As eco-friendly as our standard Aqua Cast®, Aqua Cast® BLACK is a pre-pigmented water activated casting/moulding material with an intense black colour giving the illusion of a ceramic finish. Polymer fortified to provide excellent cured strength and durability

Aqua Cast® BLACK is designed for pouring into silicone moulds and is 100% compatible with original Aqua Cast® and Aqua Cast® TEXTURE. Simply add to water, mix and pour.

The guide powder to water mix ratio is 100 : 25 (4 : 1) e.g. 100g powder and 25g water. Aqua Cast® BLACK can be altered to desired viscosity and tailored to the individual application. However, alterations to the guide powder to water ratio of 4 : 1 can affect the cured performance, particularly the drying time and ultimate strength.

Environmentally friendly, odourless and free of chemicals
Perfect for coasters, ornamental vases, planters, candle holders, soap dishes and detailed figurines etc.
Ideal for ceramics & textured art pieces and can be partnered with our art resins when using a mould
Excellent reproduction of detail
Can be used to create terrazzo pieces
High surface hardness and strength
Smooth, impact resistant surface
High degree of weather resistance for external applications when sealed

Aqua Cast^® BLACK water activated casting compound

Specifications
Drying time	Demould in 60-90 minutes For maximum cured strength 24-48 hours
Mix ratio	100 : 25 (4 : 1) e.g. 100g of powder to 25g of water
Pot Life	10 minutes @ 22°C
Shelf life	Indefinite when kept dry in storage

Mixing

PLEASE NOTE Aqua Cast^® BLACK has an intense pigment and we strongly recommend wearing gloves and protecting clothing during casting and demoulding. The fine particle size of the powder will leave stains on hands and under fingernails etc. It is advisable to wear gloves and protect your work surfaces to prevent staining. Any residue on the skin or work surfaces can be cleaned with warm water and soap/washing up liquid or cleaning wipes.

If the inside of moulds has a black residue after demoulding, these can also be cleaned using warm water and dishwasher liquid or cleaning wipes.

Any solid can be added, sand, mica, quartzite, dried shards of Aqua Cast^® BLACK etc. in small amounts. Excess solids addition weakens the cured strength and can result in the article breaking when being demoulded.

Mixing the powder

The desired viscosity & consistency can be controlled to suit the application. Alterations to the guide powder to water ratio will affect the product performance, particularly in terms of drying time. Measure the desired amount of water, add the corresponding quantity of powder gradually during mixing. For example:

100g powder to 25g/ml water

150g powder to 37.5g/ml water

500g powder to 125g/ml water

Use the handy online calculator tool on this page, all you need to know (or calculate) is the volume of your mould in grams or millilitres.

Mix by hand or with an electric mixing blade for 2-4 minutes until uniform and smooth. The mixed solution will rapidly become creamy and lump free, tap the mixing container to help remove trapped air.

Application

Immediately pour into your mould and allow to settle. Any residual bubbles can be popped by agitating or tapping the mould. Allow to harden for 60-90 minutes before demoulding (temperature and mix ratio dependent). Allow to dry for 24-48 hours to build cured strength.

Pouring guidelines for mixing art resin and Aqua Cast^®BLACK

When pouring Aqua Cast^®BLACK onto previously poured resin, please ensure the resin has entered the gel phase but is not yet touch dry to allow the Aqua Cast^®BLACK to adhere. This will vary depending upon depth and size of the mould. If you think you have missed the gel window, wait for the resin to dry, and thoroughly abrade to create a key before pouring Aqua Cast^® BLACK.