In recent years, resin keychains have become increasingly popular as DIY projects, custom gifts, and small business products. However, many crafters and makers encounter the frustration of resin keychains breaking, cracking, or chipping. If you know the causes of these issues and how to fix them, your resin keychains can remain durable and intact for a long time to come.
In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind breaking resin keychains, along with solutions to help you achieve high-quality, long-lasting products.
Jewelry, keychains, and other decorative items are often made with resin, a versatile substance that hardens when mixed with a curing agent. Upon setting, resin becomes rigid and can be shaped into a variety of shapes. A keychain is typically made of resin mixed with pigment, glitter, or other inclusions, poured into molds, and then cured.
Several factors can cause resin keychains to break, including problems with the resin mixture and the curing process, external forces, and poor handling.
Common Reasons Why Are My Resin Keychains Breaking?
1. Incorrect Resin Mixture
When resin and hardener are not mixed in the right proportions, the final product can be soft or brittle. This is the most common cause of resin keychain breakage.
How It Affects Keychains:
Too Little Hardener: The keychain may feel pliable or remain tacky to the touch when the resin mixture contains too little hardener.
Too Much Hardener: Too much hardener can cause the resin to cure too quickly, resulting in cracks and brittleness.
Solution:
Use a digital scale to measure accurately for precise measurements, and follow the manufacturer’s mixing ratio to ensure the resin dries to its full strength.
2. Under-Curing or Over-Curing Resin
During cure, resin hardens and becomes strong. If resin is not allowed to cure fully, it may remain soft or brittle, resulting in breakage, while over-curing can result in overly hard resin, leading to cracking.
How It Affects Keychains:
Under-Curing: It is more likely that under-cured resin will break, bend, or become damaged because of inadequate curing.
Over-Curing: If resin is exposed to excessive heat or cured for too long, it becomes brittle, making it more prone to cracking.
Solution:
You should adhere to the resin manufacturer’s recommended curing times and temperatures. You may also need to consider environmental factors such as humidity or temperature, as these can affect curing times. An even and consistent cure can be achieved using a UV light or resin oven.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
When resin is exposed to drastic temperature changes during the curing process or after the keychains are completed, they may crack or break. Resin is sensitive to heat and cold, and drastic temperature fluctuations can negatively affect its strength and flexibility.
How It Affects Keychains:
Excessive Heat: Over time, resin keychains can soften, warp, or become brittle if exposed to excessive heat, such as direct sunlight or high temperatures.
Cold Temperatures: Cold temperatures can cause resin to harden too quickly and become brittle, making it more likely to crack or break under stress.
Solution:
Cure resin at a controlled, moderate temperature, ideally between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 27°C). Store your keychains in a stable environment away from extreme temperatures.
4. Using Low-Quality Resin
The quality of resins differs. Some resins are formulated to be flexible and durable, while others may be more prone to cracking or breaking. Products made from low-quality resin or resin not designed for hardwearing items can be fragile.
How It Affects Keychains:
Brittleness: Especially when used for items that will be subject to daily wear and tear, such as keychains, low-quality resins may crack or chip more easily.
Inconsistent Curing: Low-grade resins may not cure uniformly, resulting in weak spots.
Solution:
Read reviews and look for reputable brands that produce high-quality resin. Always choose a resin that is specifically designed for casting jewelry, keychains, and other items that will be handled frequently.
5. Poor Mold Quality
A low-quality mold, a poorly shaped mold, or a mold made from a material that reacts with resin can result in an imperfect keychain that is more likely to break.
How It Affects Keychains:
Uneven Resin Distribution: Molds with poor quality may not distribute resin evenly, resulting in thin or weak spots.
Mold Release Issues: Molds that are too sticky or not properly prepared can cause resin to bond to the mold and crack when the keychain is removed.
Solution:
Make sure the mold is clean and properly prepared before demolding. Use high-quality, non-stick silicone molds specifically designed for resin crafts.
6. Inadequate Reinforcement or Design
Resin is a strong material, however, some designs may fail to withstand pressure, impact, or stress. Thin, intricate designs or those with too many inclusions may be more likely to break.
How It Affects Keychains:
Thin Sections: Fragile or thin edges without adequate structural support are prone to snapping.
Excessive Inclusions: Too many inclusions, such as glitter or dried flowers, can cause cracks in the resin.
Solution:
For added strength, reinforce your keychains with additional layers of resin. Use thick, sturdy designs and avoid making parts of your keychain too thin or delicate. Furthermore, limit the number of inclusions to avoid weakening the structure.
7. Improper Handling or Storage
You can break your resin keychains even after they are cured and finished. Dropping them, exposing them to pressure, or storing them improperly can all lead to breakage.
How It Affects Keychains:
Impact Damage: If brittle or weak, resin keychains are susceptible to damage when dropped or struck by sharp objects.
Stress from Pressure: Resin keychains may crack or bend over time if they are stored in a way that applies pressure to specific points.
Solution:
Use protective packaging when shipping or gifting resin keychains, and store them in a cool, dry place to avoid temperature-related damage.
How to Prevent Resin Keychains from Breaking
Use the Right Resin:
Make sure the resin you use is suitable for the type of keychain you are making.
Ensure Proper Mixing:
To ensure a strong and durable finished product, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct resin-to-hardener ratio.
Cure in Optimal Conditions:
Ensure that resin is cured in a temperature-controlled environment and do not expose it to extreme temperatures.
Reinforce Weak Points:
Reinforce thin parts of the keychain or avoid intricate designs that may break.
Handle Carefully:
After your keychains are finished, handle them with care and store them in a safe environment to prevent any damage.
Conclusion
A resin keychain is a fun and rewarding craft project, but if handled improperly, it can break or crack. Understanding what causes breakage, such as incorrect resin mix, improper curing, and poor materials, can help you avoid issues and create long-lasting, durable keychains. If resin keychains are made with the right techniques, they can remain durable and functional, making them ideal for gifts or for daily use.