How to Make Resin Nuka-Cola Quantum Keychain DIY

This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored content and products received at no cost.

6:00 AM

How to Make Resin Nuka-Cola Quantum Keychain DIY!

Crafting the Apocalypse has become my newest obsession--I'm thinking of new Fallout crafts to make every day.

Hopefully there's other Fallout nerds out there to appreciate these--or at least this can give you an idea on how to cast an object in mold making resin and duplicating it in resin.

Let's make a DIY Fallout 76 Nuka Quantum Resin Keychain!

In the Fallout video game series, one drink stands out above all others--Nuka Cola of course!

In Fallout 76 there are specific keys that must be found in order to open specific doors, bunkers or chests.

Occasionally, there are Nuka-Cola Quantum keychains on a desk, table or blasted on to the floor...and I knew I just had to make one.

Here's the key to Greg's Mine Supply door.

The area is littered with Scorched, and is a great place to farm when there's a Spooky Scorched event.

The door to the Mine Supply is locked, but the key can be found across the street in the room upstairs.

It's "guarded" by a couple of ghouls...so actually getting a picture of the keychain on the table is pretty tricky--since one blast of a gun or a scuffle will make the key chain fall on the ground.

Here's the key to Greg's Mine Supply door. The area is littered with Scorched, and is a great place to farm when there's a Spooky Scorched event. The door to the Mine Supply is locked, but the key can be found across the street in the room upstairs. It's "guarded" by a couple of ghouls...so actually getting a picture of the keychain on the table is pretty tricky--since one blast of a gun or a scuffle will make the key chain fall on the ground.

Also, incidentally, Vendor Bot Resin is my favorite of the vendor bots--he's a Protectron located in Pleasant Valley Ski Resort for additional trading.

Is it because of my absolute love of resin crafting!?

Yes, probably most likely, yes.

Here's a post with 100 Resin Crafts you can make!

Also, incidentally, Vendor Bot Resin is my favorite of the vendor bots--he's a Protectron located in Pleasant Valley Ski Resort for additional trading. Is it because of my absolute love of resin crafting!?

Supplies Needed for 3D Printed Nuka Cola Rocket Bottle:

Ender 3 3D Printer (I have no expertise on this)
Nuka Cola Bottle Plans
Hatchbox Filament in Copper
Mold or Box fitted for molding
Mold making silicone
Clear casting resin
Mica Powder
Mixing cups and stirring sticks
Keychain hardware
Sandpaper (optional)
Respirator mask and gloves for safety
Silver Paint
Paint Brush
Drill and small bit

Step 1: 3D Print the Nuka Quantum Bottle

Begin by 3D printing the Nuka Quantum bottle model. (See this post for more)

Adjust the print settings for optimal resolution, as details matter when replicating the iconic Fallout 76 prop.

Step 2: Mold Making

Begin by making a small container to hold the nuka-cola bottle and as little mold maker as possible for a clean cast.

I used a container that some sublimation ornaments came in. It's clear acetate and easy to cut to fit the shape and size.

Taping it all together with clear packing tape.

Then using a hot glue gun to adhere the nuka-cola bottle in the base of the container.

Begin by making a small container to hold the nuka-cola bottle and as little mold maker as possible for a clean cast.

Mix the mold making silicone rubber.

One part of the white and one part of the blue mixed thoroughly until there is no more marbling.

The thickness of the silicone rubber is in fact, thick and sticky.

It's not a thin, smooth pour into the container...it just sort of gloops into the container.

Once completely mixed, pour the mold making silicone rubber into the container with the nuka-cola bottle.

Tap gently on the container, helping the silicone rubber to settle, lift bubbles to the surface and get in all the open spaces.

The mold making rubber cures relatively quickly, so there isn't a long workable time.

Just pour it all in and smooth out the top with a craft stick and let the mold cure completely.

I let mine sit overnight, at least 12 hours--or even up to 3 days!

The mold making rubber cures relatively quickly, so there isn't a long workable time. Just pour it all in and smooth out the top with a craft stick and let the mold cure completely. I let mine sit overnight, at least 12 hours--or even up to 3 days!

It was pretty easy to create a mold for the 3D-printed bottle using mold making silicone.

I haven't done a project quite like this before and it was a pretty simple and enjoyable process.

Allow the silicone to cure completely before carefully removing the original bottle from the mold.

It was pretty easy to create a mold for the 3D-printed bottle using mold making silicone.

Step 3: Mold Releasing

Now use a hobby knife to carefully cut away the acetate container that was fabricated for the mold.

I realized I couldn't get the nuka cola bottle out of the mold easily, so I carefully cut a slit clear down the side of the silicone rubber mold.

Working carefully not to cut into the 3D printed nuka bottle.

After cutting the slit, it was easy to open up the mold and remove the nuka bottle.

After cutting it open, it needs to be resealed for casting the clear resin.

I mixed up a little more of the mold making silicone rubber and use a popsicle stick to spread it along the slit opening I just cut.

Then I pressed it together and placed a little weight on it to hold it in place while the mold cured again.

This process sealed the mold up again so it is completely water tight and ready to hold resin.

After cutting it open, it needs to be resealed for casting the clear resin. I mixed up a little more of the mold making silicone rubber and use a popsicle stick to spread it along the slit opening I just cut. Then I pressed it together and placed a little weight on it to hold it in place while the mold cured again. This process sealed the mold up again so it is completely water tight and ready to hold resin.

Step 4: Clear Resin Casting

Now it's time to cast the Nuka Quantum in the mold.

You will need a deep pour casting resin and mica powder in bright blue to mimic the radioactive glow from the quantum.

Prepare the clear casting resin according to the package instructions--BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY.

I started by mixing just a teeny tiny bit of clear casting resin and poured it down in the mold where the bottle cap and top part of the bottle are.

This way the top would be clear-ish.

Then I mixed the full amount of resin needed and mixed the mica powder in for the blue effect.

Mix in a bit of blue mica powder to achieve the signature glow of the in-game beverage.

Prepare the clear casting resin according to the package instructions--BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY.

Mix in the 2 phase mixing process (if your packaging indicates like mine).

Mix for 2 full minutes, then transfer to a new cup and use new sticks to stir it again for 1 more full minute.

Carefully pour the resin into the mold, making sure to eliminate any air bubbles.

Allow the resin to cure fully, about 24 hours.

If the resin feels sticky after 24 hours, it probably wasn't mixed right...it's super important to mix the resin properly or it won't cure enough.

Carefully pour the resin into the mold, making sure to eliminate any air bubbles.

One the resin has cured, removing the nuka quantum from the mold is done in the same way as earlier, by reopening the slit from before.

Step 5: Keychain Hardware

Once the resin is fully cured, attach the keychain hardware to the Nuka Quantum bottle.

I love the way it turned out.

Sure, there are some bubbles in the resin--but it's soda, so it's almost way too perfect!

I love the vibrant blue--there's still the lines from the 3D printing model, so it looks 8-bit and sort of video game-ish.

I love it.

It's a great prop--as is--but let's add hardware to it!

Once the resin is fully cured, attach the keychain hardware to the Nuka Quantum bottle.

Use a drill and small drill bit (the same width as the screw eyes) and drill a small hole in the top of the nuka quantum bottle.

The keychain from Fallout 76 has the keyring going through the bottle.

I just went with the screw eye because it's so much easier!

Use a drill and small drill bit (the same width as the screw eyes) and drill a small hole in the top of the nuka quantum bottle.

Then twist the screw eye into the drilled hole in the resin.

Twist gently, although it may need some pliers, because the head of the screw eye can pop right off if twisted too aggressively.

Step 6: Paint Silver

Use some silver metallic paint and paint the bottle cap silver.

Let it dry completely.

Step 7: Split Ring

Now that the bottle cap is dry and the screw eye is in place, it's an easy finish to just open up a split ring and slide it on the screw eye.

It still gives the basic look of a giant split ring and Nuka Quantum bottle keychain, just like in the game.

Ooh ya!

It looks perfect.

It looks like the kind of keychain I'd find in a old amusement park ride chair, floating in the lake at Crater...ready for me to unlock the mysteries of the old bunkers at Black Mountain Ordinance Works.

Bonus: Table Scatter!

Make table scatter for the perfect Fallout party by using this cola mold from Amazon.

Lightly paint the mica powder right inside the mold and then use UV Resin and fill the molds.

Place them under a UV light and they are instant set in less than 2 minutes!

Then make a bunch and use them for confetti, table scatter or even jewelry!

Bonus: Table Scatter! Make table scatter for the perfect Fallout party by using this cola mold from Amazon. Lightly paint the mica powder right inside the mold and then use UV Resin and fill the molds. Place them under a UV light and they are instant set in less than 2 minutes! Then make a bunch and use them for confetti, table scatter or even jewelry!

That's it!

Add a big key and leave it sitting around the house for the perfect Fallout vibe.

Or hook it on your keys, a backpack--for flair, or hang it up somewhere!

It turned out awesome, a sweet prop for anyone that is cosplaying as a Fallout character this season of comic conventions!

The mold can be used a few more times too--just mix up a little more mold maker silicone rubber and spread with a popsicle stick to reseal the mold.

Let it cure and then pour casting resin in it again.

Make as many as your heart desires!

Congratulations!

You've just crafted your very own Fallout 76 Nuka Quantum resin keychain—a miniature masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of the wasteland.

This DIY project combines the precision of 3D printing, the versatility of silicone resin, and the magic of mica powder to bring a piece of the Fallout universe into your everyday life.

Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to a fellow wasteland explorer, your Nuka Quantum keychain is sure to be a conversation starter and a testament to your creative prowess in the world of DIY crafting.

So, equip your crafting station, embrace the post-apocalyptic spirit, and let your imagination run wild in the irradiated landscapes of Fallout 76.