How To Create Your Own Cast Live Rock Using Smooth Cast™ 321

Step 1: Dispensing and Applying Smooth‑Cast 321

Lay down aluminum foil as your working surface.

Using Sonite Paste Wax will prevent Smooth-Cast resin from adhering to foil. Brush over the surface of the aluminum foil and let dry for 15 minutes.

Ure-Fil 11 is a fiber-based filler that will thicken rubbers, plastics and epoxies. It is perfect for thickening Smooth-Cast 321 resin to imitate live rock. Dispense 3 parts of Ure-Fil 11 fiber powder.

Smooth-Cast 321 off-white resin is used to create the texture of the live rock. Ure-Fil 11 filler will be added to it. Dispense 1 part A. Dispense an equal part of B.

Combine the Ure-Fil 11 filler with liquid part B and mix to a thick paste.Add Part A liquid and mix thoroughly for 2 - 3 minutes. Smooth-Cast 321 has a pot life of approximately 7 minutes. The texture of the resin/filler will be a trowelable, paste-like consistency.

Apply mixed material to foil sheet to create a rough shape for the finished piece. River stones will be embedded to add weight and decrease buoyancy. Place the stones into the resin/filler mixture. Pieces of polystyrene foam are added to imprint perfect rock-like texture into the resin/filler mixture.

Break the polystyrene foam into small, random-shaped pieces. Embed randomly into resin/filler mixture among the river rock and around outer perimeter.

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