Eyes Questions about resin-eye making...

Resin Safety gear: here is a quick youtube vid about it when working with Epoxy Resin.



I use for the clear part UV resin, either Lisa Pavelka or a random clear one I found on Amazon.com along with a UV light, you can even use a UV nail light (also got mine from Amazon) and I have the official Lisa Pavelka UV light to cure it or let it sit out in the Sun.

For the eye base (the white part) you can use epoxy resin, but a "safer" epoxy resin brand to use (as far as vapors, the stuff you don't want to breathe in) is called "Art Resin."
Here is another vid on that, it too can be found on Amazon.com
You could also just use this for the eye dome as well since it is clear, so you will have to color it to be white. There are other Epoxy resins that do cure white as well.



You can find BJD eye molds on Amazon.com, ebay.com, and Etsy.com

I am still new to eye making...

Hope this helps.

 

Hi! I am no expert, but here are my brief suggestions:

1. Resin and its fume is toxic, but If you don’t plan to mass produce eyes at once (hehe), I think you should be fine working in a well ventilated space without a mask.
However, a mask with carbon filter / respirator is suggested.
Definitely wear gloves! Like that thin rubbery type that doctors use.
2. Doming is easiest with UV resin. for example: Padico UV-LED resin (I use this one, feel free to look it up)
3. You can use 2 component epoxy resin to make the eye bases. Pro: may cost less than UV resin. Con: takes longer to harden, you have to measure and mix the 2 components - resin and hardener; bubbles form easier. OR: the same UV resin you use for doming. For coloring you can use ink or acrylic base pigments.
4. You can use UV lamps that nail technicians use for example You can find some that arent that pricey. Ebay/Amazon or nail shop~ The good about them is that they often have lamps on the sides too, makes it easier/quicker to harden your eyes.

I hope I helped

 

In addition to the great advice above, I'd like to mention that if you're working with UV resin remember that the sun is the best UV lamp available, and it's free!

Actually, I've never had luck fully curing UV resin indoors with a UV lamp! I find putting the eyes outside on the porch or on the sill of an open window for 10 minutes is best for curing UV.

 

There's a kids resin kit called Gemex that's sold at Walmart and online. It comes with the basics like the UV lamp and clear UV resin.

I have a regular nail UV light, but I like the one from the kids kit because the lid closes. I've used it to make eye blanks and it works great.

 

Hi! Congrats on a new adventure!

1. Yes, uncured resin is dangerous no matter if it's a 2-part epoxy, UV curing, polyester or urethane. Some companies neglect to include any safety information, and others purposely mislead consumers. Check out a Facebook group called 'Epoxy is Not my Friend' to see some very unfortunate examples of people that either didn't know the dangers, or were mislead by tricky marketing. I work with the products outside my home's ventilation system, either in my garage under a vent hood or outside on my patio. I do wear gloves, disposable coveralls and a full respirator followed with a good shower. I like this safety video, as this company does not mislead their audience, and their products are labeled truthfully. If you can't find a warning label or a Material Safety Data Sheet, the company probably doesn't provide truthful customer service.

2. It depends on what your bases are made from, some resin works better with other products, and not as well with others. Clear resin can be UV cured, 2-part epoxy or urethane. There's pros and cons to each. Here's a brief explanation to a couple types of resin.

3. Again, this is a personal decision and depends on if you are buying a pre-made mold, or making one yourself from your own model. If you opt for UV curing for the fastest curing, you will need to use a clear silicone mold. Whatever you choose to do, be aware of chemical compatibility to avoid curing inhibition.

4. A UV light cures UV curing resin. The sun will do this for free, but it takes a little longer. If you like the idea of using UV curing resin, then I would suggest this tutorial. There are many types of lamps you can choose, and even flashlights. This really depends on your budget, they can be purchased from $5 for a very small UV nail light up to about $40 for the style with a reflective sliding tray. The only downside to UV resin is the lack of good customer service and safety information from the companies that sell the products. I just go with my regular routine of full PPE, as I'd rather be safe than sorry later.

I hope this is helpful to you!