My 2019 Pretty Resin entry

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jttheclockman

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This was my entry into the new Pretty Resin contest. Unfortunately is was disqualified. I misinterpreted the rules wrong. Things happen as they say. :biggrin::biggrin:

One of the reasons I did want to share this pen was because of the little experimenting I did when selecting a color to back paint the blank. It may help someone in the future. Also the little different touch with the turning of a replacement piece for the clear crystal.


The kit used was a full sized Majestic rollerball Rhodium and Gold. I matched it up with what I believe is some of the nicest material ever made called Mexican Agate. It's light and dark amber bands along with the white streaks running through it make it a stunning blank, I think. The material is somewhat translucent so I reversed painted it with a metallic med blue spray paint. after it was spun it was MM and polished to a high shine. To add a bit of elegance I replaced the clear crystal in the clip with a turned replacement of the same material. I then went on to make a matching letter opener to go with it.

I have included a quick photo of the experimenting I did selecting the color to back paint it. In the photo the blank to the left was back painted a white and to me that washed out all color in the blank. Then on the blank to the right, the lower section was painted with a combination of red and brown paint. More of a muddy brown color. I did not like that look either so on the top right part of the blank is the blue metallic I went with. I should have mentioned I did try red alone but forgot to include the photo and I did not like that look either. Washed out the darker highlights. Hope this may help someone in the future. :):)
 

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JessePens

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Beautiful pen! Was it disqualified due to modification of the clip?

I had no idea that the color for backpainting could have such a big difference on the way the finished pen looks! Those different examples look like completely different blanks.
 

jttheclockman

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Beautiful pen! Was it disqualified due to modification of the clip?

I had no idea that the color for backpainting could have such a big difference on the way the finished pen looks! Those different examples look like completely different blanks.


No it had to do with the cost of the kit. Even though I paid $35 for the kit it clearly stated that the cost of the kit had to be $35 for a single retail priced kit. No big deal I accept the ruling.

Yes many translucent pen blanks can be totally affected by the color used for painting inside the blank. There are many examples of this posted throughout the forums. If you need more info on this, I believe Ed from Exotics has a short video explaining the differences and also show a good way to help in choosing.
 

JessePens

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Makes sense.
Either way, you ended up with an amazing pen (would have bumped me out of 3rd place!).

Beautiful pen! Was it disqualified due to modification of the clip?

I had no idea that the color for backpainting could have such a big difference on the way the finished pen looks! Those different examples look like completely different blanks.


No it had to do with the cost of the kit. Even though I paid $35 for the kit it clearly stated that the cost of the kit had to be $35 for a single retail priced kit. No big deal I accept the ruling.

Yes many translucent pen blanks can be totally affected by the color used for painting inside the blank. There are many examples of this posted throughout the forums. If you need more info on this, I believe Ed from Exotics has a short video explaining the differences and also show a good way to help in choosing.
 

jttheclockman

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Makes sense.
Either way, you ended up with an amazing pen (would have bumped me out of 3rd place!).

Beautiful pen! Was it disqualified due to modification of the clip?

I had no idea that the color for backpainting could have such a big difference on the way the finished pen looks! Those different examples look like completely different blanks.


No it had to do with the cost of the kit. Even though I paid $35 for the kit it clearly stated that the cost of the kit had to be $35 for a single retail priced kit. No big deal I accept the ruling.

Yes many translucent pen blanks can be totally affected by the color used for painting inside the blank. There are many examples of this posted throughout the forums. If you need more info on this, I believe Ed from Exotics has a short video explaining the differences and also show a good way to help in choosing.
I definetly think not:):)

You should be proud of your work. I voted for it.
 

MRDucks2

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Yes, it was disappointing to disqualify such an obviously nice pen, but it ended up far enough outside the guidelines that I could not justify making an exception.

I appreciate John's good sportsmanship. His was not the only one disqualified.

In fact, one of my own was disqualified from another competition because I failed to follow the rules, too.


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jttheclockman

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Yes, it was disappointing to disqualify such an obviously nice pen, but it ended up far enough outside the guidelines that I could not justify making an exception.

I appreciate John's good sportsmanship. His was not the only one disqualified.

In fact, one of my own was disqualified from another competition because I failed to follow the rules, too.


Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app


We talked and you explained and I understood. No hard feelings at all. I misinterpreted them.

As I said the main reason I posted this here was because it may help others see that there is a difference in the color you back paint some blanks. When you actually look at this blank you figure there is no way that it was that translucent but here is the proof. :):)
 

brownsfn2

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I love Mexican Agate. I used to turn it all the time. You did a great job with it and it looks stunning. I think I always ended up painting mine black on the inside. It has been a few years though. Nice work!
 

Talltim

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Beautiful set. I appreciate you showing the different back painting. Is that a truestone blank or regular resin?

Maybe since it was a pretty resin entry that question is self answering. Not sure if truestone is considered resin.


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jttheclockman

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Beautiful set. I appreciate you showing the different back painting. Is that a truestone blank or regular resin?

Maybe since it was a pretty resin entry that question is self answering. Not sure if truestone is considered resin.


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This material is classified as a Truestone but is 100% acrylic. There are other truestone blanks that fall into this category too but you know right away when turning. If a true truestone will have stone dust in it.

Tru-Stone is manufactured from approximately 85% natural stone ore that has been pulverized to a powder and then mixed with pigments and acrylic resin. It is then compressed into blocks and cut to size. The finished product is a material that resembles the natural stone but can be turned and machined with standard wood tools

From Beartoothwoods site who sells these as well as other vendors.

Turning Notes:
- I recommend carbide tools for the Medium and Hard TruStone blanks. The Woodchuck Pen Pro Carbide Tool that is available on this site is an excellent choice. HSS tools are OK on the Easy and Medium, but will need to be sharpened more frequently.
- Go slow and allow these blanks to cool if too much heat builds up while drilling and turning. Too much heat can cause them to crack or shatter. Take shallow cuts and cut from the end of the blanks towards the center to avoid stress on the unsupported ends of the blanks.
- I recommend that you do not drill all the way though the blank. Leave the blank whole or cut oversized, then drill to the depth needed (without exiting the blank), remove blank from drilling vise, and cut to the correct length. If needed a sacrificial piece of wood can be glued to the end and will help prevent blow-out when drilling.
- Consider using a thick walled pen kit like the Cigar or the Sierra Vista style kits when you first start making TruStone blanks.
- If you are new to turning TruStone blanks I recommend trying the easy blanks first, and working up to the medium and hard blanks. Also, consider using a thick walled pen kit like the Cigar or the Sierra Vista style kits when you first start making TruStone blanks. The thicker walled kits will be easier to turn.
- Finish as you would finish acrylic blanks (a CA finish is not needed). I sand through the micro-mesh grades, cleaning the blank with alcohol between grades, and then buff with ZAM to bring out the ultimate shine.
- These are the pliable TruStone blanks. The Mexican Agate and Mother-of-Pearl TruStone blanks are 100% resin. They do not have any powdered stone in them.

TruStone blanks make very impressive finished pens. The easy blanks are within the ability of most turners, and while the medium and hard blanks are more difficult to turn, you will be well rewarded for taking on the challenge of these blanks when you end up with a beautiful finished pen.
 

Curly

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Good looking pen John.

You could save yourself some time and material if you do what I do to decide what to back paint with. Polish the end of a blank (buffer really helps with this) and then slice off a sliver on the table saw. Now take it and lay it on any painted surface or spray can top until you find one you like the most. Coloured paper works too.
 

greenacres2

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What a study in backpainted color. I don't believe i'd have considered anything in the blue family--and it really paid off for you.

Pete--that's a great idea, i know i've read it before but seeing John's outcome it will be easier to remember i hope!!

earl
 

Talltim

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JT. If you would indulge me one more question, when you say you sprayed it with medium blue metallic paint. Do you use model paint? Rustoleum?

We have mainly turned wood and our adventure into back painting can be described as a little wobbly.




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jttheclockman

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JT. If you would indulge me one more question, when you say you sprayed it with medium blue metallic paint. Do you use model paint? Rustoleum?

We have mainly turned wood and our adventure into back painting can be described as a little wobbly.




Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app

Here you go.
 

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jttheclockman

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Good looking pen John.

You could save yourself some time and material if you do what I do to decide what to back paint with. Polish the end of a blank (buffer really helps with this) and then slice off a sliver on the table saw. Now take it and lay it on any painted surface or spray can top until you find one you like the most. Coloured paper works too.


Pete I do something like that at times. But with this material it changes so rapidly with the different streaks running through it. I had the cutoffs so I just made up the pieces. Got a better look and did not want to mess it up being I was putting on an expensive kit.
 

jttheclockman

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Still got it! Nice stuff.

Thanks coming from you that is a well received statement. Your work is something I strive to copy. Being I did not turn a pen since last year at this time, the tools at least did not get rusty. Can't say the same about me though. :):):)
 

Talltim

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JT. If you would indulge me one more question, when you say you sprayed it with medium blue metallic paint. Do you use model paint? Rustoleum?



We have mainly turned wood and our adventure into back painting can be described as a little wobbly.









Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app



Here you go.



Thanks, I would have never thought to try that color of blue, but it looks really great.

I have talked about your pen so much at home I about have got everyone to the, " go ahead a buy one of those blank" point.


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SteveG

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John, your pen work here is stunning, and would have had my vote. The Mexican Agate is among my top favorite materials to use, but I have never even thought of using the blue metallic for the back paint. Beautiful! :):) NOW, I will try that color. I have seen the M.A. blanks vary from just barely worth it, to super exciting as those you posted here. Too bad you were not able to stay in, (and thus win) the competition. :frown:
 

SteveG

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Good looking pen John.

You could save yourself some time and material if you do what I do to decide what to back paint with. Polish the end of a blank (buffer really helps with this) and then slice off a sliver on the table saw. Now take it and lay it on any painted surface or spray can top until you find one you like the most. Coloured paper works too.

Pete, I have used this technique a lot to try different colors for the back paint. Almost exactly how you described here. (I refrained from using the TS, 'cause it would send the little slice off into never-never land, not ever to be seen again!). It is a great way to select the best color to enhance the blank. :)
 

jttheclockman

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JT. If you would indulge me one more question, when you say you sprayed it with medium blue metallic paint. Do you use model paint? Rustoleum?



We have mainly turned wood and our adventure into back painting can be described as a little wobbly.









Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app



Here you go.



Thanks, I would have never thought to try that color of blue, but it looks really great.

I have talked about your pen so much at home I about have got everyone to the, " go ahead a buy one of those blank" point.


Sent from my iPhone using Penturners.org mobile app

Just a little heads up, not all blanks look the same. It is the nature of the way they are poured and you nor I have any control over that. One blank would have a lot of swirling going on while the next blank has very little. Maybe you get a blank where one half is better looking than the other so you would need to move the tube around to find the sweet spot. Some blanks are just A++. Also as I mentioned this material has risen in price the past couple years but it is worth the money in my eyes because it makes a pretty pen. Good luck.
 
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