GlassCast 50 PLUS is a special new 'extra deep' version of the GlassCast casting resin designed for REALLY deep pours up to 50mm in a single pour (80mm into a thin walled mould) ideal for river tables, wedding flower encapsulation, and super-chunky castings such as resin lamp bases. GlassCast 50 PLUS is still water-clear, self-degasses to produce bubble-free castings, and has amazing UV stability like GlassCast 50 but is even slower curing, allowing huge pours like 50mm deep river tables to be undertaken in a single pour. However, this does mean much longer curing times so please read below to see if GlassCast 50 or GlassCast 50 PLUS would be best for your project. GlassCast 50 PLUS Advantages Should I choose GlassCast 50, or 50 PLUS for my project? All epoxy casting resins have a maximum depth which they can be poured at before they are at risk of overheating which can cause discolouration and distortion during the cure. When choosing between GlassCast 50 and 50 PLUS for your project, it's important to consider what the maximum depth of your pour is, and whether it would be better done in one pour or two.
For GlassCast 50, the maximum depth per pour when pouring into insulating materials (like a wooden river table) is 25mm. For GlassCast 50 PLUS, this maximum depth is 50mm. However, in order to achieve the 50mm maximum depth, GlassCast 50 PLUS cures much more slowly and will take a full 7 days to cure at normal room temperature.
If you only need to pour a maximum of 25mm depth then - unless you're working in unavoidably warm conditions - it would be better to use GlassCast 50.
If you need to pour 50mm in total then it might still be better to do this in two separate pours. The advantage to two separate pours can be a reduced overall curing time; 3 days using two pours of GlassCast 50 vs 7 days using one pour of GlassCast 50 PLUS, and also pouring in two layers reduces the 'stakes' should something go wrong (such as a leak) of each pour.
GlassCast 50 PLUS Recommended Uses
GlassCast 50 PLUS is all about those REALLY deep pours and big projects, any situation where you need a bubble-free, water-clear, odourless casting resin to use alongside wood, inclusions or embedments.
The most popular applications for GlassCast 50 PLUS are deep pour epoxy river tables, cast in a single pour and the preservation of wedding flowers where the shape of the flowers calls for a very deep section of resin.
- Deep river tables - up to 50mm in a single pour
- Preservation of wedding flowers
- Very thick castings such as resin lamp bases
Further Information
Ambient Temperature and Pour Depth
The GlassCast range of resins, in common with all epoxies, generate heat as part of the curing process. The amount of time the mixed resin can spend in the pot, as well as the maximum depth it can be poured at, will vary depending on the ambient temperature.
For best results, we recommend working in a consistent room temperature of 20°C. GlassCast 50 PLUS can be used in temperatures from 17 to 29°C but higher temperatures will reduce the maximum pour-depth of the resin significantly, as shown in the table below.
| Ambient Temperature | 17°C (minimum) | 20°C (recommended) | 23°C | 25°C | 30°C (maximum) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Pour Depth | 80mm | 50mm | 50mm | 30mm | 25mm |
| Initial Cure Time | 9 days | 7 days | 5 days | 4 days |
For deeper pours, up to 80mm the addition of a fan positioned to provide airflow over the resin can be used to remove heat as it cures!
How to Use
GlassCast 50 PLUS has been developed for professional users to produce the best results possible. It is not a 'craft' product and not intended for children. Before purchase, storage or use you must read the safety and technical data. Having said that, GlassCast 50 is very easy-to-use and delivers fantastic results under a wide range of conditions.
GlassCast 50 is sold as a kit which includes both the resin and hardener. Take a look at our Resin Calculator to work out how much GlassCast you need for your project. When you are ready to pour, measure the resin and hardener at the correct ratio and mix thoroughly. Add any pigments or effects and then pour the resin - no more than the recommended depth - into your mould, cavity or wherever you're using it. The resin will reach initial cure in around 7 days.
Download the Technical Datasheet from the 'Downloads' tab for full details on correct measuring, mixing and use of the product.
Getting More Creative - Pigments, Tints and Metallics
Although GlassCast 10 is often used completely clear it is also compatible with our complete range of tints, solid-colour pigments and metallic-effect powders. Many other colours and powders can be added too but be sure to conduct a test to ensure compatibility.
- Metallic effect SHIMR powders for swirling, sparkling colour
- CULR epoxy colour pigments for see-through to opaque in a wide range of colours
- Pinata alcohol inks for vibrant, translucent colour
The advantages to a single pour using GlassCast 50 PLUS are that you only have one pour to think about (you don't need to worry about when to do the second pour), and you can blend pigments and effects in one and have that effect running all the way through the resin.
