Ebonite Rod or Cellulose Rod - Solid Brown Color

[SteveG]

I am looking for ebonite or cellulose rod that is a solid brown color (absolutely NO swirl or other color pattern), as I am wanting to turn some pens that will be half cellulose rod with a very prominent pattern, the other half (hopefully) to be a solid brown color. The desired color is medium-to-dark brown. Any help, please? I can deal in cash, or swap. I have a treasure trove of great blank materials to swap, if so desired.

 

[edstreet]

I. Know orange, black, blue and green is in solid colors. http://americanartplastics.com/hard_rubber_pricing.shtml. Problem is all but black will be heavy dye based and that makes it rather soft. You can also get solids from nikko and sem.

 

[edstreet]

Check with Vermont freehand and see what Steve can do.

 

[SteveG]

Ed, thanks for the sugg's...I will check them out.

 

[bmachin]

This may be old news, and maybe things have changed, but Brian Gray at Edison Pens quit using solid color ebonite (except for black) due to fading problems. See here:

Edison Pen Co – No More Solid Ebonite Except Black….

If you can't come up with celluloid or ebonite, would Alumilite or some other urethane work?

Bill

 

[thewishman]

Just about all ebonite fades/oxidizes over time - even the big famous pen companies' pens.

 

[SteveG]

Thanks for the added info guys...furthering my 'pen' education.

 

[mecompco]

I know Ebonite pipe stems discolor over time. They can be re-polished to remove the oxidation. Since a pen doesn't go into your mouth, I wonder if some type of sealer over the Ebonite would work? Vt. Freehand is great to deal with, I have bought Briar from them several times (makes a very attractive looking pen).

Regards,
Michael