Inlays using Poured Epoxy

Did some experimenting with using Mica infused clear epoxy resin instead of wood for inlays. This video demonstrates the process of selecting and finishing a project with this method, as well as mistakes and issues I had to solve.

[@cherisills7326]

Great job!

[@amazoncwoman]

How is the resin inlay holding up with the shellac sealant layer underneath? Any cracking or separation? I've been wondering if I could use shellac/sanding sealer underneath epoxy as a sealing coat but all the tips I see say to use a thin layer of epoxy.

[@paulszudzik9588]

Seems to be ok!

[@1202jazzman]

Shouldn't you hit the uncured epoxy with a heat gun or flame to release the air bubbles?

[@Lindisfarnefarmer]

What's the minimum cutting depth with the laser to get a stable epoxy layer?

[@paulszudzik9588]

I go down at LEAST 1/8 inches...deeper is better with transparent color.

[@Pxeazy]

Hey so you used a laser engraver to cut the inlay? How deep do you need to engrave to apply epoxy?
Thanks

[@paulszudzik9588]

Need to be deep enough not to crack, so I go at least 1/8" on my inlays. As I said on a previous question, if you do transparent colors, 1/4" would be my minimum.

[@corydrichmond]

What laser are you using and how long did it take to engrave?

[@paulszudzik9588]

100 watt, but I rarely go above 40%. And no, I do not remember how long it took, this video was 2 years ago. None take longer than a few minutes.

[@corydrichmond]

@@paulszudzik9588 I have a little 5w so its takes awhile to engrave deep.

[@bharat.h.rajpurohit]

Same method will work on marble?

[@paulszudzik9588]

Don't see why not. Marble is a bit more porous, so thin solutions might seep into the marble more, but yes, it should work. Depending on how deep the engraving, you might apply a thin coating first to seal the marble, before pouring the final resin.

[@user-on3ik7it5l]

what laser are u using for engraving?

[@paulszudzik9588]

I have a Chinese XM1060 100 watt laser with a Reci tube in it. However, for all the work I do with engraving and inlays, you don't need more than a 20 watt laser. 100 watts buys you more speed.

[@vamparmand]

If you don't want small air bubbles to appear in smaller detailed areas, spray 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol in to the design before pouring the resin. The Alcohol will make the resin run thinner and break surface tension to prevent bubbles forming.

[@paulszudzik9588]

Interesting.. I'll try that on a test piece

[@716_sam1]

You can also warm the epoxy bottles in warm water before you mix them, temperature is critical with epoxy. If its below 70 degrees it becomes thick but as soon as it warms up it runs more like water and the bubbles come to the surface quick

[@lindarogers8994]

Viewers might be interested in another RUclips channel using a similar technique name of fishtank5050

[@pblais404]

resin... not rosin

[@paulszudzik9588]

Resin is correct...

[@tuffy11000]

Resin, rosin, who cares? A lot of videos don’t even have any dialogue. Maybe that’s why;so the grammar police won’t complain. The only thing I thought was he wasted a lot of resin. Seems like it could have been done using half the amount. Otherwise I’d say it turned out pretty good!

[@whyis45stillalive]

I was more put off by, "meka" powder. 🤣

[@jiantjon]

Please look up how to pronounce "resin". Also, how did you clear the overpour?

[@dale1956ties]

Yes and mica too

[@grumpiesngiggles4581]

What's a rosin? Lol

[@jakec788]

I stopped watching this video based on how you say the word resin

[@whyis45stillalive]

I stopped when he said, "meka" powder. 🤣

[@1202jazzman]

It's resin not rosin and
myca not meca.
Just saying...

[@paulszudzik9588]

Resin is correct, and it is Mica, not Myca ... but thansk

[@pavalige]

since when is RESIN pronounced ROSIN ffs, your not soddering now are you?