestic Blue”. Sometimes I use a green, as well, but not today. The bold resulting colors using these pigments amazes me!

I poured the three colors into the mold over the first two resin layers that have already cured.

Close up view. It should be fine that the water/blue layer is over some of the sand since the sand is opaque. I will mix the colors in a later step and make sure any empty / clear spaces are filled.

Pouring more clear resin over the water / blue layer. Once the clear resin is on top, I can mix and move the colors around a bit to make it look more like water.

After pouring the clear layer, I gently blow the resin with a heat gun in order to remove any air bubbles that form. A few are OK, but I think too many bubbles detract from the final look of the piece.

I use a small craft stick to mix the blue colors in a circular motion.

Continue to mix the colors in a swirling motion.

Covered for the next 24 hours or so to keep dust out while they cure.

I need to stay close to the coasters I poured for the first hour or so after I pour them in case some bubbles emerge that need to be removed. For this, I use a heat gun, though many people prefer a craft blow torch. Hopefully everything will cure / harden nicely overnight and we can see how they turned out tomorrow evening.

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