I’ve been making one off resin vases, casting around 1 litre of epoxy, in pvc molds. This may sound a strange choice of material for a mold but my designs require blending of colours at the edges rather than uncontrolled merging. To obtain the required effect, I zap the resin in a microwave and through practiced timing, pour just before the jelly stage. The approach generates huge exotherm, however I can control it via a water bath in the centre of the pvc mold and wet cloth on the external part of the mold. The success rate is high and the resultant effects can be really attractive. So much so that I have several commissions.

The problem is that the pvc molds take a great deal of work to make and are one offs. To try and introduce some efficiency I have made molds out of silicone though without success. Silicone’s insulating properties mean it is impossible to control the exotherm.

Ideally, I would like to use a low exotherm translucent resin but have been unable to find anything in Australia at a reasonable price.

Any suggestions on either molds or casting material/techniques very much appreciated.
Cheers