How long do I have to use the resin I've mixed?

by Fran Valera

That depends on the project you're making.  Once mixed, and allowed to rest for 5 minutes, here are the windows you'll want to work within:

Casting with photos/other flat paper - pour the resin into your molds right after it rests, get your photos in while it's as liquidy as possibly, so bubbles have the best chance to rise and pop.

Casting with loose elements - add resin first, then add elements, your resin will be workable for up to 20-30 minutes after resting.  Even if it thickens up, as long as your elements aren't really porous (bubble-making), you still have time to add things. 

Layering in molds - allow each layer to set up for at least 3 hours before pouring next layer.

Doming - you can apply your resin right after the 5 minute rest period, or let the resin thicken for up to 25-30 minutes.

Varnishing - best applied by pouring, or spreading with mixing wand, right after rest period, or up to 20 minutes after mixing.
Repairs - you can use your resin right after the rest period, or you can let it thicken 1-2 hours to use to create thicker bond.
Posted in Brilliant Resin

What can I put into the resin?

by Fran Valera

Almost anything you like! Paper, plastic, fabric, metal, clay, wood, natural elements, glitters and powders, and any combination of these elements work well. Things that contain moisture should be avoided, for example, fresh flowers and leaves. The water will react with the resin, turning the leaves and petals brown. Dried flowers and leaves work beautifully. There are some things that don't look so great - iridescent feathers will lose their shine, locks of hair may clump together and look like a claw.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

How Long Will It Take For My Pieces To Harden?

by Fran Valera

Little Windows Brilliant Resin is designed to set up in 12 hours, so you can remove it from your molds or Doming Tray after that time. For the first day your pieces will be a bit flexible, so this is the easiest time to drill and finish your creations. If you'd like, you can bend them into different shapes (watch our Bendy Rings Video for How-To's). They should not be sticky.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

Is Little Windows toxic?

by Fran Valera

For most humans, properly used, our resin is not a toxic product.  In fact, it's the safest epoxy you'll find, it does not contain chemicals which produce dangerous off-gassing that can lead to chronic issues. There are no solvents, nor any nonylphenol, which is a dangerous chemical contained in Part B of most other resins you'll find.  Also, ours doesn't have a stinky or strong odor. 

Even though its safe for most humans, our labeling works to prevent the extreme possibilities of misuse - as you'll see, the directions cover mostly common sense things (don't drink it, don't get it in your eyes), as well as "avoid breathing fumes and getting on skin" because if people sniff directly from the bottles or leave it on their skin for extended periods, it can be irritating.

Whether or not it is completely non-toxic depends on how you use it/misuse it, your history with respiratory issues, and your chemical sensitivities. Another thing you'll note in our directions is "keep out of reach of children", another plea for common sense. We don't want kids or pets ingesting it, or getting it on your carpet, where it's difficult to clean up.

Click to view Little Windows Brilliant Resin SDS  

My Part A is cloudy or thick

by Fran Valera

Little Windows Brilliant Resin is a proprietary, pure formula, which starts life as a solid.  If it gets colder than it likes, it can begin to crystallize and thicken, and may even solidify.  You can remedy this by heating your Part A, and the easiest way to do that is in the microwave.  Remove your cap and microwave for 10 seconds.  If not clear and thin, replace the lid and shake a bit to blend in any crystallized resin around the inner neck of your bottle, then remove lid and heat for an additional 10 seconds. 

For safety, do not heat more than 30 seconds total as it may be too hot to handle.  Allow it to come back to room temperature before mixing in with your Part B.  This can be repeated as necessary.

WARNING:  DO NOT MICROWAVE ANY OTHER BRAND OF RESIN OR TYPE OF CHEMICAL, AS THEY CAN RELEASE HARMFUL GASSES.  Little Windows Brilliant Resin formula complies with FDA standards for food safety, and does not contain any solvents.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

Can I color the resin?

by Fran Valera

Yes, and there are many way to color Little Windows brilliant resin, depending on the look you're going for.  Dyes, glitters or pearl powders, metal flakes or mica, oil paint, and acetate.  Since our molds are so reflective, I prefer using clear acetate in the color of my choice, cut a piece to fit snug at the bottom of my mold, then cast the piece. The molds will reflect whatever color or texture you put at the bottom of the resin, up and around the sides, making it look as if the piece is colored throughout. If I need to layer, I'll let the first layer with acetate set up, then add more resin and elements on top.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

Can I use this in metal bezels and frames?

by Fran Valera

Yes!   If you're going for a domed look, I suggest adding a bit of resin in the bezel, then adding your element, pressing down to squish any bubbles out from under it. Then add a bit more resin and allow to set for 5-10 minutes so that any remaining bubbles can be dealt with before adding the final bit of resin to dome it up. If you're not sure if there are any bubbles, let the first layer set up before adding any additional resin, to ensure your results.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

Can I put crystals in resin?

by Fran Valera

I love the sparkle of crystals, and you can add them to your resin projects, but if you let the facets of the crystal sink below the resin, the light will no longer be able to reflect off of them, and your crystal will look like a flat-backed mirror. So, there two ways to keep that sparkle: 1) pour a super-thin layer of resin, so the dimension of the crystal sticks out above the resin, or 2) let your resin set up for 1-2 hours, so it's firm enough to support the crystal, but still sticky enough to bond. This can be tricky and you'll have to experiment a bit to get a feel for timing. I use a pin or the tip of my mixing wand to test the set. If you miss the firm/sticky window, you can also glue your crystals on after the resin is fully set, using ZapAGap and a pin or toothpick to apply.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

Sticky resin pieces?

by Fran Valera

If your pieces are all sticky after 12 hours, that's an indication that the mix proportion was off. No matter your batch size, you should always mix Little Windows with 2-parts resin (Part A) to 1-part hardener (Part B). If only some of the pieces within your batch are sticky and others set up fine, that means the mixture was not fully blended. Be sure to mix for the full 2-1/2 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of your mix cup, then allow the mix to rest for 5 minutes before pouring. This allows continued blending on a finer level, so the chemicals can begin to bond.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

What's the shelf life, and how can I extend it?

by Fran Valera

Our proprietary formula should have a good year before the Part B begins to yellow slightly. After that it's still perfectly functional and works well for projects like DichroISH, where the color of the resin doesn't affect your outcome.  For best results with photo jewelry, you want clear fresh product. Like any couple, Part A and Part B have different preferences. Here are some tips to optimize the shelf life.

TIPS:

Always wipe bottle necks clean and recap tightly soon after pouring.

Weather and sun exposure can affect shelf life.  Keep Part A at room temperature.  If Part A becomes thick or cloudy, remove cap and microwave for 5-10 seconds. Do not heat if already mixed with Part B. * DO NOT HEAT ANY OTHER RESINS OR CHEMICALS AS THEY CAN RELEASE DANGEROUS GASSES *

Part B prefers to be cool and doesn’t like humidity. Keep it cool (you can even refrigerate), keep out of sunlight.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

My Part B is turning yellow

by Fran Valera

Little Windows formulas are pure and safe, but as with many epoxies, the shelf life on your Part B is about 1 year, if stored properly.  Once it starts to change color, it will still be functional well beyond that time, but it will be better used in projects that don't require the crystal clarity, so save it for Dichro-ISH, adding glitter, fabrics, dyes, powders, or other elements, where the clarity isn't crucial.  If you're working on photo pieces, it will be best to use fresh product.  We offer replacement bottles of Part B, or new sets in different sizes. 

Here is a link to our resin sets and Part B replacements.

Posted in Brilliant Resin

Can I use other Resins?

by Fran Valera

Although you never want to mix different brands or types of resin together while wet, you can use Little Windows Brilliant Resin to coat other types of resin, as long as they are cured and clean. 

Brilliant Resin is the safest epoxy you'll find, without the solvents and toxins that are common with other brands.  Each resin product on the market was designed to be used in a specific way.  Some are made to coat wood surfaces, others for casting large pieces, or making repairs.  If you want to create small, shiny things like jewelry, accessories, buttons and embellishments, that's exactly what Little Windows Brilliant Resin was developed to do.

Another benefit is that our resin does not generate a lot of heat while it's curing.  Resins that cure hot may damage your molds, and the elements you add.  If you choose to use products from other manufacturers, please make sure to follow those manufacturers' instructions, and you may need to experiment to achieve the results you're looking for.


Shipping Info

by Fran Valera

We ship all orders via USPS, with First Class and Priority Mail.  Shipping quotes are based on your location, and on the weight of your package:

Within the United States:

- Packages under 13oz. can ship either First Class or Priority Mail.

- Packages over 13oz. must ship via Priority Mail.

Outside the US:

- Packages under 4lbs. can ship via First Class International or Priority International.

- Packages 4 pounds plus must ship via Priority Mail International.

Once you've selected the products you want, and enter your shipping address, a shipping quote will be shown for your approval prior to payment.  Our goal is to get your goodies on their way to you asap.  We plan to have them packed and shipped within 24 hours of order receipt (business days).  Keep in mind that certain payment methods (e.g.; e-check), can take several days for your order to clear.  

Standard Estimated Ship Timing:

US - First Class - 4-10 days

US - Priority - 2-3 days

Outside US - First Class - 2-3 weeks (depending on your customs clearance and local delivery service)

Outside US - Priority - 7-10 business days (depending on your customs clearance and local delivery service)

Holidays and extreme weather may impact your shipping time.  

Posted in Shipping

Discounts?

by Fran Valera

We do not offer wholesale but we do have discounts for creative people who offer classes.  If you're interested please email fran@little-windows.com, let us know who you are and what you'd like to do, and we'll get you the info you need.  If you're interested in teaching you may be interested in this program.

We also offer discounts on certain larger put-ups of products for designers.  Please email fran@little-windows.com for details. 

If you're a creative person who just wants a good deal, make sure to sign up for our e-newsletter for promotional offers, new product announcements, and to see what our other customers have been making with their Little Windows Brilliant Resin and supplies.

Liquid vs. Dry Adhesives

by Fran Valera

The best choice will be based on the project you're making.  Sometimes it's easier to use a dry adhesive, like our super-strong peel and stick adhesive sheets.  You can cut them to the shape you need, then just peel and stick.  This is great for adhering your resin pieces onto solid surfaces such as cell phones, scrapbooks, binders, and for sticking two domed pieces back-to-back, for double-sided creations.  Free technique videos in our Project Center.

Other times you need the flexibility of a liquid adhesive, in which case your Brilliant Resin is the best bet.  It'll bond completely with cured resin pieces, and stick on whatever you want, from metal to plastic findings.  But that only uses a few drops, so if you're not mixing up a batch, you can also use:

 

ZapAGap (available in our shop)

E6000 (stinky, but strong)

Hot Glue (you'll need to experiment to see which ones peel off and which have a strong bond)