Floor inlay advice

[Kev]

Here's one for you

I have just laid a floor in my house (timber floor) and have left a small section open to a rendered sub base which has the kids hand prints and names in it (not everyone's choice I grant thee, but a personal thing). So now I need to cover it with something which protects it, brings it up to the same level as the floor and allows you to see the hand prints through it. The obvious things that come to mind are either glass or some sort of resin.

My first thought was polymer resin but not having used this before am not sure how easy this would be and how clear it would be. Glass might be pricey as it is not a simple shape so would have to make a template.

Has anyone ever tried something like this before or have any advice of the best way way forward.

 

[Jensmith]

Not sure if this is any help as I've not used resin on a huge scale or for your purpose but you can get crystal clear resin that they use for encapsulating insects and that sort of thing or craft related stuff. It's slightly more expensive but does the job from what I've seen / been told. Not used it myself.

It's called Clear cast resin / water clear resin.

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I would go for glass just for its ware resistance. I can't see resin standing up to much abuse, and I can't think how you would replace resin if you needed to.

Pete

 

[Kev]

I agree about the glass but assumed that you would be able to repolish resin once it inevitably gets scratched up over time. The glass would need to be about 20mm thick and was not sure how much distortion you would get through glass at this thickness.

 

[Racers]

Hi, Kev

20mm thick! just how big is the hole?

Pete

 

[jasonB]

You won't get distortion through 20mm glass, more likely with resin. I assume the thickness is to match the floor thickness.

If you want a true colour then Optiwhite does not give the green cast you get with standard glass, 19mm is the thickest that comes in, I use it for shelves, counter tops and painted splashbacks and it can be tempered for safety.

Jason

 

[AndyT]

You could always make a nice hinged 'trapdoor' cover from wood. Brass hinges and one of those inset finger rings as used on boat lockers would make it look a bit special.
That way, it would be possible for your children to put their hands into the old prints, and feel how much they have grown.

 

[Steve Maskery]

There is a new product on the market, specifically for floors. You can have any image below it. A friend of mine is setting up a business to supply it. I don't know what it's called, but if you do want resin, this will do the job. If you are interested, send me your details and I'll pass them on. I have no idea at all on the price.
S

 

[mailee]

If it is any help you can actually polish scratches out of resin. I have done it in the past using very fine wet n dry paper and polishing compound.