Quick Specs
- Size: 4 1/2 inches square
- Type: Decorative Ashtray
- Material: Painted cold cast resin
- Design: Alien figure and flying saucer motif, black finish
- Best For: Cigarettes, cigars, incense cones, desktop display
A Little Weird. Exactly Right.
Cold cast resin is a manufacturing technique that blends a liquid resin base with fine powdered metal, stone, or mineral, then casts it into a mold under pressure. The result is a surface that holds fine detail far better than hollow plastic, with a weight that feels more substantial in hand. This tray is painted after casting, which is how the alien figure and the flying saucer come through with that level of crispness. It is not just a shape; there’s actual relief work on this thing.
The alien imagery here sits in a long tradition of otherworldly iconography used in counterculture and novelty design, stretching back at least to the Roswell-era 1950s pop art movement. Whether you read that as camp, conspiracy, or cosmic humor depends entirely on you. I carry this one because the casting quality is consistent and the design doesn’t try too hard. It’s square, it’s sturdy, and the black finish is forgiving of ash stains in a way lighter colors aren’t. If you’re browsing my ashtray collection, you’ll see this holds its own among the more mystically themed pieces.
At 4.5 inches square it’s a solid medium size, big enough for a full session without overflowing, compact enough for a desk corner or a nightstand. If you want to pair it with something to burn, check out my novelty and gift selection for other pieces in the same spirit. It also makes a low-fuss gift for the person who has the usual candle-and-crystal setup but doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
How to Use Your Alien Ashtray
Get the most out of your alien ashtray with these simple steps.
- Set Up Your Space
Place the ashtray on a flat, heat-safe surface near your smoking or incense setup. Its square base sits steady on most surfaces, and the black finish hides ash well. Give it a rinse before first use to remove any casting residue.
- Use It During Your Session
Tap your cigarette, cigar, or incense cone gently against the rim to drop ash into the bowl. The recessed center keeps debris contained. The alien and saucer details make it a talking piece, so put it somewhere visible if you like that.
- Clean After Each Use
Let the tray cool completely before cleaning. Tip out the ash, then wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on the painted surface. Dry thoroughly before setting it back in place to preserve the painted cold cast resin finish.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I stock pieces like this when the quality-to-price ratio makes sense and the product arrives consistently without warping, paint chips, or mold seams that need filing. This tray has been reliable on that front. Cold cast resin at this size either comes out well or it doesn’t, and the ones I carry come out well. I check a sample from each shipment before it goes up, and any piece with a visible casting defect doesn’t make it to the shelf.
One practical note: painted cold cast resin is not the same as glazed ceramic or powder-coated metal. It’s durable, but extended soaking or rough scrubbing will eventually lift the paint. A quick wipe after use is all it needs. Treat it like you’d treat a painted figurine and it’ll last.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is cast from cold cast resin, a mix of resin and fine metal or stone powder that produces sharper detail than standard plastic. The painted finish gives it its black and colored look. It is durable for daily use and cleans up easily.
Yes. The resin handles normal incense cone ash without issue. Place the cone directly in the bowl, let it burn down, and tip out the cooled ash. Just avoid leaving a lit cone unattended on any resin surface for extended time to prevent heat buildup.
Wipe with a damp cloth after the ash cools. Avoid soaking it in water or using abrasive pads, as these can lift the painted surface over time. A soft cloth and mild soap is all you need. Dry it off after cleaning and it will stay sharp.
The alien and flying saucer detailing makes it a display piece on its own. Many people keep it on a desk or shelf between uses. The square base keeps it stable on flat surfaces, and the black finish does not show dust or fingerprints badly.
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