Pouring layers into pyramid mould

Alliswell

My first pour of layers into a pyramid mould yesterday & it didn't turn out to good, Is there a special way to pour between layers as in curing time before the next poor, what are the do's & don't's ?
i just received my pyramid mould & like a child I was excited, So i got started with the first layer which was only about an inch of resin mixed with brass & alloy fine shavings, when this was nearly off as in hard enough I got my copper wrapped crystal in the centre & poured the 2nd layer of resin straight without any metals, etc. , almost covering the crystal.
3rd layer was a mix of aluminum shavings with four crystals at each side pointing in, also blue kyanite an amethyst stone & lemurian crystal in that mix,
This layer got really hot whilst hardening
The 4th layer, I mixed resin with aluminium powder & also got hot however it came away from the mould edges by a millimetre or so, after it hardened, enough to cause a little concern, On the 5th layer i mixed resin with iron powder & when i poured it ,& as gravity would have it, it naturally went down back into the outside mould within,
The last & final layer I mixed resin with quartz sand.
It came out washy with the iron powder resin stuck half way up the pyramid, I chipped some of it off,& the bottom half looks a real mess, & somehow I have forgiven myself already due to the fact it was my first pour of layers, Embarassed

however the next time i do it i want to get it right, I'm very much open to your expert suggestions as it will be really much appreciated.
Funny, however the pyramid as terrible as it may look it packs a punch of positive energy, you cant judge a book by it's cover, lol Very Happy

Lena · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 9:57 pm Post subject:

Hello and welcome to the forum Smile

Pouring one cast pieces is easy but pouring layered pieces truly is an art and it has to do with timing... and temperature... the mold... and the metal you are using... everything actually matters and the only way is for you to learn is through experience... Wink

There really aren't many do's and don'ts - just learning what works in your particular circumstances, materials, humidity and temperature.

You want to pour the second layer after the first one has gelled enough to hold the next layer but before it gets too hard cause then it will shrink and the following layer will drip down the sides... Also keep in mind that as the piece cures it will get hot and the following layers will need much less catalyst since the piece is already warmed up.

Hold on to that piece cause you will look back on it with fondness Smile

Lena
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Alliswell · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 10:16 pm Post subject:

Thankyou Lena
It makes sense in what you say, & like you say it is an art & trial & error.

Alliswell · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:19 am Post subject:

I did another pour today using the pyramid mould, 5 layers instead of 6 this time same as the last except I didn't use the aluminium powder, & Lena I took your great advice & it paid off, just a very little dripped down from the last layer, what a great improvement though from the other day, I still have a lot to learn as you said there is an art to it & it will take me some time to perfect, Thank you again,very much appreciated.