Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
on “Preparing and Using Resin”:“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“I'M HAVING A PROBLEM KEEPING THE WIRE PROTECTOR IN PLACE ...USING ECONOFLEX NYLON COATED .019IN. WIRE.CAN.T…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I used the elastic cord for awhile,but switched to the nylon cord for more strength(.05mm),because my…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“best tutorial I've read in a long time. i'll be making some tonight!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I enjoy the tutorials.…” read »
on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:“I like the messy look! I think it's a lot more fun to create whimsical piece!…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“What about fireline? I know that the colors are not as plentiful as all the others.…” read »
on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:“I love those! Thanks!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“The stretch material used in this tutorial doesn’t seem like the one listed. Can someone please…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“After watching the videos, I decided to purchase tool and components and try it myself. A…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Yikes, I’m having the worst time trying to string that 20mm African turquoise guru bead. This…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“They don’t carry it anymore:(…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“How can I buy the bezel tag? I cannot find it on your site! …” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“Wonderfully easy to follow tutorial! Love the design results! Will be trying this knot.…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“Does the cord used have to be Chinese Knotting Cord or would C-Lon work?…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“Love the idea, where can I find the bezel tag. Every time I search for bezel…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“Please try using customer service to ask your questions!…” read »
About this Tip:
One of the most frustrating things about working with resin is the formation of pesky little bubbles. You think you’ve made a beautiful piece, only to find that your dry resin has a bubble in it! Don’t worry, bubbles are avoidable if you follow the suggestions below.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Make sure to mix the resin slowly and in a warm environment. If you are worried the room is not warm enough or your bubbles are not rising and popping out, place the resin under a warm desk lamp. Don't get the lamp too close or use a real heat lamp, this could cause the resin to yellow. It just needs to be a warm environment, not hot. (See tip: Preparing and Using Resin) |
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Step 2: When placing objects in resin, it works best to put some resin into the bezel first, but not so much that the objects you are inserting will displace the resin over the top of the bezel. Once you decide where you want to place the objects, squish them into place. Try to place them all the way to the bottom so that air pockets can't form behind them, causing bubbles. |
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Step 3: I usually place my resin piece under a desk lamp because it provides a subtle warmth that helps encourage any bubbles to float up. Then I work them to the edge with a toothpick before the resin becomes too tacky. |
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Step 4: Now you have a beautiful piece free of those annoying bubbles. |
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Step 5: This is an example of a "lesson learned" piece. I worked on this piece in a room that was not warm enough. I also didn't wait for most of the bubbles in the mixing cup to dissipate and this was the result. |
Buy Products from this Technique
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| Kit | $17.90 | OUT OF STOCK |
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On Mar 27, 2013 at 1:10 pm #
Jbeadz says:THANKS SOOOOO MUCH FOR THIS INFO!
Someone told me to stir the bubbles out and it wasn’t working!
I hope this technique works for me as easy as it did for you!
Thx!
On Apr 13, 2015 at 12:45 pm #
L Swint says:The best way I’ve found to eliminate the bubbles is to fan the flame of a burning butane lighter very quickly over the bezel. The bubbles pop immediately and then just check it for additional bubbles until it starts to set up. I always have crystal clear, non-bubbled resin. Remember to fan quickly…too long in one spot and the resin will yellow.
On Feb 02, 2019 at 3:24 pm #
J Cherry says:Great tip. Do you have any tips for Doming?