Crafting Resin and Polymer Clay

Question 1

What are the two main components of epoxy resin?

Accepted Answer

Resin and hardener (curing agent)

Answer

Resin and activator solvent

Answer

Base resin and colorant

Answer

Resin and catalyst powder

Question 2

Why is it important to measure epoxy resin and hardener by volume or weight according to the manufacturer's ratio?

Accepted Answer

An incorrect ratio prevents full curing, leaving a sticky, soft, or brittle result

Answer

An incorrect ratio only affects the color

Answer

Too much hardener makes resin transparent

Answer

The ratio only matters for thick pours

Question 3

What is 'polymer clay' made from?

Accepted Answer

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles in a plasticizer base that cures by baking in a home oven

Answer

Natural clay minerals and water

Answer

Silicone and pigment

Answer

Thermoplastic resin that melts at room temperature

Question 4

What causes bubbles in cured epoxy resin, and how are they removed before curing?

Accepted Answer

Air introduced during mixing; removed by gently passing a heat gun or torch flame over the surface

Answer

Moisture contamination; removed by refrigerating the resin

Answer

Colorant separation; removed by stirring vigorously after pouring

Answer

Hardener evaporation; unavoidable in thick pours

Question 5

What is 'conditioning' polymer clay before use?

Accepted Answer

Warming and kneading the clay until it becomes soft, pliable, and free of cracks

Answer

Baking the clay at a low temperature before sculpting

Answer

Adding liquid clay to soften an overly stiff block

Answer

Storing the clay in the refrigerator to firm it up

Question 6

What is a 'silicone mold' primarily used for in resin crafting?

Accepted Answer

Casting resin into shapes because cured resin releases easily from flexible silicone without adhesion

Answer

Mixing resin and hardener before pouring

Answer

Measuring precise resin quantities

Answer

Sanding and polishing cured resin pieces