Epoxy Resin V's Heat Mat V's Alcohol spray

[@daniel..cooper]

Great comparison, I use a different source of heat and cover mine but with a distance between the resin and cover, I find it helps the heat circulate around the whole piece. I never use alcohol as a popper, just blast with heat 😊. Great video Claire 😊.

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thanks so much Daniel ... its such a Science isn't it ... so many techniques. I've only ever used heat also xx

[@copperowlwoodturning5929]

Great information. I will be making the leap into the world of resin and resin hybrid casting. I am so glad that you and others do the guinea pig work. Thank you. Take care.

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thanks so much Copper ... I wish it came through better on camera hoe clear the resin was lol but I think I will be nervous using the heat mat for sure

[@Creator_Nater]

Just discovered you a short while ago. Just finished third video, appreciate your energy!

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thankyou so much ❤ I really appreciate you being here x

[@raymueller1155]

The reptile mat on a flat surface makes no sense. If they reccomend placing under a glass reptile enclosure surely it would then be a "flat surface wouldnt it..??? I am using a reptile mat in a home made enclosed box to keep my resin at optimal temperature, works a treat and keeps my resin at workable consistency.

[@mookzmom]

I have seed starter mats too, and have had no issues with plants. I'm hoping other ways will work better for me anyway. Appreciate the experiment!

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thanks so much Pam .. I need to look at those mats ❤ are they flat ?

[@kerrysmith973]

The alcohol can leave a “blush” on the top of the resin, but I have seen where the alcohol is sprayed before the resin is applied. This gets rid of all the bubbles around the edges and then you can heat the top too xx

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Ohhhh Kerry thankyou ... I didnt realise it can leave a blush... I really would love to carry on using the mat but I'm nervous about it now. The clarity really was amazing.. but will see what I can do x

[@RachelShennan]

@@ClairesCraftyCorner you could consider using a mug heater instead? If you’re not wanting to use a heat mat ☺️

[@votepurple]

@@RachelShennan I tried that the other day and it cooked the resin!

[@neighmaway]

My mat is a seed starter mat so it will be interesting to see the difference. I'm trying it because the least projects I did had the blush. I usually use my heat gun and alcohol, but it didn't help. I'm hoping adding the heat mat will fix it. Perfect timing fo this video P.S. The covered heat mat examples I have watched have a gap left between the table surface and the cover to allow for circulation. Another experiment maybe?

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Catherine thank you so much ... a seedling mat would make so kuch more sense ... as they can be placed down on a surface flat ... and are designed for things to go on top x I will have to look at those x

[@melaniereisner8375]

Perhaps put the seed mat on the leveling table, then a silicone mat over the seed mat before putting the resin on it?

[@neighmaway]

@@melaniereisner8375 Worth a try.

[@chrislogan6067]

My reptile mat is flat on the bar which is a flat surface and, it works great! I've been using it now for months

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Yes they work totally ... it has worked for Wendy too xx I just thought I would share the safety advice she was given... because I figured at some point a Reptile owner would see my video and share the same advice 🤣❤❤

[@steveellis8746]

Good comparison video Claire.. ty 😊

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thanks Steve xxx

[@chinaforeverblue]

I’m so glad I watched this because I literally just got my order from Amazon for the reptile heating mat I had no clue that it’s not safe so now I’m going to return it and save up for a resin curing matching instead before I get started with resin art for my first time I was so excited as well 🥺💖

[@KittyCat260]

I've got a similar heat mat from amazon and it barely warms up to be suitable as a bum warmer. I don't have any worries about it starting a fire and I've used it for years 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kermann-bv8um]

There is a white attachment that is what actually controls the heat and curing time

[@annagray6491]

My mat is a Let’s Resin one. It comes with a silicone mat to put on top of the mat to protect it.

[@sharonwilson2908]

Thank you for showing this it’s very useful to know 💕

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thank you Sharon ❤❤

[@chrislogan6067]

Also, instead of covering with a plastic container, I use the chefast food covers tents - they keeps out dust and insects but allow air circulation - also, they fold flat for storage

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thankyou so much Chris .. that is a great idea ! Air flow was key here xxx I definitely won't use the plastic box with the heat mat again .. but I have a plan now to use a glass worktop saver .. .. and put the mat stuck underneath with some wooden feet under the Glass I think that should work 😁😁

[@booyaa1851]

Very interesting results. Scottish winter weather is always a challenge with resin

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

ahhhhh yeh i can imagine .. usually having my heating on but its that overnight drop that messes it up

[@mizzuzie3338]

This was really counter intuative for me! Guess I don't need to go buy alcohol now, just a heat gun. My flat is probably warmer than yours but if I needed to buy a heat mat I think I'd place it on a owen rack to aid airflow under it.

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Mizz yes the heat mat is apparantly meant to go under the Glass tank .. so I think I am going to look at the seedling mat mentioned by Catherine below ... sounds safer x ❤❤

[@doreenyoung7175]

Here's an idea for your heat mat issue. Here in the states, in the colder, northern states like Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas we use oil pan heater mats that are magnetic. They stick to the oil pan of your cars engine. Plug them in to keep the oil from freezing up in winter months. It may work for what your doing.

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyyyy Doreen thankyou so much . That sounds like a cool intention 😍😍😍 I am going to try a glass worktop saver first with this mat .. I was making a cuppa tea last night and saw my worktop saver and the idea came to me 😍😍😍😍

[@ffynnon100]

my mat came with a heatproof mat to go underneath to protect the work surface and a thin resin mat that goes between the heat mat and whatever mould I'm using.

[@Aangel452]

Wow, thanks for this safey update and the bubble tests using the mat.😇

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

thanks Arch .. I have used it since with supervision and it really is amazing xx but I dont leave it unnattended x

[@SkitchBean_aka_Christine_E]

Thank you for sharing this experiment. I am learning a lot from watching your channel.

[@Bradsanglingadventures]

Hi Claire Just to let you know I have kept snakes for years now and my heat mat has always been inside the vivarium on a FLAT surface with substrate (bedding) over the top and the snakes home over the of that because as snakes are cold blooded after they have eaten they go to their bed area/safe place where it is nice and warm as the need the warmth to digest their food I have NEVER had any problems with heat mats over heating or catching fire Hope this helps By the way keep up the great work with your videos 👍🏻 Thanks Brad

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Hey Brad ... oh yes this really is so helpful thank you so much ! I am using it with supervision right now ... but it did worry me as hundreds if not thousands use the heat mats for their resin. Thought it safer to put the message out 🤣🤣 don't want anyone coming for me later lol

[@Bradsanglingadventures]

@@ClairesCraftyCorner yeah I totally understand you having to cover your back with things like that but just thought I would let you know not to panic 👍🏻😉

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

@@Bradsanglingadventures I really appreciate it thank you !

[@bustersbashers2280]

Same here Brad, only I had Bearded Dragons. Heat mat straight onto flat bottom vivarium and sawdust on top and no worries…!

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

@@bustersbashers2280 thankyou so much this really has been helpful... I've used it since but sat there supervising it like it was a newborn 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Toonpish]

Well that’s a surprise to me 😂😂 I am going to do some more research regarding the reptile heat mats as I use them a lot. One comment to me from a reptile owner has got us both worried but I think it would depend on the type of mat you use. Thank you so much for this video. It’s always great to see how others get on with things too. What works for one won’t necessarily work for someone else 🥴🤔🤷‍♀️ I hope you found out what you wanted to with this though 😀😀😀

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyyyyy girl thankyou so much ... yes I totally found what I wanted . I found that the Reptile mat gave me the clearest resin ever 🤣🤣🤣🤣 damnit 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I have a plan though .... mine also did not come with any self adhesive tape ... so im gonna get a Glass worktop saver (like a huge one I already have) attached the heat mat under it.. and rest it on wooden feet 😍😍😍😍😍😍 I think it will work 😍😍😍

[@Toonpish]

@@ClairesCraftyCorner sounds perfect

[@kelliecrerar5779]

Claire with the reptile heat mats they're still kept on a flat surface it's just usually between the bottom of the glass tank and the styrofoam layer on top of the box frame your tank sits in although it comes down to what type of tank you're using. We've used them like this for many years with no issues whether it's different in the UK than here in Australia but I shouldn't imagine it would be. I guess it's just like anything you always should be aware of what MAY happen

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Kellie thank you soooo much xx I honestly have used the heat mat since but under supervision .. not in videos lol but yeh a few people have said they use the mats directly on a surface just like this without issue .. so I think I just get nervous about giving mis information and someone having a fire so I always wanna warn people x Having said this .. they work a dream for me off camera lol

[@janetfernie4588]

Thanks for the informative video,l also have a problem with the temperature in my craft room at this time of year so l tend to stay away from the epoxy resin and do other crafts instead😀

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

ahhh yeh its such a pain .. i do have the radiator on in there but its that overnight temperature drop that gets it

[@janicehelmore-pouringwithf3360]

WOW who'd have thought you would still have bubbles with heat and alcohol! Thank you for your experiments 💖💖💖👏👏👏🇦🇺

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyyy Janice ... this will be for 2 reasons ... I did nothing else to prevent bubbles. I also covered them which I probably shouldn't have. If you use a heat gun and a heat mat there will be none I'm sure. I was surprised though too 🤣❤❤

[@janicehelmore-pouringwithf3360]

And if we don't cover them we're at risk of dust spots 😬

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

@@janicehelmore-pouringwithf3360 ahhh yes that exactly ... I think the heat mat shouldn't be covered. When I do resin that needs covering now I won't use heat mat

[@joebyrne6129]

I've got a craft heat gun and it never seems to remove any bubbles just moved the resin about or out of the mold

[@tarafearn8984]

Thanks for this. It's helped allot. I like to use hot water in a metal bowl. Make sure the bowl is warm before you put your cup of resin in it. It takes a long time. But for me, it's a hobby. ;)

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyy Tara .. so glad this helped .. I definitely would have got better results if i didnt cover the mat ... I have used it since with supervision lol and wow !!! my 24 hour resin cured in 6 hours so it was a shock but great x The bowl is a great idea !!

[@tarafearn8984]

@@ClairesCraftyCorner Sound stuff. I also have used a cover… BUT it’s a plastic storage box. So the heat from the resin as it cures doesn’t effect it 🤗. I’m just experimenting with something now. If it works, I’ll try & learn how to send you a pic. Hahaha. May I ask which resin you use. That is quick. And brilliant. I’m patiently waiting for mine to set a little more before I cut a shape I need into it 👍🌈. Here’s wishing you sincere positive outcomes of your work. 🤗🌍🧿💕

[@kelliecrerar5779]

From the videos I've watched on resin when covering it there should be a small gap between the table and the cover or I've seen people using the food nets cos it keeps the dust and hair out of your work but can breathe cos it's netting

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

yessss this is so true and definitely where I went wrong in this video I have covered resin before without issue but combined with the heat it must have been a sauna ! haaaa

[@usherl250]

Thanks for doing this experiment for your viewers. 🤗🤗♥️♥️♥️

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thanks Laura .. not quite how I wanted it to turn out but still .. heat mat for sure produced clearest

[@darlabauman465]

Thank you for this video! I love your videos and learn so much. Perhaps using a counter cookie cooling rack under the heat mat? I'm going to try 😉

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyyy Darla ... ooo that is actually an incredibly good idea !! thank you xxx

[@lisathomas8916]

Claire, you are absolutely gorgeous!!❤️❤️💕💕

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Lisa ❤❤🥰🥰 thank you xx

[@murphchris5670]

So would you say the resin should be in a warm bath and use the lighter just in case bubbles pop up?

[@UvThe1st]

Interesting to hear about the reptile heat mat, thank you for getting dressed! I don't know if it's just my eyes, but on the alcohol spray ones it looks like the texture is 'wavy' almost? Doesn't look as flat or self-levelled as the others. I've never used either of these methods so thank you for sharing your experiments with us!

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Ahhhh Olivia yes there was a raised centre on both heat mat ones .... again .. I believe this to be the cover I put on ..... nobody else seems to get that and nobody else covers the mat ... so even though the heat mat produced the clearest resin .... covering if was my mistake. ❤❤❤

[@pammipayne3334]

Wow that was a shocker. PAMMI DISCLAIMER: I am not a resin person but boy that warning of the mat would put me off. I have ZERO want of hearing that you're wonderful beautiful home has gone up in smoke. There end the disclaimer. You've always been a great resin artist and always given great vlogs. I always love your makings and how up beat you are. This was interesting but boy them bubbles they are sneaky!!! xxx

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Ahhhh thank you so much Pammi xx yeh the mat just needs to be used safely .. I can imagine it would work best if not covered like I did ... x it gave the best result which is great but now I need to find a safe way to use it x

[@gaz1tinsley]

couldnt tell what you put up at the end because of your advert ? were any of them important ? list/advert ???

[@juliep1325]

Just starting this video but thought I would share an idea. You can purchase a Heat pad used for pets that need the extra warmth that is microwaved. Have not purchased one but may be something to check into?

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyyy Julie ... oh thank you that definitely sounds like a possibility I think people using heat mats for resin leave them on for hours if not ... overnight. so I am not sure how long the heat lasts in those ... do you know ?

[@LiveSleepResin]

Well that was surprising!!!

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

yeh i am gonna find a better way of using it i just need to do it lol

[@LiveItLikeLisa]

Wow that’s really interesting to see the different results. I love watching you do these. So do you think you will still use the heat mat in your resin pouring?

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

I have been using it under supervision xxx haaaaa

[@rebeccahyatt7789]

Thank you for the information

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Thankyou Rebecca ❤❤❤❤

[@rebeccahyatt7789]

@@ClairesCraftyCorner Merry Christmas, Claire

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

@@rebeccahyatt7789 you too lovely ❤❤

[@leasommer6638]

Can you try the alcohol spray on jesmonite? I've seen people do it and it looked like it works

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

heyyyy Lea .. oooo I definitely can try that x

[@roxannebertolino9029]

How about a heating pad?

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

hey lovely .. are they different to heat mats ?

[@tarafearn8984]

Is it ok to ask which resin you used please? 🤗

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyyyy lovely ... yes of course. I use Vista ... so I will usually use Vista Cascade or Vista 1:1 .... but my heart is STUCK UTTERLY ... on Vista Turbo !! this cures in 5 hours x although I used Cascade in this video

[@tarafearn8984]

@@ClairesCraftyCorner That’s ace Claire. Thank you 😊

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

@@tarafearn8984 anytime ❤

[@dadison]

I don’t think it’s fair to say heat mats are unsafe. Literally anything that we plug into an outlet has the chance of overheating and catching fire. My heat at that looks EXACTLY like yours is made by a resin company and literally can’t be used any other way that on a flat surface. And these examples are not adequate enough to use as an example. You can’t just give something a once over and expect it to be fine. Resin needs attention over time because we all know bubbles rise and appear as soon as you turn away from it.

[@Imnothere_imnot]

You have to let it set for 30min before you place on Mat

[@dianerevelle3860]

Hey Claire, what is a ‘silicone tool’ ?

[@ClairesCraftyCorner]

Heyyyy Diane ... my silicone tool is actually for clay. I bought a set of clay tools when I bought my air dry clay and it came with a silicone tipped tool. It is ideal you will see me using it in tonights video x

[@dianerevelle3860]

Aha! I’ll watch the vid 😊

[@alidadebruyn3560]

The heat mat from let’s resin should be ok