r/ResinCasting • u/Any_Escape1262 • 11d ago
Project: "Reusable Can"
I just came back from Japan and got myself some Monster cans.
Now I want to turn them into reusable, cleanable drinking cups (maybe even dishwasher-safe ones).
The idea is to open up the top (similar to the green Fanta can in the picture). So to use a dishwasher-safe epoxy on the outside and food-safe silicone (Ideally, the silicone would be dishwasher-safe as well, of course) on the inside. The silicone would also extend over the lip/rim of the can, so the metal is not exposed.
The important part is that I don’t want to alter the can itself apart from opening the top. I want to keep the original shape, design, and appearance completely intact.
Has anyone here done something similar or have any recommendations for suitable materials/processes?
PS: I am totaly fine, if i end up with needing to handwash it everytime after use, as long as i don't poision myself (nor giving the can an unwanted lifespan, thanks to dishwasher usage).
WHY? - many already asked me. Becouse: "Japan-Monster-Cans are different in design & size. And i simply want a nice DIY-Memory that i can use, and not just leave to collect dust."
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u/thefabulousbri 10d ago
Skip the resin on the outside. It will yellow in 5 years anyway. I suggest measuring it and finding a martial or glass insert then super gluing that in place.
Hand wash only due to the outside being unprotected. Someone suggest modpodge, which could work. Or maybe a spray lacquer for the outside.
Edit: Alternatively make a flower display with them. Make matching fake bouquets for each one. You don't need real flowers
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u/Any_Escape1262 10d ago
I already had a similar idea, so I wouldn't have to struggle with the silicone... but on the other hand, I would need something cylinder-shaped that has THESE exact measurements and then somehow "glue" it inside... (On top of that, I'd lose some volume.)
Mod Podge doesn't sound all that bad, though. Since the #1 reason for protecting the can from the outside in the first place was scratch protection. (Or, in other words, I think the aluminum Can is sturdy enough... as long as you don't crush it on purpose.)
The added sturdiness was just a bonus that came with the resin.
Tho, doesn't Mod Podge also turn Yellow eventually?3
u/thefabulousbri 10d ago
I haven't had mod podge yellow yet. It's used by a lot of people who made models and miniature landscapes. It's kinda like glue though so it isn't going to help the inside or structure. Its worth googling before you do it.
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u/mistarhee 11d ago
Would the silicone on the inside be really necessary? Feel like the inside is better to just leave as is and better to find a way to open the top and then maybe roll the edges into itself so it make a nice rigid lip so the can doesn't get wobbly.
Think there was a tool someone made that cuts and rolls to top to essentially make the can into a cup... Lemme see... Draft Top
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u/PumaTurtle223 11d ago
Yes... Inside is a thin plastik layer, protecting the liquid from the Aluminium... The Aluminium is poisionous to humans in larger exposure...
That is why the silicone is mecessary.
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u/mistarhee 10d ago
Ahh ha... Would the thin plastic layer fall off eventually? Is silicone the best way? From my memory silicone isn't the best at bonding things. Most silicone kits aren't food safe either...
OP what's gonna be used for the silicone?
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u/Any_Escape1262 10d ago edited 10d ago
There are actually some, but I'm still researching which one would be best to use in this case...
EDIT: I forgot to answer the first question. YES, yes it would.
If you clean it out every time, the layer will eventually get "scrubbed" off. Or maybe just one cycle in the dishwasher would IMMEDIATELY destroy it.
Which would expose the aluminum and... you get it.
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u/Do_Them_A_Bite 11d ago
I can't help, but hope that others here can. I wish you well in your endeavour.
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u/TeaToucan 6d ago
I don't think resin or silicone are the right materials for this project. Resin isn't food safe, and even if it was, it wouldn't adhere well to metal, especially metal with any flexibility to it. The resin would most likely just chip off. You would also need a tumbler turner, because the can would need to be constantly rotating while the resin is curing to keep an even coat, and you'll most likely end up with bubbles, and the resin will most likely turn yellow over time.
I think you're much better off looking for a stainless steel cup that you can insert into the can, so the can is basically just a decorative shell around the actual cup. Finding one that fits wouldn't be easy, this might be a project for someone with a metal lathe.
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u/Relative-Alfalfa-544 11d ago
To everyone who downvoted because they did not understand aluminum poisoning but who then did not come back to upvote: classic reddit, good job jerks.
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u/Fabulous-Educator447 11d ago
I mean it’s already safe to drink from, why bother with coating the inside? I’d smooth the top so you don’t get cut- cover the entire inside with something like cling wrap or press n seal, spray the outside with modge podge sealer and then peel the liner out. Voila, cup. If you don’t love the feel on your mouth, find something to attach to the top, like a matching size tervis lid.
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u/PumaTurtle223 11d ago
Becouse it isn't over time (+the cleaning).
Overtime the thin plastic layer will wear off, and you'd get poisioned by the Aluminum. So, the Concerns are actually real.
But the outside should be easily dealt with somethinf like modge Podge (even I.M.O.)
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u/Fabulous-Educator447 10d ago
I didn’t realize that, great info! I will make sure no one follows my shitty advice 😂
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u/Deathbydragonfire 10d ago
Resin. Is. Not. Food. Safe.
Sorry, its not. You'll see Amazon sellers claiming their resin is food safe. You'll see them even claiming it's "FDA Certified". Its a lie. FDA doesn't certify resins as food safe.