How does resin’s shrinkage during curing affect sculpture dimensions?
Resin shrinkage during the curing process is a critical factor that can significantly impact the final dimensions of a sculpture. As resin transitions from liquid to solid, it undergoes polymerization, causing a reduction in volume—typically between 2% to 10%, depending on the resin type and curing conditions. This shrinkage can lead to warping, uneven surfaces, or misaligned details in cast sculptures.
To mitigate these effects, artists often use techniques such as controlled curing temperatures, slow-cure resins, or compensation molds that account for expected shrinkage. Understanding material properties and testing small batches before full-scale projects can help achieve greater dimensional accuracy in resin-based artworks.
