Casting Casting of Colored Resin

I think you'll find the most answers in the Artist's Forum (the very last one on the DoA menu). There are several people who have made colored-resin dolls, including batchix. I *think* coloring resin involves adding specific types of pigment--not just any kind of dye--while the resin is being prepared for pouring, but the BJD artists will know for sure. Good luck!

 

Whether you are using clear polyester or opaque polyurethane resin you must use a pigment specifically formulated for that type of resin.

To tint the resin you add the pigment to the part 'b' or the catalyst and ensure it is thoroughly mixed before combining it with the part 'a'. The only thing that interferes with even colouring is not mixing properly, the finished piece would be blue to the very core and can be cut drilled and sanded and the colour remains consistent.

I've found (in my limited colour casting experience) that I've occasionally had lighter looking areas where the resin is thinner. To get a stronger colour you add more pigment untill you reach the maximum ratio of pigment to resin.

I suggest looking at hobby casting websites they often have tutorials on line for things such as this... In saying that its really is a no brainer if you have cast in resin before. If you have; purchase a pigment suited to your resin from the same company and its just an extra step in the process have fun with it, it sounds kinda cute!!!!

 

If you're going for the shade of blue in your avatar, I think you're going to need a clear(ish) polyurethane resin, like SmoothCast 325. Adding dye to opaque white resin seems to get you as far as pastels, but no further.

You'll also need some sort of powder filler to add some opaqueness back in, or you'll end up with a transparent blue doll.

Edit: Forgot to say -- if you just want to make one doll for yourself, you can just sculpt it in blue Sculpey to start with. You'll save yourself quite a lot of time, money, and aggravation if you skip casting altogether.

 

They do! It's called Sculpey III. (There's also Premo, which is a different brand of the same stuff.) Take a trip to your local craft store and marvel at the rainbow of polymer clay.