I try and reuse the plastic cups that you get from resin suppliers like Little Windows (15% Reader discount : use BG1516) by wiping clean with paper towels.  But it was harder to keep the mixing cup clean as this is the one where the cured resin leftover stuck. So I took to using cheap plastic cups from the dollar store.  Guilt ensued as these had to be trashed afterwards.

So I switched to silicone measuring cups.  The 100 mL ones are very roomy especially if you are doing a big batch of resin pieces or resin coasters. 

I like to mark the levels I need BEFORE I pour the resin parts.  Otherwise it is hard to make out the marked levels.


The squishy cups allow easy pouring when it is time to start mixing the two parts.


No spilling with the extra room to stir!

I generally plan for extra resin projects so almost all if not all mixed resin is used up.  Then it is easy enough to clean out the cups with paper towels soaked in rubbing alcohol (isopropanol). You can get this from drugstores.  I like the more concentrated bottles (91% rather than 70%) for this task. 


I also turn the silicone cups inside out which allows me to thoroughly clean them. Clear resin is harder to spot so this step is a useful one.


But what if you accidentally left a larger amount of cured resin in the cup and couldn't get it out? Don't panic and above all, don't throw away that silicone cup. Here is what you can do.

I deliberately colored some resin for this demonstration and left the mixture to solidify.  First thing you have to do is squeeze the cup until you see air gaps forming on the side as shown with the arrow below. You might have to repeatedly squeeze and manipulate the cup to ensure you get a little of the cured resin to separate from the cup.


Make up some soapy water - a squirt of dish washing detergent in water. You can just pour it down into the gap.  I found it easier to use plastic pipettes for this task.


Once you get the soapy water at the bottom, it will act as a lubricant. Keep squeezing the cup and you will soon be able to move the resin block out of the cup.


Viola!  The remnants on the cup can be easily cleaned until the cup is ready for the next project!


Photography
I used my iPhone 6S with the Camera+  app. I used  the Orangemonkie studio which comes equipped with LED lights - for artificial light photography in my windowless basement studio. The Foldio2 is particularly affordable. I use the Foldio3 with the extra light bar because I need the room for tutorial photography.  

My online class Easy Guide to Smartphone Jewelry Photography is now available. Read more about it here.  

Before You Go:

Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
 ______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips  -Jewelry Business Tips