Deep Dive is a casting resin that produces a crystal clear, high gloss finish and is particularly suited to deeper casts in one pour. Ideal for resin river tables, wood/resin projects, flower preservation and encapsulation.
Eli-Chem Resins’ Deep Dive is an unaccelerated casting system which offers a long open time for precise article placement and has excellent self-degassing properties. Due to the longer open time, Deep Dive can be poured up to 15kg or 85mm thickness (whichever comes first) in one pour. It also avoids high exothermic reaction and the resulting shrinkage after curing. It has good UV resistance, clarity and transparency making the resin system suitable for just about any deep creative project.
This resin can be readily pigmented by the addition of our resi-TINT & resi-TINT MAX range of pigments, resi-TINT+ metallic powders or resi-METAL metallic pigments.
- Perfect for resin river tables & large castings
- Water clear casting resin
- Solvent and odour free
- Mix and pour up to 15kg or up to 85mm deep in one pour
- Good UV resistance
- Non flammable
- Excellent visual properties
For more information please see Product Documents…
Instructions
Specifications
|
| Mix ratio |
2 : 1 by weight: 2kg resin to 1kg hardener |
| Surfaces |
wood, plastic, silicone & glass |
| Curing time |
can be de-moulded in 5-7 days at 22°C depending on volume cast, full cure in 14 days |
| Coverage |
1kg of the mixed product will cover 1m²@ 1mm thick |
| Pot Life |
12 hours at 18°C (2kg mixed mass) |
| Shelf life |
one year in sealed containers |
Mixing
The mixing ratio must be accurately followed to achieve perfect results. It is not possible to change the ratio which would result in the resin not drying properly and lower mechanical properties.
Mix by hand or with electric mixer and avoid incorporating too much air. Regularly scrape the sides, base and corners of the mixing vessel to ensure full homogeneity. Mix until it is a uniform colour & consistency (usually 3-4 mins) and leave the mixture for 10-15mins to help self-degassing before pouring into mould.
The maximum volume that can be poured in one go is 15kg or up to 85mm at 18°C, whichever comes first. The mixed resin can be tinted with our resi-TINT, resi-TINT MAX, resi-METAL or resi-TINT+.
Epoxy systems tend to heat up much faster in a pot than as a thin film. Mix only the necessary amount usable within the pot life. Room temperature and constant temperature are important factors in the casting of Deep Dive. There is a link between room temperature, volume of cast resin and curing speed. The higher the room temperature and/or larger the mass will speed up curing. Curing too fast is to be avoided and will create an exothermic reaction which can froth or result in optical discolouration.
Application
The mixed product can be poured into a watertight mould. The mould can be plastic or made of silicone rubber. Moulding can be carried out by gravity or under vacuum. Temperature should be between 18-22°C, humidity level below 70%. Wood or porous surfaces must be sealed before pouring. One of our faster setting resins such as MasterCast or totalCAST will be ideal. Ensure your piece is perfectly flat and level, otherwise the resin will run to the lowest point .
A 2 : 1 mix will provide a hard casting suitable for manufacture of fancy shapes, decorative items etc. Should a new mix be applied onto cured resin, the contact surface should always be sanded in order to enhance adhesion.
Once the resin is mixed and poured into the mould, gently pass warm air from a heat gun or hair dryer on the slowest speed setting from approx. 20cm to assist in removal of any bubbles generated during mixing. If you use alcohol inks DO NOT use a flame to remove bubbles.
Health & Safety
Although our resins are formulated with the most modern and safest epoxy chemicals available, all epoxies are chemicals and should be managed and handled with proactive safety hygiene and responsible care.
- Always wear nitrile gloves (or use a specialist resin barrier cream)
- Wear a respirator when sanding cured resin
- It is advisable to work in a well ventilated room
- We advise the use of safety goggles
- Avoid skin contact (if resin gets on skin wash with plenty of soap & water)
- DO NOT eat, drink or smoke while working
- In case of eye contamination wash with plenty of water for 15 minutes and consult medical advice immediately
Adding inks/paints/mica powder/glitter to epoxy resin will change its properties and may reduce its non-toxicity. If you use alcohol inks DO NOT use a flame to remove bubbles, as alcohol is flammable.
