The Epoxy Resin SCAM, how beginners get ripped off. I HAD ENOUGH! RANT!

[@AeginaCraft]

Hi! I'm Bela. I'm just a simple craftsman making nice things for nice people. I live with my wife on Aegina Island, Greece and I documented my journey in these videos. I try to experiment and research and educate. If you like mu stuff or wanna help to keep the lights on in the shed you can do it here: aeginacraft.com/products/aegina-craft-supporter-spray-paint-art www.buymeacoffee.com/AeginaCraft

[@vern0018]

I'm a beginner and looking to find the resin and mold. I saw most people recommending deep pour but it's very expensive. I'm from Singapore btw. Thanks for your vid.

[@AeginaCraft]

@@vern0018 check out my epoxy guide video to learn more about it. My advice: research learn all you can then start buying.

[@Clarissa-se5ct]

Hello! This was great, Im starting my education and research on this topic and your video helped a ton, I am a Mexican living in USA so thanks for your honest video and keep on keeping on!

[@mathkor89]

Aren’t you also trying to gain financially while teaching us something ? I’m unsure what the difference is tbh (sorry didn’t finish the video)

[@AeginaCraft]

@@mathkor89 you really should. the video is not about people making money with their stuff, the video is about the snake oil seller slimy exploittive business practices we see all over youtube and the internet these days. also repacking widely available common sense knowledge and become the middle man who stands between you and the freely avaiable information and takes you money promising you that you can get said data goin through them and paying them your hard earned money. then later on you realize you have been scammed out of your money because the information was just clearly common sense data which was already widely available for free. its this simple. I for example never say you can only use my method or thing to be successful im just showing my way of doing stuff, and people asked me how can they support the channel so I made this buy me a coffee account where peeps can tim me or whatever, not mandatory and nothing is behind a paywall. this is what my message is in this video. I'm sorry I wasnt enteratining enough so you would whatch the whole thing, I'm just a dude nbot a professional entertainment creator. anyways, have a lovely day.

[@BlackStarStudios-jl7ne]

i missed when videos in youtube were like this one, simple honest straight to the point and not try to sell you anything

[@AeginaCraft]

I will stay real I can promise you that!

[@MacFufu]

Totally agree.. Bela rocks 💚 so refreshing and informative.

[@vern0018]

I actually appreciate when he introduces the things he uses becoz it will help when I'm searching for things. It's useful for me to compare and avoid the mistakes.

[@fredjohnson3457]

Yea same here

[@tracyseiter9723]

Yes! Indeed!!

[@lil.miscellaneous]

Make your own alcohol inks with 99% isopropyl alcohol and permanent markers. Remove the cores and tips from the markers and drop them in a bottles of alcohol. I like to close the bottles up and leave them for a day or two and then put my colours into needle tip bottles for use. If you have some left , keep it for your next batch. It works wonderfully.

[@AeginaCraft]

I will definitely experiment with this! thank you for your advice!!!

[@susanp.collins7834]

That sounds like an AWESOME idea. How much alcohol, please? I want to make coloured wooden pendants.

[@lil.miscellaneous]

@@susanp.collins7834 I used 2 ounce bottles. Fill halfway before putting the marker cores in and then top off

[@samlopez5048]

I use about a cup to a marker... You have to use permanent markers and 97% or 99% alcohol. It's really flexible, if you use too much alcohol and the colour isn't as intense as you want, add another marker center or open the jar and let some of the alcohol evaporate!

[@MissTique247]

I will definitely be trying this! 😮😉👍

[@nisar8009]

Also if you’re into making your own molds, when your old silicone molds aren’t any good anymore, cut them up and use them as filler in your new molds so you don’t need to use as much new silicone.

[@devonvergiels5185]

Oh yeah, at the cost of silicone it's the only way to go.

[@mollygorger6852]

Thank you, I really enjoyed this and learned something!

[@sculptureshard377]

You can also use old mince meat handle operated machines made out of stainless steel to grind old silicone chunks into small sausage lengths of silicone. It mixes easily with the silicone, but unless you paint a silicone layer onto your mould master first, the mould surface will be pock-marked because of trapped air and create bubbles, all of which have to be either filled or removed and this takes a lot of time.

[@devonvergiels5185]

I prefer to use larger pieces as filler. There's so much less air bubble issues. Even if you do the slush coat you have the whole mass of possible air filled mold. It's so important that the molds are firm, and if you pour a material that creates heat you can have divots in the final product. Really best to be safe, especially at the cost of silicones.

[@athmaid]

The mold release residue doesn't hinder that?

[@zonedoutt6962]

I don't know why youtube recommended this video to me but I'm glad it did. This guy is like my spirit animal.

[@AeginaCraft]

Awoooo! :D

[@noracalvert9786]

To make your own silicone molds, take a tube of clear silicone and with a caulking gun, empty it into an airtight container. Next add cornstarch teaspoon by teaspoon and mix well until it becomes the same consistency as pizza dough. Form into a ball and then roll out. If you want coloured molds, add gel food colouring. Leave until it hardens. Store unused portions in the airtight container. Hope this helps. There is a woman on KZbin who's channel is called " Our Upcycled Life". She has recipes for every kind of product the stores sell us crafters, at huge prices. I've never learned so much as I have from her. Chalk paint recipes at a fraction of the cost, salt paints, stains, air dry clays. You name it, she's found a simple alternative to those hefty store prices. And boy is she talented. Her recipes are terrific too! Keep on crafting and enjoy. 🇨🇦❤️

[@cindycoleman5196]

Thank you for mentioning what her channel is about, and her tips are good. I will check her out.

[@RafaelPerez3rd]

MOST VALUABLE COMMENT HERE! THANK YOU!!!

[@rocknrollrat2344]

I read somewhere that you can cover the item you want to mold with plastic wrap and then cover it with Vaseline as a releasing agent. Seems legit?

[@skylx0812]

@@rocknrollrat2344 Vaseline is used a release by effects people who create rubber masks. I've seen videos where they use it with plaster molds and items they want make a mold of. I had an effects how-to book written by a man who created stage props. He had a recipe for breakable glass using sugar and he would mold glass objects and coated them with Vaseline. But the plastic wrap is a step I've never seen mentioned.

[@rocknrollrat2344]

@skylx0812 I'm assuming the plastic wrap is just so the Vaseline doesn't get all over the item to be molded.

[@nancyk9112]

I have Dollar Store eye makeup that also works as color/shimmer in resin.

[@AeginaCraft]

I will definitely look into that!!

[@pookysgirl7535]

My mom and sister and big into makeup, I never have been. So I was teasing them that in the past year, for the first time in my life, I have bought eyeshadow, makeup brushes, and nail polish... to use for resin. I got eyerolls, of course, but they wear the jewelry I make for them!

[@AeginaCraft]

Haha! You show 'em girl! Proud of you!

[@beverlyaten1775]

⁠@@AeginaCraftit is true. Made of mica, a mineral, that produces the shimmer, metallic. I have some I bought for several years at Halloween. The colors are intense! Just put in small glass cup, use kitchen pestal ( mortar and pestal )to grind fine. Arts and crafts stores here in US like Hobby Lobby have very small containers with caps sold in pouches. 10-15 small pots per pouch. New subscriber. Your English is terrific!

[@jennijennifer5129]

I've used acrylic paint to colour the resin. Works beautifully, as long as I don't use too much paint in the resin

[@angelsandfaes]

2 tips. You can make your own pigment paste by mixing approximately 3 part mica/pigment to 1 part of resin A. You use this by adding a small amount of paste to color your resin. Next is I always make a master as my first resin piece and keep it aside if I like the mold. Every silicone mold will wear out. So when my mold is shot I will use resin and make a new mold from my first resin piece. Hope this helps

[@TSBS986]

Awesome tips, thanks so much for sharing!!

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

I also use metal baking trays for resin sometimes, but you have to put it in the freezer for a few hours after curing to be able to de-mould.

[@Joegoulart]

Truth is really hard to find and it is priceless. Thank you!

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

You have a new subscriber in Texas from this video! I have stopped watching most of my favorite resin artists because their videos have started being not much more than advertisements for expensive products. Some of the resins I’ve bought were very expensive, and within a year, projects I made had turned yellow while simply sitting in a dark storage tub not exposed to sunlight at all! Thank you for speaking out about this. It is much needed content! ❤

[@Artzandcatz]

Agree!!! Yes on the baking molds, I use them for soap, resin and candles! Cheaper and great selection! Hobby Lobby, every other week, has 40% of Baking supplies!

[@mantobrew]

Thanks for the rant man. Just started my epoxy journey and have bought those expensive things and now I feel silly. Keep up the good work

[@AeginaCraft]

Yo bro, we live and learn. At least you have stared DOING something! Big ups! Keep going, keep failing, and you will succeed! You can see in all my vids, I keep messing stuff up and learning that way. So dont feel silly. This s.it should be fun!

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Some of those “things” don’t have a good substitute (like mica powder) that provides the same depth of field, but maybe you can find one somewhere. I like making tumblers with mica swirl finishes because they have a depth that nothing else provides. Just experiment with different ideas and see what works; my wife and I found out a lot buy just experimenting on steel tumblers because I could strip them off with a heat gun if everything was a flop. Surprisingly(to us then), we discovered that background color of an object was frequently more important than whatever color you were trying to make the resin(which makes sense)

[@catacosmosis]

SAME! Started this hobby about a month ago and already spent wayyy too much - wasted way too much - money on sh*t I didn’t need that doesn’t even work. Was so glad to see this video. Happy creating, friend!

[@mapo5976]

SIlly things are like school fees. Irritating but nessesary. Shit thing is, it can be expensive.

[@abstruseoni]

The food dye trick is interesting, but I wouldn't start off using pans as resin molds xD Start with small molds, like cabochons, because you'll have alot of trial and error and don't want to waste too much resin. You can also use moldable plastic from hobby lobby to make your own molds. You just heat it in hot water, then form it around a simple figure/item and when it cools you can fill it with resin and reuse it. Or reheat it and mold it to something else.

[@samanthaoddsweb]

As a crafter from Ireland it is so great to see ideas I have used AND new ideas. Food die.. of course, plastic garden trays.. of course and the cock pit shine... TOTALLY INSPIRED!! Also as a tip, silicone stirers are just baby spoons... I too hate the elitism, everything is so ridiculously expensive, but once you hack the silicone molds and the others you have said, it becomes more doable. New subscriber coming at you..

[@AeginaCraft]

Thanks Samantha! You are so sweet! Xx

[@ChrisH43]

Lol, I simply use old chopsticks for small volumes 😂

[@samanthaoddsweb]

@@ChrisH43 brilliant!

[@beheroot]

@@ChrisH43 same :D Not even old, as i have LOADS of chopsticks from takeaways and when they are joined 'spatula' is bigger :) When you done mixing you just wipe it and could use another time.

[@PuppyBiteforTrump]

Can’t stand the elites either. I ain’t gotta dollar and I don’t need a dime…(Oliver Anthony’s music) It’s a damn shame!

[@davidmckinney1984]

I salute you sir. Keep it up 👍 If you like glitter in your resin, i can recommend a few drops of extra fine glitter acrylic paint. Perhaps it depends on the brand, but for me it seems to stay evenly dispersed in the resin. The one I use dries clear so the resin is very glittery. Other fun things with acrylic paint is that you can use the ones that glow in the dark, or the ones that glow under UV light. If you'd like a white marble/stone kind of a look in your resin you can use small amounts dry plaster of Paris powder. I bought a giant tub of black graphite powder that I've been using for over a year now to add a Micah powder like affect to my resin that's black. Keep editing cuz I keep remembering things. if you need to protect the surfaces you work on, instead of buying silicone mats that are expensive. You can buy rolls, rolls of silicone sheets designed for baking on that are dirt cheap when compared to a silicone sheet you buy for a resin art, and you can cut it to the size you want..

[@AeginaCraft]

Thanks for the tips mate!

[@matpolson4411]

Make your own moulds with dish soap and 100% silicone, Colour your resin with chalk dust Canola oil works as resin release (apparently) Dish soap works as resin release (apparently) Buy in bulk when it comes to resin purchase, - way cheaper Silicone stir sticks and cups save you in the long run EBay is your friend when it comes to to buying resin products (moulds and resin) Long drying resins have less bubbles (yet to be proven) Vacuume chambers suck and barely work, in my experience Temperature and volume is a massive factor in resin curing times, as well as brands of resin So many things to discover and experiment with but definitely a new subscription here

[@AeginaCraft]

Every word of this comment is gold.

[@avengerx1986]

Any idea how these work in time, I started liking the stuff that can be done using epoxy resin, but I'm more interested in bigger stuff like doing floors, and tabletops.

[@KenFullman]

Vacuum chambers suck? 🤣

[@lobstersrs]

One great source I've found for making my own molds is buying HDPE cutting boards from thrift shops. Also, just buying sheets of HDPE works out pretty reasonable as well if you shop around. I'm with you that some of this stuff places are selling is just at ridiculously inflated prices. I get that some people won't want to, or won't be able to make all their own molds, but it's worth looking at, and most basic molds are incredibly easy to make. I like the message here, there are generally affordable options to a lot of stuff people are marketing. Experiment and go small trying new things, worst case scenario something doesn't work, best case scenario you find a good alternative to some overpriced item.

[@AeginaCraft]

Great idea on the hdpe molds! Thanks for your comment ! :)

[@carrollduran4346]

So sorry, very new here...what is HDPE ?? The only tip I have is some of my alumilite dyes dried out during a very long illness, and now I have made them into alcohol dyes and use much like Clare Lawrence's special process....

[@lobstersrs]

@@carrollduran4346 HDPE is High Density Polyethylene. You're probably familiar with the material, it's fairly ubiquitous. It's a polymer that tends to be somewhat translucent white (but can come dyed in many colors) and resin doesn't really tend to bond to it so it's a good material for making molds. A lot of store bought casting molds are either made from HDPE or silicon. If you've seen the kind of generic looking plastic industrial (and many small home kitchen) cutting boards, those are usually HDPE. Tons of other stuff, from milk cartons to synthetic wood deck material are made from HDPE, there are quite a few sources for finding it. It can be bought relatively inexpensively, while pre-made molds can get pretty expensive and you're limited to what's readily available. Sometimes HDPE cutting boards are a better deal than sheets, sometimes they're not. It depends on the source but I've found that the prices for the material can vary wildly depending on how and where you buy it, so it's worth doing some shopping around. Generally with some effort you can find a decent quantity fairly cheaply. I started out getting cutting boards at thrift shops and cutting those to the sizes of panels I needed for molds and as press plates for micarta. I've found it very handy to keep extra material on hand that I can use to custom make any type and size of mold I might need for a particular project.

[@carrollduran4346]

@lobstersrs thank you so very kindly !! I now know what the material you use is called and I believe I have a fair amount of it ! You have my mind racing just thinking of the uses!...again, thank you so much for the response...it's greatly appreciated!

[@AeginaCraft]

@@carrollduran4346 happy experimenting!

[@carriea.roberts2311]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a pricing Diva! Everything I purchase, I get at the best possible price! However, when it came to the resin hobby, I'm 2 years in, I fell for every product out there! I only recently started realizing that I could use plastic bins etc. I also realized that I could use acrylic paint and even food coloring but I haven't actually tried it yet. 🤷‍♀️ There is no excuse for this! I inherited money from my father 2 years ago and I spent a large portion of it on all the things that have to do with resin! 😔 It's shameful! I'm grateful for this video! I am going to share it on the Resin and Craft Facebook pages. This is IMPORTANT!!! You are right!! It shouldn't be an elitist hobby! I'm embarrassed that I fell for the hype! 🤦‍♀️ In every other area of my life I am a bargain hunter. Please, don't do what I did! Learn from this video and subscribe to learn more about saving your hard-earned money! 💰 I pray that God blesses your important KZbin work. Thanks, again! ❤ Keep up the good work! 👍

[@mebobtheone]

There are also dry paint pigments DYI resin pigments/ pastes and resin dyes and inks. You mentioned about using food dye and they'll work at 1st but they really do fade out very quickly in months. Steve Mcdonald (YT'er) covers this in his vids.

[@deedriscoll14]

I came across this video today, first time I have ever seen this Human. It is easy to say I like him and will subscribe to him. In the 17 minutes he showed sincerity and honesty during his rant. I appreciated what he thought and all the ideas he had offered. Looking forward to watching more of what he has.

[@tjenahoj]

Thank you for your important message and honoring your fathers heritage. Westernkind is amazing and creative!

[@victoriaregnier9040]

I love the way you say, “the other thing that pissed me off really hard...” 😆

[@AeginaCraft]

I am englishing to the mega 😅

[@felixartworld7626]

Also baby wipes work great to clean your silicon molds. I always have baby wipes around, so is not an extra expense. Hand sanitizer is another quick way to clean your hands, if you accidentally came in contact with resin after you remove your gloves. You can also clean your silicon sticks with it. I have a surplus of hand sanitizer bottles someone gave me (left overs from the pandemic rush) Thank you so much for Bahia video. Thank you to everyone else sharing their tips on alcohol ink and more Keep on pouring!!

[@AeginaCraft]

Yo! Thanks for the encouragement! I will defo keep the baby wipes at hand! So cool advice! Xx

[@jennijennifer5129]

Isopropyl alcohol here in Australia is really really expensive. I use alcohol wipes to clean up , also extremely good for wiping molds. I also have alcohol hand sanitizer for clean up. Both work very well. Dish detergent not watered down can also remove resin from silicone if it's being stubborn.

[@AeginaCraft]

Oh alcohol is like 2bucks a liter, i get the cleaning alcohol 95%. But great advice on alternatives! I should use dishsoap to clean my hands instead then.

[@jennijennifer5129]

@@AeginaCraft dish soap can help getting off resin from hands but the alcohol wipes are better. The alcohol here called isopropyl alcohol is $22 for 250 ml. I've used vinegar which isn't too bad.

[@AeginaCraft]

@@jennijennifer5129 holy mother of batman... thats a LOOOOT

[@craftygirlzsa]

Like a few people have said below, what a breath of fresh air to hear and watch your video, down to earth, plain talking! Loved it! :) (Even though I'm 3 months late, but hey, I got to watch it so better late than never.)

[@sirguy6678]

Excellent rant! The “experts shills” are in every KZbin category (especially woodworking) they rebrand the previously free advice and add a payment option- basically separating new artists and crafters from their money

[@AeginaCraft]

Yea, so fake and so cringe.

[@cindyhammack68]

Yep. And when they start selling their "How to Make Money from Your Hobby" classes, I'm out. That has happened several times to channels I used to like watching. KZbin has become one giant infomercial.

[@AeginaCraft]

I have no problem with sharing business advice and ideas, I done a vieo like that too. BUT Once you have to subsidize your income with GAME CHANGING BUSINESS CORUSE TO MAKE MONEY because you cant make a living doing your art anymore I find that slimy. That is greed manifest. I just got attacked by another guy like this in a comment. Funny how they twist my words to get justfied. Thank god I have more sane people here than them.

[@cindyhammack68]

@AeginaCraft sharing is one thing. Charging for common sense is another. This one guy I used to watch had a "Links to all pdf documents are available to paid members," of his "program." Documents like how to set up an LLC, or to get a business tax account number, blank business plans, etc. Dude, they're all FREE if you just search for them.

[@AeginaCraft]

I used to watch a painter and decorator business channel like 10 years ago. Dude done the same. Charge for free available shit. These people got flogged 200 years ago tbh...

[@NewLifeJewelryCreations-fl8kk]

Loved your video. I started a KZbin channel in January because I get my sister's castoff once she harvests the good jewelry from lot sales. I show people how to give new life to what other's would trash. I use a lot of resin in the fixes. I made my own alcohol ink for free using dead permanent markers (sharpies) the kids' leader at church was going to throw away, and alcohol that I had in the cupboard. It was much better than the stuff I purchased. I got my stir sticks from pancake sausage dogs that my husband eats for breakfast. They clean up easily with water. Again free. Since I do jewelry, my resin mixes are very small. I mix colors into it the resin on butter wrappers that have been wiped with a paper towel or a cap to a Powerade drink. My sister commented on the fact that she looks at her trash before she tosses it and asks, 'What would Bethany do with this?' lol. Thanks for the video. The spray release thing was very informative. I was thinking of purchasing some. Now I am going to the auto motive sections.

[@AeginaCraft]

What great solutions! Wow! Hats off to you! Keep on creating!

[@pattil7947]

What the auto body spray name? Thanks! 👍🥰

[@NewLifeJewelryCreations-fl8kk]

@@pattil7947 I got Armor All at the Dollar Tree for $1.25. I have only used it once so far, but it seems to help with demolding.

[@sandydenman6083]

​@@pattil7947maybe Armour All?

[@jsmxwll]

you can make a negative of the bottom of your hdpe containers with plaster. it shouldn't stick to the hdpe container and those containers were made in a mold so they should be shaped to release from the negative. you can put your container in the negative while you pour to support the container, then lift it out and pop the cured resin like normal. you can use a negative of thin silicone molds the same way to support them and slow down the stretch and compression a bit. plaster of paris is dirt cheap and you don't need the negative to be perfect, just good enough to support the mold itself.

[@AeginaCraft]

this is so smart!! thanks for sharing!!

[@TheResinersPourHouse]

Do you have a solution by chance to the crazy cost of resin, period? There's casting resin, deep pour, fast cure, polyurethane, black, etc. And what is the truth about supposed "non toxic", food safe resin?

[@AeginaCraft]

Would be kinda long to write it here but i will make a video about this for you as soon as i can!

[@pattil7947]

@@AeginaCraftthat would great! 👍🥰

[@AeginaCraft]

@@pattil7947 already out! check the videos! :)

[@kingsleydyson4841]

I fully get your point! I have not tried with epoxy resin but I have used paint tint to colour a PU bonding agent so it looked like paint and there was no signifucant impact on the bond strength. I am suggesting to try using paint tint to add colour to resin instead of acrylic paint, as you will only need to add a fraction of the amount to achieve the same colour intensity. Tints can be blended as done in paint shops to achieve whatever colour you want. If you want a marbled / streaky effect you could add the tints without pre-mixing them.

[@AeginaCraft]

Wooow such a great advice! I dont know how I never thought of that! Thanks for sharing! Keep creating and being awesome!

[@pamelahawn9300]

Nail beauty supplies are good for powders, mica, shiny gold leaf, etc.. If you shop carefully you can buy color sets. For example an assortment of blues etc. Caution though...be sure and look at how much is being sold in each container. Sometimes it is sold in o bags. They have chameleon colors also. I loved your content! ❤🎉 So honest! I am like you. There are many ways to achieve a goal. We don't have to buy into manufacturers "gimmicks." I.have been studying this. I have purchased a few silicone molds for resin. I am thinking along the lines you are. I had also thought about " food dyes." You saved me the trouble😊🎉. I am from Minnesota, USA. Great job. I learned many things from this video. I am still studying KZbin for everyone's different theories. I like your no nonsense style. 🎉😊

[@AeginaCraft]

Thanks for sharing these Pam! Im so happy that you found us! Welcome home! We are all like you here!

[@mariettew-b9629]

TIPS ON BASE TINTS; Have you ever purchased base tints from the paint store? They’re heavily saturated. I only buy the black & the white tints. I pay $7.80/300ml in Australia. The tints are in the big cylindrical container that’s used to make up individual paint shades/colours. Outstanding in resin. Example: 1teaspoon of base tint to a full cup of resin. A couple of drops in a smaller cup, stir to check opacity. Also gives fantastic cells/lacing. PLUS it’s perfect for acrylic (Floetrol 80%-20% tint). Also gives fantastic cells/lacing.

[@chrisroche6139]

What's the brand of these tints? Thank you!!!!

[@itswhatsinsidethatcounts6443]

I just stumbled across your video, and guess what? You have another new subscriber. I love how honest you are and how you've been experimenting with so many different things. I have wanted to start doing resin arts for a while, but when I was looking into it I was shocked at how much I was 'supposed' to spend, according to the 'experts' from the various companies I contacted. Now I know that I don't have to spend a fortune just to get started. Thank you! Good luck with your channel, and I hope your subs numbers keep rising.

[@AeginaCraft]

Yo! Thank you for your support!

[@alisonarcher5072]

THANK YOU! I love your honesty. You have rekindled my desire to use all the stuff I’ve collected and not used because I can’t find a mould I like.

[@00tab00]

Oh how I love a good rant! Especially one that informs. This was great! Watching you disappear from screen (as you bend down to find something) and then pop back up again without missing a beat in your rant gave me a good laugh. But entertainment aside, your tips for saving money are most appreciated and will be used! Thanks so much!

[@67sixpack]

That pink mold you could make doughnut magnets :)

[@Just-Peachy-JP]

candle holders.... the tall thin type xx

[@AeginaCraft]

Good idea!! Thank you!

[@lisagodard2021]

Thank you for the great advice. It is too bad that there are not enough straight forward people on this channel. You are so right about the commercialization of crafting. Everybody is out to grab your cash if you are trying a new craft. Keep up the good work. The world needs more people like You!

[@AeginaCraft]

thanks Lisa, thanks for your support!

[@marianslavescu46]

Finally one guy that is honest and use his mind for the thinking purpose. We need more honest guys like this one. Unfortunately KZbin became a garbage bean for all devious greedy so called "influencers" most of them mindwashed paid with incredible amounts of money to deceive people.

[@theduftmeister]

This might be one of the fastest 100 to 1000 subscribers transitions! Great video and helpful. Working with epoxy and wood myself, I know where you're coming from. Thanks for highlighting the problem. Hope you hit the 1k soon. Subbed.

[@AeginaCraft]

I am lierally just watching the number spin. Its unreal to me that so many people think I actually worth listening to. Im so humbled I dont even know what to say. Thank you. Xx

[@lil.miscellaneous]

I have used coconut oil spray for mold release. Works like a charm

[@AeginaCraft]

great tip! thank you!

[@karenbrown9889]

I am a beginner, so new that I haven’t started yet, but I want to. Thank you for your help because I don’t want to get ripped off, I have limited money. Your shirt and anything else didn’t take away from the message, I just was happy to hear your opinion and your alternatives to what the shopkeepers say.

[@AeginaCraft]

Happy to help

[@marykatherine9098]

Wonderful video. Yes lots of us fall into the trap of buying the new things for are hobbies. I like your rant. It’s honest and wholesome. New subscriber from Ontario Canada

[@traceyg6458]

I have been mould making and casting for over 40 years. It is a minefield out there nowadays for the new comers, but one thing I have learnt is not to go too cheap but try to stick with one company for all your needs as compatability is key. I have always used a company that supplies the film industry as they are always improving the products and I found they had options if you just wanted fast and dirty right up to really long life moulding materials, these usually have more silicone in and less fillers but naturally are more expensive. Make copious notes and keep them safe, especially with the resins. If I clear cast I have to wear extensive protection as I am allergic to it since the introduction of accelerents and uv blockers the combination is not good for me!! But having said all that it still a great joy to produce a unique and lovely item. Carry on creating to all you makers out there!

[@cheaquettaj]

I really enjoyed watching your video and I wanted to let you know how inspiring it was! I have been buying supplies for my crafting business too, and like you, I am on a budget but want to create quality products without breaking the bank. I've been watching videos about resin crafting and silicone mold making for over 4 years now. I have a collection of supplies that I've gathered over time, including all the essentials like resin, molds, silicone, pigments, and more. I have noticed that many creators on KZbin are constantly promoting new products and it can be overwhelming at times. While I appreciate their advice and creative ideas, I sometimes feel pressured to buy things I may not necessarily need. It's great to see creators growing their businesses and getting sponsorships, but I don't agree with bad-mouthing products just because they're not from a certain brand or company. I recently discovered Temu and found their molds to be just as good as others I've tried. I don't understand the negativity towards their products, especially when they work just as well. I also don't think it's fair to criticize products just because they are made in China - quality can come from anywhere. I understand the importance of supporting local businesses and economy, but I also believe in being honest about product quality. As someone with a limited budget, I appreciate when I can find affordable options that don't compromise on quality. It's frustrating to see creators pushing expensive products without considering the impact on their audience. The resin mold controversy is something that bothers me too. The huge price difference between products from different companies is concerning, and I wish creators would focus more on creating content rather than promoting their own products excessively. I believe in creators growing their businesses, but not at the expense of honesty and integrity. I have accumulated a lot of molds and supplies over the years, and I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I have. It's easy to fall for the hype and end up with more than you need. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way, and I appreciate creators like you who are honest and genuine in their content. Thank you for speaking up about these issues - it's important to have open and honest discussions in the crafting community.

[@serenawilkinson1769]

How about researching facts about how Chia’s communist country treat their citizens, imprisoning anyone wanting a democracy with the basic of rights. Such can get one killed or their family killed, if not both or imprisoned for life and used for slave labor. Children purposely kidnapped for the sex slave trade. Purposely developing germ warfare for population control and/or war. The government makes money off of any business there, including the sex industry. They steal all designs of items made there, regardless of who invented them from any country and ignore copyrights and patents, from technology to medicine, medical devices down to can openers. They control how many children a family can have, have killed newborns and required abortions in the past. They control what jobs one can work or study for and regardless how much money one makes, they’re not allowed to own the land their home or business sits on. Their dam can break, due to a bad design, which killed hundreds or more, and decided to not pay the for loss of family members by declaring a flood an act of nature instead. They developed SARS Covid and intentionally Contaminated a low income open air market to dispose of the poor in the area, didn’t report it to the World Health organization to prevent travel, during an annual holiday celebration, which brings in mega tourists dollars and taxes, allowing Covid to be spred to other countries. They told Trump there wasn’t a problem and had only 300 infected, when it was 30k and by the next week 60k infected and the first 30k were dead. Such left our Pres telling everyone, not to worry, it’s under control. If we try to stop China from attacking and taking over (like Putin/Ukraine)Taiwan, who is one of our suppliers of goods, all China has to do is contaminate our foods and stop supplying us with everything we get from there, which is just about everything. They’ve bought thousand of acres of cattle and farm land in the US and bought the leading Fertilizer Plant, so they can take over our own food sources, due to the idiot in the White House. We’ve made a China wealthy by sending all of our manufacturing to them, so we could buy things cheaper from the backs of the poor, slave labor and children. Now, China is buddies with Putin, who despises us and both have nuclear weapons aimed for us, along with nuclear middles on submarines that come within 200 miles of our coast lines regularly, therefore they can kill us without shooting a bomb by air. The list is forever long. These are reasons not to buy items from China, as it supports the communist government more than its people trying to earn a living. Oh, they gather your personal data through TEMU and TikTok, incase you don’t know that either. Identity theft has been linked to both. I hate politics because it’s sooo corrupt but you’ve got to stay informed at least of the national and world news. They smuggle in Fentanyl through a Mexico and coastal drop off points that’s killing kids and adults daily in the US, as well. China is killing our people, planning to kill more and take over our country, if they don’t get their way. Maybe try products from Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and India for a while; like you said, you can get good and bad from anywhere. They have child/cheap labor there too but they’re not a major threat to our country and it’s innocent citizens. Just FYI from the heart. I’m an Air Force, Vietnam aveteran, retired widow. You’d be surprised at the evil going on in this world and how sheltered and left in the dark we are by what our government allows the media to report. Just be informed, be safe, blessed and enjoy your artwork! It can give you peace, joy and an income. Best of wishes always!

[@alicelove8910]

Thank you Bela!! I am a pensioner who wanted to do resin craft but because of the expense I simply never tried. You have shown me a way!!! Thank you!

[@AeginaCraft]

HAppy too help dear!

[@MarcysArtsyFartsyCreations]

I just found your channel and subscribed. I like your rant because I have noticed the same scams being played on newbies to resin, and believe anyone getting involved in resin, or any other craft/hobby, should not be tricked into buy things they don't need. Other things to help in mold release are spraying cooking spray or using just plain dishsoap and warm water.

[@AeginaCraft]

Thanks for being here and joining our community of honest artists! Im 100% with you Marcy!

[@gizellaszabo9192]

So thankful that you came through my feed. Your awesome! Great advice etc. Im starting out with this hobby and have been horrified by the prices 😖. Seriously sellers going nuts forcing their products for megga$$$. Thank you 🙏💜

[@1stSchoolofLife]

I love how you think out of the box. I have been considering epoxy for my countertops and also for a little customer figurine. I had the same problem with soap molds. They are crazy expensive for what they are. I have been using the silicone baking molds. They are great for small batches, but eventually, I will make my own. Now, I am looking to do some lime plaster, and the mortars (here in Canada) are way overpriced. I have been researching how to make my own. The lime paint basically uses the same kind of dyes you are showing. It is fun to experiment. Thanks!

[@AeginaCraft]

Never stop creating!

[@ChristyDuplantie]

Thank you! I like you have found other ways to be creative with silicone molds vs silicone baking pans, cupcake molds, etc. Great information!

[@Amy_McFarland]

I just started my scroll saw journey about 6 mths ago and now my creative desires want to incorporate epoxy into my creations. I'm not there yet BUT this financially is a game changer to get started sooner than later. Thank you!

[@auswidemarine8980]

You have been in the industry for one year. I’m 30 years in. Have you walked up to a shop counter yet and thought, this is a nice shape, I would like to make a mold of that. I like what you have put together here. Nice one. I’ve taken some tips and learned some things too.

[@quigleyscorner4881]

Thank you!!! I thought I was being ripped off... The pen ink did exactly what you said, it bled out and separated into different colors. But the food colors I've tried prevent the epoxy from curing, the same with the acrylic paint. You've encouraged me to go back and experiment some more!

[@AeginaCraft]

now when you use food dye and acrylic paint make sure you only use a little bit. I have a river coaster making video where I use acrylic and I show you how little is needed to tint the epoxy. basically depending on the type of resin and the volume and viscosity of the paint it can differ, for me half a teaspoon of acrylic paint to something like 500-800grams of epoxy was MORE than enough. but yea there are so many factors at play here. start little, gradually increase the amounts from project to project to point of failure and there you have done the experiment! Good luck to you on your journey, and keep creating!

[@jovatohernandez4948]

Have you tried Indian ink to dye the epoxy? I'm going to experiment with it

[@AeginaCraft]

@@jovatohernandez4948 let us know how it goes mate!

[@quigleyscorner4881]

@@AeginaCraft I will check it out, thank you, I guess I was using too much to get an opaque color.

[@fmt_Guåhan]

Thank you! You're spot on with all these ppl pushing commercial supplies on certain crafts. GREED has consumed many, not so much of the joy of sharing a hobby.

[@rebeccamiller3248]

It's not just you it's here in the states too. Thank you for speaking out. The first pink one you showed is a doughnut mold for oven bake doughnuts. Also for bagels. But they work for wheels on toy cars.

[@AeginaCraft]

Thank you!

[@rebeccamiller3248]

​@@AeginaCraftalso line the Teflon with plastic wrap or wax paper

[@mariettew-b9629]

Thank you. This is the BEST! Here’s a tip; PASTE FOR RESIN Make your own pastes from mica powders. Any mica powder from those available for soap making, make up or nails. I made mine up about 2 years ago. They do separate a little over time & only need to be stirred thoroughly to reintegrate, the same as “store bought pastes” do if left unused. A quick stir & you’re back in business. I ran out of binder to mix my mica powders into pastes. It’s my preference as it mixes easily into resin. “The guy” at the shop said just to use part A (the epoxy resin) I did and it’s worked beautifully. You can buy the part A on its own, it’s just called “epoxy”. Maybe you could try it if you have any mica powders? I offer no guarantee as to how long it will last. I put the mica (about a teaspoon) in first & completely cover it with the epoxy, by about 1/2” then very gently stir it in. The more epoxy the easier to stir. Then stir, stir, stir til it’s silky smooth. I like it to be thick. It’s really trial & error. I made a number of these more than 2 years ago. Like all pastes they have sat unused for a while, they need to be thoroughly stirred PRIOR to mixing into resin. Just remember to seal it in an airtight container. The “binder” is just Part A. That’s the actual epoxy NOT part B which is the hardener. So, it’s Part A, plus mica powder only. Perhaps 1 teaspoon mica powder to 1 tablespoon Part A. Pour Part A over the powder, stir gently until it’s mostly incorporated, then stir thoroughly until it’s smooth. Store in air tight container.

[@katiegrace8675]

Strongly agree with you about being tired of all the sales pitches.

[@AeginaCraft]

Its so tiresome to comb through all the ads to get to the info I know. I'll promise i will keep it real forever!

[@called2create12]

Just started this since resin craft this year. This is the best, most honest yet simple video I have come across. I liked and immediately subscribed. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@lonnarheaj]

Thank you for all the valuable information!!! Bad results from newbie mistakes and experiments that fail add up to a lot of money flushed down the porcelain receptacle. I appreciate being able to learn from the experience of others! I won't live long enough to learn everything from making every oops and success myself, so I am grateful for people letting me learn from what they have done that worked and didn't. I am a new-newbie just getting started in resin and epoxy work, and it can be daunting and a major financial investment, especially with all the gadgets and foo-foo stuff available, plus not knowing firsthand what's truly necessary and what isn't. I sincerely appreciate every bit of wisdom others are willing to share!!!

[@getahanddown]

Nice video that fits for so many hobbies. Also I find that cheap stuff can be better to a point. No 'custom' additives just pure chemical + shopping around places that work in bulk. My first experience was needing about 450mm of 120dia carbon tube. Expensive from a hobby shop, cheap as a box of beers from the yacht spar bin :)

[@AeginaCraft]

Yupp hardware store for the win!

[@masawelive]

Thank you so much about the info shared on molds and colors we can use. You are awesome❤

[@davidr3986]

The problem with many of us, that is to say society in general, is that we are just too lazy to work things out for ourselves and content ourselves with whatever we are told by 'big business' (this is also how we react to politicians). However, history shows us that, every so often, someone comes along, kicks us up the arse and shouts in our ear, "WAKE-UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE"!!! This, not always, shakes us out of our state of complacency and opens our eyes to many other situations in everyday life. Of course, we have to be selective - not all 'Rebels' have our best interest in mind, but this chap seems to have done his homework and rather than keep this to himself, decides to share his studious experiences with the rest of us. So, thumbs up to him for taking the time and a subcription in gratitude.

[@AeginaCraft]

Thank you David. I will try to live up to your praise!

[@michellecameron5850]

Haha … I’m just not equipped to think that way. 😂 Not saying I’m dumb, just that I don’t think experimentally.

[@caronpotocnik9851]

Thank you for the informative video. A few thoughts and tips I learnt from my Father (sadly passed on now). He was a managing director of a paint company for most of his working life. To support silicone (and other softer) moulds, it helps to make a Fibre glass frame to hold their shape in use. This does require the mould is first filled with one cured cast. This first cast can be done using a basin of sand to support a thinner mould which can distort. Secondly, the paint colour tints sold in paint and hardware stores are also very useful/good for resin work. These are generally available at any paint counter where a store offers the option of customized paint colour mixing.

[@AeginaCraft]

Thats so smart! I have a shipyard nearby i might go snooping there on fiberglass stuffs!

[@ChibiChula]

Thank you for sharing! ❤ BTW, I've actually seen videos of people making their own pigment pastes from cooking spices or a few cheap chemical pigments, like powdered concrete dye which you can get a ton of for relatively cheap. You just need to have an inexpensive mortar and pedstal to smooth it out. Much cheaper, especially for plain white and black which are the most heavily used colors. 😉👍

[@AeginaCraft]

Yoo! Amazing tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@dutch1800]

@@AeginaCraft Peter Brown/Shop Time on KZbin has tried all kinds of thing to color epoxy.

[@ChibiChula]

@@dutch1800 Yeah, so has Steve McDonald and Sunfire Designs among others. Titanium Dioxide is fairly common and easy enough to find and makes a perfect white color. Depending on how much you use it, one container could last you years. Most oxide pigment powders work in resin. They'll give you plain, flat colors mostly but they're still good for at least the basic black and white. However, if you know your color theory and get red, blue and yellow, you can mix almost any color. They won't be fancy and sparkly but you can get some microfine glitter to add to your mixed resin if you want sparkle. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Yeah, if you want duochrome or chameleon powders/flakes you'll have to pay for the pricey stuff. No need to get scammed on the basics though. 😉👍

[@jennijennifer5129]

I use white or black acrylic paint (or any colour) to colour the resin. I made a red and black tray for my son using acrylic paint in resin, worked perfectly

[@ChibiChula]

@@jennijennifer5129 They do work but you have to be careful with the cheap ones because sometimes they aren't strong enough to get the level of color you want without going over the ratio limit for your resin. Also, some have chemicals that could react badly with the resin. That could cause your resin not to cure properly or have other strange reactions. Always test with small projects first. Using the oxide powder dyes for at least the basics makes a much more concentrated color and since it's a powder you don't have to worry about it drying out like acrylic paint does. It's a slightly larger upfront cost than cheap acrylic paint (though it's actually fairly comparable in cost to the expensive acrylics) but you get more bang for your buck with the powder dyes. You don't even need to really turn them into a paste to use them. It's just that mixing it with some resin hardener to create a paste makes it easier to add to your mixed resin without clumps. However, buying color shift, metallic paint and opalescent acrylic paints for resin is definitely convenient if you find it on sale. 😉👍

[@bejuis8087]

Thank you for your honest and very helpful video for those of us starting out on this amazing resin art journey and what to avoid.😊

[@DanielDan-rg9zw]

When I tried blue ink in resin it turned brown, but if I shine a light through it it's blue! It's so weird! Also tried pastel chalk sticks, shaved with a hobby knife, it tints the resin but at the same time a part of it will sink depending how thick the resin was! You are right, not even in resin art, different companies buy cheap stuff and rebrands it with 10 times the price! The only things I got is resin, red, blue and yellow dye that I can dilute in 99% alcohol or pure acetone to make my own inks, found few molds at the thrift store to start doing some things! There are many alternatives to start off if you know what to look for, but those kits the videos sell are enticing because they present everything you need to start, so of course people will get them for the convenience of getting everything in one online order! And then the stores hits you with "You should also get this and that because it makes things easier to do!

[@AeginaCraft]

Very good tips! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@Crosshatch1212]

Candy automotive paint .

[@filiusgratia6905]

G'Day from Australia Sir. This is quite possibly the MOST informative video that I have watched on ANY topic. I am seeking information in advance of possibly including resin in my projects.

[@AeginaCraft]

Happy to be of some help!

[@andreaamplified]

I am glad you found less expensive options.

[@susanmacdonald8986]

Thank you. Just starting to make streams and ponds for my dollhouses. I'll keep watching for tips😊

[@mandy-janeart-mjdesignhous3600]

I hear you! you can just add a little dish soap with water in a spray bottle for mould release! Cheap as chips

[@trevorjacobs559]

This video is great. I’m from the states, and I’ve gotten myself involved into way too many hobbies and I’m still young and in school. So I try to find anyway to budget out my hobbies just like this. Great info!

[@Mymysticmama]

All over the place wheat is separating from the chaff. Middle-men have become obsolete. True creative spirit (true artists) aren't CONSUMERS. They aren't even "producers". They're creators, which is more akin to scavengers. RESOURCESFUL. Always experimenting, developing, testing, pushing the limits of things. True artists have dirty nails, dirty clothes, messy hair - their studios are a MESS, with no A/C or heat, they're surrounded by mistakes (they've learned from), and...........they're typically broke. The highly-polished, hyped up, perfectly organized, flawless process stuff where everyone is making bank......is a LIE. It's about time artists started calling it out!! God Bless ❤ Love the idea of collaborating with your viewers to build a database of knowledge!

[@AeginaCraft]

Im with you a 100% I might put something together to get the ideas shared! Or make a video every week to share the collected knowledge. I never thought this many people will be interested in my world view. It feels good knowing Im not alone!xx

[@janniehayes7175]

I don't want to be a true artist if is means being dirty. That's YOUR opinion of a true artist

[@christopherh7125]

Brilliant video. This is the type of shared knowledge I get from my wood turning group. Those marketing scams are used in every art modality, from woodworking to ceramics and everything in between. What impressed me most, is how the video reveals a truly compassionate, kind and caring person. I subscribed.

[@AeginaCraft]

You are too kind dude. Thank for your support!

[@krustov]

To avoid diluting the resin at all, try dropping the food dye into glass and drying it out first, then mix it with some alcohol. Bam! Alcohol dye!

[@AeginaCraft]

Why didnt I think of that! Awesome!

[@alansmith477]

I have used Vaseline as mold release. Put it on and wipe off the excess. For mold I have used cheap plastic bowls. Thanks for the info

[@jacqwerner7919]

I don't know what channels you've been watching but I never seen any of the resin videos that I watch here in the US on KZbin try to sell me anything at the end of the video they just let me know where some of the things that they've used are from in the description. I am on a fixed income and disabled as well and I have made resin a wonderful hobby that's kept me out of depression and I don't hardly spend any money on molds and decorations and things like that I use things that I have around the house and things I found at thrift stores and things I find like rocks and stones and sand and all kinds of things you can find for free leaves flowers you name it I found it and I can make some of the nicest things that you see on those videos. I think the most I've spent on is the actual epoxy resin itself, and the mica powders which you can also use old makeup like eyeshadows and blush just like mica powder other than that I don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy this Hobby. And I've never used silicone mold release. I've even used the epoxy resin on pieces of wood or pieces of tile I found instead of a mold and have made really cute items with wood and tile. I just feel where there's a will there's a way and you can find anything you need and the most expensive thing is the epoxy resin itself other than that you can find anything to use it with for next to nothing if not free out in nature. Where there's a will there's a way!

[@AeginaCraft]

oh my god you are so right! Hats off to you on being a wonderful maker! im literally taking notes here. so inspiring tips on materials! regarding the yt channels, i just got the big channels fed to me here from the algorithm (god only know how that works) and they are always endorsing something stated or hidden. regarding the epoxy, check automotive, boat epoxy brands where they sell it by the gallon. i get mine from the german factory for about 10 bucks a liter. I think I'll put a video together on this cos this looks like to be a common issue! thanks for sharing your vision and yes where there is a will there is a way! much love to you! xx

[@Antoniodesigns1]

Try house paint. Latex flat. They say it doesn't work in epoxy. But l think if you mix it in part A first, then add A to B and mix. Maybe this would work. Let me know. Also, great video. It's nice what you are doing showing people not to get ripped off. Great job!!!!

[@AeginaCraft]

check my video on pigments and dyes!

[@angeladonohoe1935]

Wow,at last ,someone who says the truth about corporate, you had me laughing out loud😂😂 during you most informative video ,and yes I have looked at your alternative items and the price difference is purse changing .❤ I am from suffolk 🇬🇧 UK,I absolutely love my resin projects but as you say ,bloody arse dropping prices limits what you can afford . Sending you ❤️ ❤❤ from me Anji xx

[@AeginaCraft]

Thanks Anji! I promise you I will always keep it real!

[@leslielajes5646]

Thank you so much for this video! I am brand new to resin and knowing I can use supplies I already have on hand to color my resin is a huge money saver.

[@AeginaCraft]

Watch my ink dye pigment video! That will help a lot!

[@CallousCoder]

I am with you. My channel is on all sorts of engineering and I refuse to sell or even have patreon membership. I do this because I have something interesting to show or want people to learn something. And their thanks in the comment section is enough for me. And I also don’t see myself as an expert. And most people selling crap on YT are even less experienced than me. Screw that!

[@AeginaCraft]

yupp! we have to keep going and stick toghe3ter!

[@patriciabottoms680]

Thank you for your review. I really appreciate it. I’ve been in the trade for a while experimenting myself. Good to know you have experimented many of the things I have. I’ll be looking forward to more of your videos. All the way from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada cheers

[@Loyror]

This video was a breath of fresh air! Reminds me of KZbin some 5-6 years ago. The anglo-saxon/neo-liberal narrative is strong on YT, so it's nice to see someone not licking the algorithms backside. 😊👍

[@AeginaCraft]

We fight for sanity friend! Thanks for being here with us!

[@Kerrythewoodworker]

Thanks Bela. Stumbled onto this video and love. Love the down to earth approach. I am going to check out your channel some more. I use rust-Oleum paints in my epoxy projects especially countertops. I have my clients pick their own paint out .

[@poepflater]

I had a customer witha shop next to a shop that made metal dies for injection etc... the guy saw me buy a 1x1m tray and came over to look it over... as one does if you see something made in a process you specialise in... he threw it out there, to make the metal mold to make the trays would be about 5000 Euro. I use every day inkstamp ink in my printers.... for years....

[@AeginaCraft]

This is what Im talkin about! Its so good to hear that Im not alone! Godspeed brother!

[@ardenbryce]

Thanks for the information it was very eye opening. I’m just getting started in resin/epoxy but I am like you, whenever I see someone on KZbin using something that “a sponsor is paying them to use” the first thing I do is try and figure out how I can repurpose something to create it for less money. I plan to use some of your suggestions today. I love the car shine idea as well as the food color and HDPE trays. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@devonvergiels5185]

Ok, so a huge problem that I have had with any of these videos is the apparent complete lack of people designing, sculpting, in any way creating their own molds. I mean, WHY do they keep getting told "oh, you're so talented!" NO, they're pouring stuff in molds that are mass produced and not in the least original!!!!! Yuck!!! And before you guys slam me, yes I am a sculptor. Yes I have multiple awards, regionally and internationally. MAKE YOUR OWN ARTWORK!!!

[@artbykagsy]

Tbf, I think the exact same way. I make all my moulds, sculptures, everything from monster clay, and then make moulds and cast (resin/polyurethane) from them. How can you stand out from the crowd if what you're doing is the same as everyone else? 🤷‍♀️

[@caymenbrown2465]

The same way there are several kinds of bread and somehow they all get sold.

[@melissaheath9278]

Thank you for speaking out. I thought I was only one having to experiment with chemical colors because other things were garbage. I also found many artists in your comments that are genius and frugal. It is annoying to fall for click bate, and they don't teach and leave out steps and push products.

[@oshaey1]

You can use cheap nail polish to color resin and try just pigment paint, add some rubbing alcohol to make your own alcohol inks

[@felixartworld7626]

Have you experimented with gel nail polish? I’m curious

[@felixartworld7626]

What rubbing alcohol grade do you use to dilute your pigments?

[@oshaey1]

@@felixartworld7626 70%

[@AeginaCraft]

Yo! Good thinking! Does the acetone based nail polish play well with alcohol?

[@oshaey1]

Not gel. But I've tried L.A. Colors color craze with hardeners. And you could try filling half a bottle with a Cap on it of rubbing alcohol and use dried up sharpies and markers once you get them apart to let them sit and get color that way.

[@karenzomick8671]

Bela- stumbled across your video around 4 am EST. I must say, I absolute love your honesty and appreciate the rant. I have felt the same while watching many of the channels. It is very refreshing to find someone saying what I’ve been thinking!! Great Job! You said if we had an idea for something to try to color the resin to suggest it…have you tried the colored printer inks? I have several cartridges I have wanted to try. I am curious if they work. Happy to have found your channel and I will keep watching!!

[@AeginaCraft]

Ayo Karen! Thanks for your kind words! I havent go around printer ink yet. But there are several makers here in this comment section who have experimented with it! Have a look around. Im sure you'll find some info here :)

[@thedadchronicles]

This encapsulates all of YT, everyone is attempting to be an "influencer" trying to sell something.

[@AeginaCraft]

I know, its exhausting, finding information out of all the surronding noise. I will keep it 100% real forever, I can promise that!

[@Hotecce1]

ive seen some of the experienced youtube woodworkers use laminated MDF for resin work. you just make a tray, or shape to what ever you like. they use some non stick spray coating as well. when your done, you just take apart the mould from the resin easy peasy.

[@finitesound]

Appreciate you sharing this information!

[@AeginaCraft]

We have to stand up against elitist exploitation of new artists.

[@EjoysArtSpace29]

I've been wantingt to try expensive alcohol inks from a known brand but they dont ship to my country so i just made my own using printer's ink and pure alcohol and it's been great to use so far. I've also been using Nail Art materials and so much cheaper. I've been crafting for 3 years now and this honest video is really an eye opener for me. Thank you so much for this.

[@AeginaCraft]

Happy to help!

[@eturnall5658]

products are rebranded sold by different amounts and containers while even called different names for different purposes . its this way with most products .

[@AeginaCraft]

True! My advice: go to the source, try to get it from the maker or the closest retaoler in the chain to the maker. That way u can get a good deal

[@eturnall5658]

@@AeginaCraft its all about learning your tools and resources

[@switchgear666]

Great rant..... I've been doing epoxy and wood projects for 5 years and never once thought of using garden trays for molds. Gonna definitely look into it. I usually make them out of plywood. They last a LONG time but are bulky to store. Thanks.

[@AeginaCraft]

happy to help

[@zeusvalentine3638]

A pleasure to come across this video with someone as passionate about mold making as I am. I think we need to rediscover about the natural ways people made "plastic and resin" from 100+ years ago.

[@pathardage1880]

I FREAKING LOVED THIS VIDEO. THANK YOU; THANK YOU; THANK YOU. I recently moved to Portugal from USA, and finding all the "wonderful stuff" is close to impossible. You have saved me a decade and a large part of my retirement. Again, Thank you.

[@AeginaCraft]

happy to help my friend! and welcome to the Aeginacraft community! check all the comments under my videos there are a bunch of tips shared by fellow makers here!

[@anniestanford-rossini647]

I've used acrylic paint, nail polished and eye make up powder. also, silicone kitchen utensils are good for stirring resin and silicone trays or baking sheets are good for laying smaller projects on.

[@stephaniezoller610]

I am new to this hobby and am loving it! Stumbled across this video today by accident, and thank you so much for all the tips! I hate when videos try to sell me stuff so this is certainly a breath of fresh air. I have most of the "other" products like acrylic paint, alcohol, etc, so I am excited to try these out.

[@AeginaCraft]

Enjoy experimenting!

[@debbarber8765]

Make your own pigment paste by using mica powder & part a resin. Can’t remember exact ratios but basically just put part a epoxy & mix and add till the right consistency.

[@deanmorris2546]

I enjoyed your video!! I can't help but agree with your frustration and irritation. I appreciate that you take the time to explain how to save time and money. Well done sir!!

[@terencecoeart]

I am just about to start on my resin art journey and found this video to be extremely helpful. It will help me to hit the ground running and save a lot of money on unnecessary purchases. Well done you on a great video and thanks. New subscriber here.

[@AeginaCraft]

Thanks for your support!

[@debramatthews9180]

Love it!!! I’ve also had success with automotive touch-up paint in epoxy. Incredible against a white backing!

[@createchalktasticallywithj3559]

I just visited your website. Your work is amazing and so creative. The counter on the very first page is gorgeous. I'm so excited I've found your channel. I've already spent so much money and I've made so little because I feel like I need to buy more before I make anything. I'm just so nervous. There is something about your style that says, "stop worrying about the small stuff and just start." I was in a craft store and they had a great sale on so many molds for baking and I considered the same idea but I walked away from them. I'm going to spend some time watching your other videos.

[@AeginaCraft]

Im really humbled thank you! I hope you will have fun on your adventure!

[@barbaraludwig1165]

I'm just starting out and your video is very helpful! Thank you so much!