Make an Auto Lens with Clear Resin and Silicone Molds | Tutorial

Part 1 In this video, we go through the process of re-creating a rare brake tail-light lens for a 1958 BMW Isetta. We go through setting up a properly made 2-part silicone mold with vents and a fill port, as well as many tips and tricks along the way. We will finally cast BJB's WC-783 Clear Polyurethane Resin in to produce a beautiful tail light lens that looks as good as the original! Watch Part 2: https://youtu.be/emdy8I7AYkc Shop our selection of silicones or speak with our technical staff to help you pick the right one. We also have a huge selection of castable polyurethanes for making parts in the mold; from soft, flexible gels, tough rubber, on up to rigid plastics! http://www.BJBenterprises.com WC-783 Clear Polyurethane: https://bjbmaterials.com/wc-783-a-b/ TC-5041 Silicone: https://bjbmaterials.com/tc-5041-a-b/ Color Dyes: https://bjbmaterials.com/pigments/polyurethane-tints-dyes Mixing Spatula: https://bjbmaterials.com/mixing-spatula/ Insta-Cure CA Glue: https://bjbmaterials.com/adhesives/armor-bond/insta-cure-ca-glue Insta-Set Accelerator: https://bjbmaterials.com/insta-set-ca-accelerator/ Vents/Registration Keys/Fill Ports/Clay: https://bjbmaterials.com/accessories/mold-kit-accessories For tints used in this video: Contact BJB for recommendations. www.bjbenterprises.com 0:00 Introduction 0:38 Taking the Mystery Out of Materials! 0:46 1958 BMW Isetta 300 1:15 Silicone Molds Reproduce High Gloss Finishes 1:30 Splitter Board 1:54 Building Blocks 2:00 Acrylic Registration Keys 2:08 Insta-Cure CA Glue 2:14 Insta-Set Accelerator 2:30 Dry Fit Keys 2:35 Small Key for EZ Reference 2:41 Mark with Pencil 2:56 Hot Glue Mold Box 3:02 Clean Lens 3:05 Don't Need Mold Release 3:09 Silicone is Non-Stick 3:15 Silicone Sticks to Silicone 3:20 Cover Lens 3:26 TC-5041 Platinum Silicone 3:50 Isopropyl Alcohol 4:04 Carefully Pry Up Silicone 4:11 Leave Lens In Mold 4:23 Add Acrylic Vents and Fill Port 4:31 Cleaner method than cut Vents and Fill Port. 4:50 Fill from Low Point Vent at High Points 5:03 Don't Disturb High Gloss Lens 5:34 Seal Around Edges 5:38 Can Also Use Vaseline 5:52 Remove Vents and Fill Port 6:02 Remove Mold Box 6:07 Slowly Separate Mold Halves 6:12 Our Beautiful Mold! 6:20 Casting the Lens 6:26 No Mold Release for Best Finish 6:32 Lower Mold Life BUT Less Labor 6:39 Strap Mold to Board 6:45 Don't Over Tighten 6:49 Insert Vent Straws and Pour Funnel 6:52 Explained in Intro Mold Tutorial 6:58 Angle Mold For Best Results 7:27 PSTF Dye 8:33 Accelerate Cure with Heat or Faster Work-Time System 8:55 Accomplished with No Pressure! 8:59 Vacuum vs Pressure 9:11 Vacuum Physically Removes Air 9:18 Rigid Materials: Air bubble won't come back 9:22 Flexible Materials: Air bubble CAN come back 9:31 Pressure Casting is a Good Insurance Policy 9:39 Pressure forces material into fine detail and small air pockets. 9:45 Pressure is Not 100% Effective