Heat Mats, Propagators and Dehydrators - How to Heat Art Resin!
This post is about everything Heat - Heat Mats, Deyhydrators and Propagators
These are great tools to prevent Amine Blush and Amine Blooming, as well as speeding up the curing process of your projects!
Heat mats are by far the most talked about tool for winter resin work! So which heat mat is best?
There are various options from seedling mats to reptile mats. Both do work well. Seedling mats tend to be thicker and bumpier. Reptile mats are extremely thin and flat but be careful to check the wattage.
The perfect heat mat is one with a temperature gauge, or even better with a plug in thermostat. This prevents your resin pieces from overheating, as well as being an excellent energy saver and safety tool.
I would recommend to always cover your pieces with tubs or boxes - having tubs creates a smaller space that needs to be kept at an ambient temperature.
Suitable Heat Mat examples from Amazon:
Reptile Heating Mat
Seedling Heating Mat
Thermostat examples from amazon.
Heat Mat Thermostat Controller
Reptile Thermostat Controller
Reptile Thermotsta for Heat Mat
Other alternatives are food dehydrators, these are great for large amounts of small pieces as they are gridded shelves. These can be picked up cheaply enough if you have a shop around. The main thing I’ll say is never ever use anything for food once it’s been used with resin work. Examples from Amazon:
MisterChef® Food Dehydrator
Food Dehydrator Fruit Dryer
Heated propagators are also seen in the community. These are basically a plastic lidded box with a built in heat mat. Used with growing plants / seedlings. These you would want to use something in the bottom to make sure it’s level. Here’s a popular option.
Keeping an eye on humidity is essential as well as temperature. Humidity is a big culprit of creating amine blush and other resin issues, which is a common issue! The weather is a silent assassin just waiting til you are all happy and relaxed after finishing your beautiful work...then the worst happens at cold and condensation ruins all your hard work!
There are little room thermometers that measure your humidity levels as well. If you do struggle with high humidity you can always look into a little dehumidifier to have in your work area. Here are a few monitor options from amazon.
Digital Thermometer Hygrometer
Room Thermometer
These are the perfect anti-amine blush tools, and will help you keep your projects beautiful! Hope this helps!
Vuba Team