Using a Pressure Pot to Eliminate Bubbles in Resin Art: Understanding the Differences Between Pressure Pots and Vacuum Chambers

Creating flawless resin art can sometimes be challenging due to the formation of bubbles. Two powerful tools to combat this issue are the pressure pot and the vacuum chamber. While both are effective, they work in different ways. This article explores how to use a pressure pot for bubble elimination and highlights the key differences between pressure pots and vacuum chambers.

The Role of a Pressure Pot in Resin Art:

A pressure pot is designed to eliminate bubbles by applying pressure to the resin. When resin is placed under pressure, any bubbles within it become so small that they are virtually invisible, resulting in a clear, bubble-free finish.

How to Use a Pressure Pot:

  • Mix Your Resin: Prepare your resin mix as usual, ensuring you follow all the steps to avoid introducing extra air.

  • Pour into Mold: Pour the resin into your mold and place the mold inside the pressure pot.

  • Apply Pressure: Seal the pot and increase the pressure using an air compressor. The typical pressure used ranges from 40 to 60 PSI.

  • Curing: Allow the resin to cure under pressure according to the manufacturer's recommended time.

  • Release Pressure: Once cured, slowly release the pressure to avoid shocking the resin, which can cause warping.

Safety Tips:

  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using a pressure pot.

  • Ensure all seals and valves are in good working condition to prevent accidents.

Pressure Pot vs. Vacuum Chamber: Understanding the Differences

While both tools are used to address the issue of bubbles in resin, they function quite differently:

Pressure Pot:

  • Mechanism: Compresses air and resin, reducing bubble size.

  • Usage: Ideal for larger projects or when working with thicker pours.

  • Result: Provides a bubble-free and clear finish, especially effective for deep casts.

Vacuum Chamber:

  • Mechanism: Removes air by creating a vacuum, causing bubbles to expand and rise to the surface.

  • Usage: Best for degassing the resin mix before pouring.

  • Result: Effective in removing bubbles from the resin mix but not suitable for curing the resin.

Choosing between a pressure pot and a vacuum chamber depends on your specific needs in resin art creation. For artists seeking a tool to cure their projects with minimal bubbles, a pressure pot is highly effective. On the other hand, a vacuum chamber is more suitable for pre-pour degassing. By understanding and utilizing these tools, you can significantly enhance the quality and clarity of your resin artworks.

Note: Larger resin forms will not fit inside most pressure pots, but these are great for smaller forms, especially spheres.