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May 17,
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Resin crafts have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility and unique finish. Whether you&#;re creating jewelry, home decor, or art pieces, using high-quality resin supplies is essential to achieving a stunning finished product. In this ultimate guide, we&#;ll provide tips, reviews, and eco-friendly options for choosing the best resin suppliers for your crafting needs.
Resin crafts have gained immense popularity due to their ability to create unique and customizable pieces. They offer a glossy and smooth finish that is not achievable with other materials. However, the quality of the resin used plays a crucial role in the final result. In this article, we&#;ll discuss how to choose the right resin suppliers for your projects.
There are several types of resin available in the market, each with its unique properties and uses in crafting. Epoxy resin is one of the most common types of resin and is popular due to its durability and heat resistance. Other types of the resin include polyester resin and polyurethane resin, which are commonly used for specific purposes. It&#;s essential to understand the differences between these types of resin and choose the right one for your project.
Choosing the right resin supplier is crucial to achieving the desired result. You should consider several factors when choosing a supplier, including product quality, pricing, and customer service. It&#;s also important to choose a supplier that is reliable and has a good reputation in the market. Researching the supplier&#;s online reviews and asking for recommendations from fellow crafters can help you choose the right one.
Now that we&#;ve covered the importance of high-quality resin supplies and eco-friendly options let&#;s take a look at some of the most trusted and reliable resin craft suppliers in the market. We&#;ve compiled a list of suppliers, along with their product reviews and pricing information to help you make an informed decision.
Xinfeng Resin Crafts
Xinfeng Resin Crafts is a reliable supplier of high-quality resin products. They offer a range of eco-friendly and non-toxic resin options, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious crafters. Their products are also affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets.
ArtResin
ArtResin is a popular choice among resin crafters for its high-quality and easy-to-use products. They offer a range of resin kits and accessories to suit different project needs. The products are also non-toxic and free from VOCs, making them safe to use.
Alumilite
Alumilite is a trusted supplier of casting and mold-making products. They offer a range of high-quality resin products that are easy to use and produce excellent results. Their products are also reasonably priced, making them accessible to both beginners and professionals.
Smooth-On
Smooth-On is a reliable supplier of casting and mold-making products that are popular among resin crafters. They offer a range of high-quality resin products, including clear-casting resins and pigments, that are easy to use and produce excellent results. Their products are also affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Now that you have a good understanding of the different types of resin and suppliers available in the market, let&#;s take a look at some tips on how to make stunning resin crafts using simple techniques and high-quality supplies.
1. Choose the Right Resin for Your Project
The first step in making stunning resin crafts is choosing the right type of resin for your project. Epoxy resin is an excellent choice for most projects as it is strong, durable, and versatile. However, if you&#;re making small objects like jewelry or figurines, the polyester resin may be a more affordable option.
2.Follow the Instructions Carefully
When working with resin, it&#;s important to follow the instructions carefully. Measure the resin and hardener accurately to avoid any mishaps. If you&#;re using a pigmented resin, be sure to mix the color thoroughly before pouring it into the mold.
3.Use High-Quality Supplies
Using high-quality supplies, such as molds and pigments, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project. Invest in good quality supplies that are designed specifically for resin crafts to ensure the best results.
4.Experiment with Different Techniques
Resin is a versatile material that can be used in various ways to create stunning crafts. Experiment with different techniques, such as adding glitter or creating a marbled effect, to create unique and beautiful pieces.
What is the difference between epoxy and polyester resin?
Epoxy and polyester resins are both commonly used in crafting, but they have different properties and uses. Epoxy resin is known for its high strength and durability, making it a popular choice for creating jewelry, table tops, and other items that require a hard, glossy finish. Polyester resin, on the other hand, is more affordable and easier to work with, making it a good choice for beginners. However, it is less durable than epoxy and can yellow over time.
Can resin be used for outdoor projects?
Yes, resin can be used for outdoor projects, but it&#;s important to choose the right type of resin. Epoxy resin is generally more suitable for outdoor use as it is more resistant to UV radiation and weathering than polyester resin.
How do I choose the best resin supplier for my project?
When choosing a resin supplier, it&#;s important to consider factors such as product quality, price, and customer service. Look for suppliers who offer high-quality products that are consistent in color and clarity. Check customer reviews to ensure that the supplier has a good reputation for customer service and delivery times.
Are there any eco-friendly resin options available?
Yes, several resin suppliers now offer eco-friendly options made from natural and renewable resources. These products are generally safer for the environment and can be a good choice for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. Be sure to do your research and choose a supplier that is transparent about their sustainability practices.
How do I properly store and dispose of resin?
Resin should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It&#;s important to follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for proper storage and disposal, as some types of resin can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Be sure to dispose of resin and any related materials, such as brushes and mixing cups, in accordance with local regulations.
How long does it take for resin to cure?
The curing time for resin varies depending on the type of resin, the thickness of the project, and the temperature and humidity of the environment. Some resins may take several hours to cure, while others may take several days. It&#;s important to follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for curing time to ensure the best results.
Can I add color to resin?
Yes, you can add color to resin using dyes or pigments specifically designed for use with resin. It&#;s important to choose a color that is compatible with the type of resin being used and to follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for proper mixing and application.
How do I prevent bubbles in my resin project?
To prevent bubbles from forming in your resin project, it&#;s important to mix the resin thoroughly and slowly pour it into the mold. You can also use a heat gun or torch to carefully remove any bubbles that may have formed on the surface of the resin. Additionally, be sure to work in a clean and dust-free environment to prevent any contaminants from getting trapped in the resin.
Resin crafts have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. With the right supplies and techniques, anyone can create stunning and unique resin projects. It&#;s essential to choose high-quality resin supplies from reliable and trusted suppliers to ensure the best results. When possible, consider choosing eco-friendly resin suppliers to support sustainable practices in the crafting industry.
Remember to follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for proper storage, disposal, and curing time. And if you encounter any issues, such as bubbles or color inconsistencies, there are plenty of resources available to help troubleshoot and improve your resin crafting skills.
We hope this ultimate guide to resin craft supplies has been helpful and informative, and we wish you all the best in your resin crafting endeavors!
Resin markets are not fair! Different customers pay different amounts for the same product, and that&#;s not based only on how much they buy&#;it&#;s at least as important how much they know. The resin seller&#;s greatest weapon is the buyer&#;s lack of information, so better information is the customer&#;s only defense. That was the message of the annual Executive Forum for Processors held this spring in Fort Worth, Tex., by Resin Technology Inc. (RTi), a firm dedicated to helping processors become smarter resin buyers. It was the second year that RTi invited members of the press to attend, so we can convey some key points of advice from RTi, along with pointed comments from processors in the audience.
RTi in Fort Worth (resinpros.com) was founded in by Garland Strong, president, who had headed an injection molding company; and by Bill Bowie, COO, who had run a large compounding firm. &#;We saw that eight in 10 resin purchasing people in our industry had no idea how to do it right,&#; said Strong. They put together a team (now numbering almost 20) of similarly experienced industry veterans to advise plastics processors on how to approach their suppliers on a more equal footing. Their motto is, &#;Get ResinSmart!&#;
Explains Gus Garrett, director of education, who has 27 years&#; experience selling polyethylene for Dow&#;and, by his own admission, knows every trick in the book, &#;We have either sold you resin or walked in your shoes. With the right approach, you can know more than a typical resin salesperson. It might not stop, but it could mitigate, a price increase.
&#;Why does it pay to know more than your resin salesman? Take this anecdote from Scott Newell, director of client services for PP. When he worked for a molding company, his supplier of PC/ABS asked for a price increase because the cost of benzene&#;a key ingredient in both ABS and PC&#;was rising. The salesman bolstered his point with the first graph on this page. Newell did some research and came up with the second graph, which shows that although benzene&#;s price had been rising in the short term, its price over the longer term had declined significantly. &#;He was asking for a price increase, but I got a decrease!&#; Newell reports. &#;I figured out that I needed to understand my supplier&#;s business.
&#;RTi claims that its approach to smart buying saves its customers an average of 2-4¢/lb. RTi benefits through a &#;gain sharing&#; approach: &#;If we can&#;t save you money on resin, you don&#;t owe us a thing.&#;
&#;You have a sales plan. You have a preventive maintenance plan. You should have a resin purchasing plan,&#; advises Sam Beasley, director of business development. With resin accounting for an average of 65% of your cost of doing business&#;anywhere from 50% for typical injection molding to 85-90% for film extrusion, &#;Resin purchasing should be a full-time job,&#; says Beasley. Real-time market information is more valuable than ever, and there&#;s more you need to know than ever:
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&#;There are fewer and fewer suppliers to choose from, which strengthens their bargaining position. What are the suppliers you don&#;t deal with doing in terms of pricing? You need to know the full slate of suppliers and decide which of them are best for your business.
&#;Supplier-customer relationships are &#;out the window,&#; says Kevin Roberson, director of core client services. &#;They want your business, but they won&#;t do anything special if it costs them money.&#;
&#;Price volatility in resins and their underlying feedstocks is greater than ever and not likely to go away. &#;Volatility is the new normal,&#; says Newell. Prices of PP resin have swung wildly, by as much as 15-17¢/lb from month to month lately. And over the last 28 months, there have been 28 changes in PS pricing&#;14 increases and six decreases.
&#;A global view of resin and feedstock trends is essential: &#;Global events increasingly drive North American pricing,&#; notes Craig Farrell, vp of international.
&#;Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in changed the industry forever, according to Roberson. Suppliers learned they could shove through large increases in a single month. And they learned to live on lower inventories. Since the recent Great Recession, resin producers have moved from a make-to-inventory model to make-to-order. One PS supplier reported told customers that its manufacturing plan for the month of May was, &#;If you don&#;t order it by May 12, we won&#;t produce it.&#;
What you need to know, above all, is how does your price compare with what your competitors are paying. Some processors pay a posted increase on the announced effective date, others start paying it a month later, or split the increase over two months. And the size of price hikes isn&#;t the same for everyone. As one savvy processor noted at the RTi forum, &#;I never pay an increase until the end of the month. I wait to see whether the price hike sticks, or how much of it sticks, and then I negotiate the best deal I can.&#;
Which leads Mike Burns, vp of polyethylene, to comment, &#;That&#;s how it is in this industry: You manufacture something today, but you don&#;t know your material price until next month. The average business person would think you&#;re crazy!&#;
In the view of Mark Kallman, director of client services for engineering resins, three factors drive prices:
&#;Real-time raw-material cost (resins and feedstocks);
&#;Supply (of resins and feedstocks);
&#;Demand (domestic and international, real and artificial).
To properly understand these three factors, you must grasp the nine &#;Real-Time Market Drivers&#; that make up RTi&#;s ResinSmart philosophy:
&#;Pricing benchmarks: This means knowing in real time what are the actual selling prices for your resins globally. Also, what are the recent trends in resin prices&#;up, down, or flat? What &#;non-market&#; moves have been taking place behind the scenes? These are the unannounced price changes for suppliers&#; best customers.
&#;Demand: Is it real demand or false demand&#;pre-buying ahead of an expected increase, or delayed buying ahead of an expected decrease? According to Roberson, this is what makes year-to-year demand comparisons misleading, because any month&#;s sales data can be distorted by pricing moves.
&#;Secondary markets: This means anything other than your normal channel for buying prime resin. Secondary markets are often the first to indicate market changes, the first to move up or down.
&#;Natural gas/crude oil: It&#;s no secret that almost all plastics are derived wholly or in part from these two sources. What&#;s less widely recognized is that the U.S. olefins industry (which makes feedstocks for polyolefins, styrenics, and PVC, among others) is much more reliant on natural gas than oil, unlike its counterparts in Europe or Asia. Oil price volatility is probably here to stay, but natural gas supply is disconnected from oil and its price is much less volatile&#;in fact, it has barely budged at all in the past year. On an energy basis, natural gas prices are roughly equivalent to oil at around $30 a barrel. RTi believes natural gas will remain plentiful and cheaper than oil for the foreseeable future. So don&#;t be bamboozled the next time a resin salesman tells you the price of a barrel of oil has gone up.
&#;Feedstocks: Get to know the real direct feedstocks for your resins, and know their price and supply moves, advises Greg Smith, vp of engineering resins, PVC, and PS. Burns notes that suppliers will often try to justify a PE price increase by pointing out that spot ethylene monomer prices are up&#;but they&#;re not buying spot ethylene. Same goes for contract ethylene monomer&#;almost no one buys ethylene because almost all PE producers are back-integrated to monomer. Burns also notes that U.S. producers&#; reliance on natural gas instead of oil means that &#;we have the lowest cost to produce PE in the world, but we have the highest prices!&#; The difference is the profit that goes into your suppliers&#; pockets. Burns says to multiply the price of ethane (natural gas) by 0.43 to determine the cash cost of making ethylene. Then add 15¢ to derive the cash cost to make a pound of PE. In May, that was a little over 53¢/lb. How does that compare with what you were actually paying?
(Incidentally, that reliance on natural gas instead of oil is also the root of why the U.S. has the highest PP prices. Natural gas provides relatively little propylene monomer as compared with oil.)
&#;International markets: Like it or not, we live in a globally interconnected economy, so you need to track market activity in other regions that can impact your resin price and supply, Kallman advises. Supply problems, demand changes, and currency-rate shifts on any continent channel import/export flows of resins and feedstocks to wherever suppliers can get the best price. For example, suppliers benefit from strong export demand ahead of the Chinese New Year in late January/early February. Nylon 6 prices are up in part due to heavy exports of caprolactam feedstock to China for making textile fibers. Knowing that global cotton prices have gone &#;through the roof&#; helps understand the demand for nylon fibers. Heavy phenol demand for plywood to rebuild Japan after the earthquake and tsunami could put price pressure on phenol-based polycarbonate. There were problems shipping chemicals on the Rhine last year because low water levels obstructed barge traffic&#;and then a barge of sulfuric acid capsized, further halting traffic. In February of this year, suppliers reportedly used fear that spreading Mideast crises could disrupt oil shipments to raise resin prices. All this explains the recent formation of RTi Europe GmbH and the firm&#;s alliance with Kunststoff Information (aka Plastics Information Europe), which provides daily and weekly pricing coverage in print and online.
&#;Producer operating rates/inventories: &#;Inventory is going to be one of the biggest drivers in PE,&#; notes Burns. But be careful how you interpret supplier signals. Cautions Garrett, &#;If a couple of suppliers offer you an extra railcar you didn&#;t ask for, you think it&#;s a glut. If a couple of suppliers deny you an extra railcar when you ask for it, then you think it&#;s a shortage.&#; Data, not emotion, is the solution.
&#;Supplier actions: Understanding your vendor&#;s business plays a key role here. As Roberson points out, &#;There are a lot of reasons for announcing a price increase&#;even sometimes just to keep prices from falling, especially when feedstock prices are dropping.&#; Or, as Beasley puts it, &#;Resin Price Increase 101: You must follow one increase with another, just to prove you&#;re serious.&#;
&#;Sourcing benchmarks: This means knowing the full slate of suppliers that produce your resin, including those you don&#;t currently deal with.
Burns has developed a Market Indicator Value Work Sheet based on these nine market factors. To simplify analysis, he offers three possibilities for any one factor, and assigns numerical values to each possibility. The average of those values provides a rating of Strong Buy, Buy As Needed, or Reduce Inventory. The worksheet is still experimental, but its results have been pretty much on target so far, Burns says.
A large extruder of cast film for slit tape at the RTi forum said his firm had tested different PP resins for processability and throughput rate. They compared two resins of 3.4 MI and 4.3 MI and found that the higher-flow PP yielded a double-digit increase in output. His conclusion: &#;The grade we were buying was costing us at least 2¢/lb in lower line speed.&#; Now his firm is starting to look at resins for consistency of properties in the end product. Eventually they hope to combine the two factors in a new cost/value appraisal of resins.
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