If you’re new to resin jewelry making, you may have encountered the problem of fish eyes. This occurs when the resin has not cured evenly, leaving behind small bumps or pits in the finished product. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this issue. This article will discuss how to fix fish eyes in resin. We’ll also provide some tips for avoiding them in the first place. Let’s get started!
Summary: Fish eyes occur when tiny air bubbles form in the curing resin and turn into little craters when it hardens. To fix this issue, you can use a few different techniques. You can level the surface of the resin before it cures by tapering off any edges.
You can also try to reduce the number of bubbles forming in the first place by reducing vibrations and adding heat to help reduce or eliminate them altogether. Finally, you can sand down any fish-eyes after they’ve cured, then buff and polish them to restore their smooth texture.
What Causes Fish Eyes?
There are a few different factors that can contribute to fish eyes in resin. One common issue is that the surface of the resin is not smooth. This can happen if there is dust or debris on the surface that prevents the resin from curing evenly. Another possibility is that the resin is not mixed thoroughly. This can create pockets of uncured resin that will cause fish eyes when the rest of the mixture is curing around them.
Additionally, fish eyes can be caused by curing the resin in an environment that is too cold. This can cause the resin to harden unevenly, leading to the formation of bumps and pits. The other main cause of fish eyes is using an incompatible release agent.
This can prevent the resin from curing properly, causing the formation of fish eyes. Lastly, fish eyes can be caused by using too much or too little hardener in the resin mixture. The ideal ratio is two parts resin to one part hardener, so be sure to mix the resin thoroughly and measure out the quantities accurately.
Why Do Fish Eyes Matter?
While fish eyes may not seem like a big deal, they can affect your resin piece’s integrity. If the fish’s eyes are not properly fixed, they can cause the piece to break easily. Additionally, fish eyes can affect the overall appearance of your finished product. For example, if you’re selling your resin jewelry, fish eyes can make it look unprofessional and decrease its overall value. In short, it’s important to fix fish eyes not only for the durability of your piece but also for its aesthetic appeal.
Another possible issue with fish eyes is that they can trap air bubbles. If you don’t remove the fish’s eyes, the air bubbles will be trapped inside your resin piece, which can affect its strength and stability. Additionally, the air bubbles can cause the piece to yellow over time. Finally, fish eyes can make applying a finish to your resin piece difficult. If you’re planning on painting or staining your jewelry, the bumps and pits created by fish eyes will make it difficult to get a smooth, even finish.
Some Effective Ways How to Fix Fish Eyes in Resin
1. Use sandpaper
If you notice fish eyes after the resin has already cured, you can try sanding them down with fine-grit sandpaper. First, wet the sandpaper to prevent it from clogging up with resin. Then, gently sand down the fish’s eyes until they’re flush with the rest of the piece. If necessary, you can follow up with finer grit sandpaper to further smooth the area.
2. Apply Heat Gun
Another way to remove cured fish eyes is to use a heat gun. Be careful when using a heat gun so you don’t overheat and damage the material. First, set the heat gun to a low setting and hold it about six inches away from the surface of the material. Then, slowly move the heat gun back and forth over the area until the fish’s eyes start to disappear. Once they’re gone, turn off the heat gun and allow the material to cool. If necessary, you can follow up with sandpaper to smooth out the area.
3. Use a Dremel Tool
If you have a Dremel tool, you can use it to remove cured fish eyes. Dremel tools have a small, rotating cutting bit that can be used to cut and grind away cured resin. First, put on a pair of safety glasses to use a Dremel tool to fix fish eyes. Next, use the Dremel tool to grind away the fish’s eyes slowly.
Start with the biggest fish eyes first and work your way down to the smaller ones. Be careful not to grind too deeply into the resin, as this can cause damage. Once you have removed all of the fish eyes, use a soft cloth to buff the area and remove any residue.
4. Use a Heat Lamp
If you don’t have a heat gun, you can try using a heat lamp to remove fish eyes. This method is not as effective as using a heat gun, but it will still work. Position the heat lamp so that it’s about 6 inches away from the resin. Please turn on the heat lamp and let it heat the resin for about 30 seconds. The heat will cause the fish’s eyes to rise to the surface. Use a toothpick or other sharp object to remove the fish’s eyes from the resin. If necessary, heat the resin again for another 30 seconds.
5. Use Alcohol
If you don’t have a heat gun or a heat lamp, you can try using Alcohol to fix fish eyes. The Alcohol will evaporate quickly, so you’ll need to work quickly. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing Alcohol and then hold it close to the surface of the resin. The Alcohol will help to break down the fish’s eyes and smooth out the surface. If you don’t have to rub Alcohol, you can also try using nail polish remover.
6. Use a Blow Dryer
Another way to remove fish eyes is to use a blow dryer. The heat from the blow dryer will help to smooth out the surface of the resin and remove any imperfections. First, make sure that the resin is completely dry. Then, turn on the blow dryer and hold it about 6 inches away from the surface of the resin. Move the blow dryer back and forth over the surface of the resin until the fish’s eyes have disappeared. If necessary, you can follow up with sandpaper to smooth out the area.
7. Use Soap and Water
If you notice fish eyes while the resin is still wet, you can try using soap and water to fix them. The soap creates a barrier between the resin and the surface, which can help to smooth out the fish’s eyes. To do this, first wet a cotton swab with soap and water. Then, lightly dab the cotton swab over the fish’s eyes. You may need to do this several times to get rid of all the fish eyes. If the fish eyes are still there after you’ve tried this method, you can try using a toothpick or other sharp object to sand them away lightly.
8. Use vinegar
If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol, you can try using vinegar to fix fish eyes. The acid in the vinegar will eat away at the fish eye, making it easier to remove. To use vinegar, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Then, dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the fish eye. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. If the fish eye is still there, you can repeat this process until it’s gone.
9. Use a Lint Roller
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove fish eyes, you can try using a lint roller. The adhesive on the roller will pick up the fish eyes and any other dirt or debris on your resin piece.
To use a lint roller, first make sure that your resin piece is completely dry. Then, roll the lint roller over the resin’s surface, careful not to press it too hard. You may need to go over the same area several times to remove all of the fish eyes.
10. Use a Knife
If you’re careful, you can use a knife to remove fish eyes from your resin piece. First, make sure that the resin is completely cured. Then, use a sharp knife to scrape away the fish eye carefully. Be careful not to scratch or damage the rest of your piece.
Tips and Warnings on How to Fix Fish Eyes in Resin
Tips
- Make sure your work area is clean and free of dust before you start.
- Use a toothpick or other sharp object to pop the fish’s eyes.
- Sand down the area around the fish eye until it is smooth.
- Wipe away any dust from sanding before you begin casting again.
- Be sure to pour your resin slowly and evenly to avoid creating fish eyes.
Warnings
- Always wear gloves when working with resin.
- Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not allow children or pets near your work area while you are working with resin.
- Do not ingest resin or allow it to come into contact with your skin. If you do, seek medical attention immediately.
- Do not use heat to remove fish eyes from your casting. This can cause the resin to become brittle and break.
If you follow these tips and warnings, you should be able to fix fish eyes in resin with no problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is My Resin Fish Eyeing?
There’s not a whole lot we can do when our resin fish eyes start to the eye. This usually occurs when the gel that is responsible for holding the pigment in place starts to break down and evaporate. As long as you’re using your resin regularly, this won’t cause any major problems. However, if it becomes more frequent or severe, you may want to consider having it professionally restored.
Can I Epoxy Over Fish Eyes?
Fish eyes can become a frustrating problem, and unfortunately, they are often difficult to remove. However, there is hope! By using an epoxy adhesive that is specifically designed for fish eye removal, you can reduce the pain and difficulty of this process. Additionally, by adhering the adhesive directly to the tear in the eye membrane (rather than just around it), you increase its chances of success.
There are several different types of epoxies available on the market today that will work well for this task. Some examples include Smooth-On’s Bondo Tough Epoxy System and 3M’s Duolite Advance 2000 Fish Eye Repair Kit. Choose one that meets your specific needs and expectations; make sure to read all instructions carefully before starting your project so as not to delay or complicate things unnecessarily.
Why Does My Resin Have Dimples?
Dimples on the resin are a common occurrence when the resin is still in the liquid state. This is due to gas bubbles that form during the manufacturing process. The bubbles are small and can remain in the resin even after it has been solidified. They may also form when the resin is cooled too quickly.
Should You Sand Between Coats of Epoxy?
When it comes to epoxy, most people would say that you should always sand between coats. This is because the finer particles in the epoxy will be protected by the thicker coat of paint and won’t be scratched or damaged. Additionally, this will allow for a more even application of the Epoxy and minimize any potential bumps or raised areas.
Conclusion
So there you have it! This is how to fix fish eyes in resin. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating perfect resin castings. We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Thanks for reading!