Starter Kit Instructions
Congratulations on getting your MAD • MAYKER x Jesmonite AC100 starter kit!
Jesmonite is a non-toxic acrylic resin & mineral system. It was originally designed as a building material and has become popular in the craft industry to make decorative creations.
- 250g AC100 Liquid
- 625g AC100/200/300 Base
- 5 x Pigments
- Silicone Coaster Mould (Shape Varies)
- 3 x Mixing Sticks
- Disposable Gloves
You'll also need:
- Disposable cups
- A scale (in grams)
Let's get started!
Step 1: Gather Materials
Get everything listed above out so you can access it easily. Put on your gloves, and you're ready to get started.
Step 2: Weigh out Jesmonite Liquid & Powders
Jesmonite AC100 requires 1,750g of mix per 1000mL of mould volume, or 1.75g per mL. AC100 is mixed at a 2.5 : 1 base to liquid ratio by weight.
When you're working with AC100, it's important to always measure based on weight. Using volume (such as measuring cups) is not precise enough.
Use the following table to determine how much liquid and base are required for each of the possible coaster moulds you may have received.
Coaster Mould | Approx Volume | Liquid | Base (Powder) | Total |
Diamond Edge (discontinued) | 110mL | 55g | 138g | 193g |
Square | 100mL | 50g | 125g | 175g |
Hexagon | 70mL | 35g | 88g | 123g |
Using your scale, weigh the ingredients out into separate disposable cups.
Step 2: Mix!
Slowly mix the Jesmonite liquid and base together using until smooth and free from lumps. Scrape around the sides to ensure you get all of the powder mixed in.
Work fast! Jesmonite will start to set within 5 minutes. Make sure to move through these next steps right away.
Step 3: Time for some colour!
Add a small amount of pigment - a few drops at a time until you arrive at your desired colour. Be careful though! If you add too much pigment, it wills top the Jesmonite from setting and it will make the final cast weak. A maximum of 2% pigment is a good rule of thumb.
Step 4: Pour!
Pour the mixture into the mould until level. To avoid air bubbles, gently tap the sides of the mould after pouring while the mixture is still a liquid.
Step 5: Initial Set
The mixture will get hot as it begins to set. Leave your creation to set for two hours in a cool dry space.
Step 6: De-mould
After your coaster has set, carefully remove it from the mould. It will gain its full strength after about 24 hours after all of the moisture has evaporated.
It's best to let it cure on a wire rack or somewhere where air can access all sides as it will sweat a bit as it cures.