totalCAST: a gamechanger in the world of resin!

There's been a lot of buzz about totalCAST, the new casting resin by Eli-Chem resin - but can it live up to the hype?

TotalCAST resin

Even before its official release, there's been a lot of excitement in the resin world about a new resin that promises to be clearer and safer than its competitors. With so much hype, I was very excited to be one of about 25 global testers before totalCAST is officially released. Could it really deliver on its promises?

As most resin artists know, our passion is a bit of a dark art. Or rather, while making beautiful creations is definitely an art form, getting the resin to behave is most definitely a science!

Eli-Chem have certainly got the science right with totalCAST. Mixing up my first test batch, I was immediately struck by the lack of odour and apparent fumes.

I have been assured that totalCAST is BPA-free - that means that unlike some other resins, it doesn't contain bisphenol A, an industrial chemical which has been linked to possible side effects on babies and children. totalCAST is also free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

As a mother to two young children, I do sometimes worry about toxic fumes from my resin-ing - so this does give me some peace of mind.

Unlike other 1:1 ratio resins, totalCAST mixes very easily and its low viscosity makes it easy to pour into moulds. Even the hardener is incredibly clear - no nasty yellowing here!

Bangle by Tallulah does the Hula, made with totalCAST.

Another thing that makes totalCAST a pleasure to work with is the lack of bubbles compared to most other resins, thanks to a diluent that expels air and drives it to the surface to pop!

After endless wrangling with heat guns and barbecue lighters, this is a pleasant surprise. It's almost too easy! (Shhh, don't tell anyone else!)

And because it's relatively quick and hassle free to mix up, its perfect for layering resin projects.

As a busy mum, I don't normally have the luxury of being able to stagger my resin mixing throughout the day - but totalCAST is so fast to prepare that it opens up a whole range of options.

The only downside is that it takes a tiny bit longer to fully cure than other resins I've used.

We're talking hours here, not days, and the gloriously clear result makes it well worth the wait! It also mixes up beautifully with tints, such as Eli-Chem's Resi-Tint acrylic pigments. I imagine it would also work well with alcohol inks although I haven't tested it yet.

Bangle by Tallulah does the Hula, made with totalCAST and Resi-Tint acrylic pigments.

Verdict: In short, I LOVE totalCAST! 

 I would go so far as to say that this may well revolutionise the world of resin.

Once you've tasted ambrosia, you will never settle for second best!

totalCAST will soon be available to buy globally.

Bangles by Tallulah does the Hula, made with TotalCAST.