Step Nine

Softly press the mold into the clay carrier so it is completely flat.  If your piece is totally 3-d, then make sure to cast it up-side-down so the mold is completely filled with epoxy.  Also if you are using a 3-d piece and decide to use plaster for the carrier, you will have to do a two piece mold so you can take it apart and pull out the latex mold.  Otherwise you will have to break the mold off and it becomes a one time pour.  Make sure to use a release component on the latex mold before mixing and pouring the epoxy.  I use vaseline.

Step Ten

Now for the pour: The best way to measure how many ounces you need is to fill up your mold with water.  Now pour the water into a measuring cup.  It took me a while to find a measuring cup with ounces on it, but I eventually did.  Next the mixing begins.  WARNING: Tthe epoxy smells really bad and you shouldn't breath it, so either do it in the garage with a mask on or do it outside quickly. For this step you need to have the catalyst (this causes the epoxy to harden).  I looked up some directions on the Castin-craft website and they explain the mixed very clearly with lots of detail.  Start by pouring the amount of Casting Resin ( in ounces you measured when using water) into the measuring cup (cup will not be usable afterwards).  It may be smart to pour an extra ounce just to make sure you don't comeup short.  Then add the appropriate amount of catalyst drops per ounce and start stirring.  For the stirring you should use an object that can be thrown away when done.  Stir the epoxy for 1 minute while scraping the sides and bottom of the cup.  After one minute pour the epoxy into a second container of your choice (it will not be usable afterward) and stir for one more minute.   The reason for mixing it so thouroughly is because any portion of the epoxy that doesn't mix with the catalyst will end up soft and sticky.