Resin? Top help?

[XMermaidMarinaX]

So I know I need to use resin to protect the shells and stuff, but I was wondering, how would you recommend attaching it to the top, and what should I use as the top. A bra or a swimsuit top? I'm not lacking on ideas for what I'm going to do with this top and another one, I just really don't know what to do. I found these three types of resin at my local Michel's and wondered which one would be better.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f137/MermaidMarinaa/ff3988c2-c6a1-4422-bcfb-754ac6cad7d1_zps29825596.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/MermaidMarinaa/media/ff3988c2-c6a1-4422-bcfb-754ac6cad7d1_zps29825596.jpg.html)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

If you're fleshy n chesty, a string bikini (You know the kind, just two triangles of fabric and some bits of string to hold it together) will cause one's top shelf to float about with minds of their own.
Underwire bra or swim top will make said fleshyiness stay in place and not be so floaty.

If you're small chested, I think you have more choice as they don't tend to bob and float about as the above... I know, I'm small chested and they sit where they're supposed to, even when I'm splashing about like a dying fish at the surface!

E6000 is very strong glue. I use it all the time to repair things as well as glue gemstones to jewelry and stone settings. Its waterproof, flexible and you only need a little bit of it. It stinks very badly so use outdoors or in well ventilated area.

I've used EasyCast resin to make cabachons. Its simple and easy to use. Just follow the instructions.

Use a sponge brush to paint on the resin, like the kind you find in the kiddie craft section of your local craft place, that way you won't leave brush hairs on your seashells. Nothing worse than trying to pick out hairs from a half dried item, while at the same time, trying not to leave fingerprints.

Resin does not flatten out as it dries so brush on thin layers one at a time.
EasyCast has an approx 1-3 days drying time. Depending on how thick you've applied it and the weather in your area. When I used it, I let dry at maximum time plus one more day, just to be sure it cured properly as its not made with Australian weather conditions in mind.

[PearlieMae]

EnviroTex is best used to seal things into resin. I prefer to mix small amounts and smear it onto things that are not completely flat, as it will run off before it gets a chance to harden. It's used for tabletops, so it will try and seek a level. You might have to do a couple of coats. I use a gloved finger instead of a brush, and the carbon dioxide in your breath will break up any bubbles. I use a coffee stirrer straw to direct the air. I would let it set up for at least a week before using it in any application to make sure it's hardened completely, as it will dent if not completely hardened. Measure and mix carefully and precisely! If it's not properly mixed, you'll end up with gummy spots that are impossible to clean up. I use this resin a LOT.

Easy Cast is a good, clear resin, but I wouldn't use it to seal stuff. It, like the clear polyester resin (STINKY!), are better used for thick casts, like paperweights or chunky bracelets.

Don't use any of them if it's humid as they will get cloudy.

You don't really need resin to protect shells. Dried starfish, on the other hand, will disintegrate in water! Yuck!

As for bra vs bathing suit top, it depends on how much support you'll need and how heavily embellished it will be. I'd go with a bra for a stronger base.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Also, think of the additional costs of using resin. Like the extra stuff you have to buy such as gloves, plastic cups, stirrers, glitter etc. Is it worth it to buy all those things over a ready made silicone seashell bra or pre coated seashells?

[XMermaidMarinaX]

Well these are the shells I bought, and they are a good size. I literally stood there holding them up like "Okay, is this going to work with my design and cover enough?" and I swear the cashier lady who had to keep getting shells out of the display was like "I do not get paid enough for this anymore.." But I realized I didn't put a picture up.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f137/MermaidMarinaa/9fa62216-548c-408d-b73f-c1d48a1531a9_zpsf80a5afb.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/MermaidMarinaa/media/9fa62216-548c-408d-b73f-c1d48a1531a9_zpsf80a5afb.jpg.html)
I mean, I guess I could find pre-coated shells or have someone who knows what they're doing do it.. >_< I would've ordered one from Iona but we're pretty broke so I wanted to try and do it cheaper at home.
I'm only worried that the shells will be affected somehow because of chlorine and stuff. I only have access to chlorine pools basically and I wanted to swim a lot..

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Abalone? Its a pretty shell.

You could try a test patch on a smaller shell or shell chips of this type.

Then when dry and ready, just bring the little shell with you to the pool, to see if chlorine has an effect on it.

That way you don't waste your nice big shells in case it don't work.

[PearlieMae]

Or, you can ask around here. There are lots of mers here who have abalone shell tops that could probably advise.

[Mermaid Galene]

I coated the abalones for my top with Easy Cast resin. I found it easy to mix and paint on, and it definitely strengthens the shells.

[Miyu]

I personally recommend sewing everything on with some waterproof thread (polyester, clear nylon, etc.), but that's just me... Glues and I just don't get along at all, LOL! Especially with large shell pieces. :/

For attaching abalones like that to, I would recommend a regular, harder-cupped bra (preferably nude) with underwire, even if you're small - it will keep its shape better, and if you're larger in the chest, it will keep everything strapped down better :)