Paint as a finish

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ndep

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I'd like to use a custom paint color in finishing a pen. What's the best way to do that?

(a) turn a wood blank, apply the paint and then a protective coating of some sort?

(b) add the paint to resin, cast the blank and turn it?

(c) something else?
 
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Dalecamino

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Someone added oil based paint to their resin years ago. Sorry I don't remember how it turned out. If you're set on painting the wood, one way would be to coat, and cover with clear coat. Automotive paint is what I'm thinking.
 

PatrickR

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each will give you a different look. What look are you going for? You also could simply paint the tubes and then clear cast them.
 

JohnU

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One thing to remember is not all paints are created equal. If your going to clear cast a painted tube, you will need a high temp resistant paint like engine or grill paint. The temp of the curing resin will cause some paints to crack, peel or fall away from the tube. Mixing paints in resin can be a challenge so. Acetone based spray paints will work in most resins but getting enough color in there can be a challenge. Mail polish can also work but your blanks will smell for a while. I would suggest slightly over turning a light wood blank like maple, and then paint it and apply a CA finish. I've done this with gluboost and had no problems. Just make sure your paint is dry, and don't press hard against the paint for the first few coats. I used medium viscosity so it didn't smear the paint during application. Good luck!
 

ndep

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One thing to remember is not all paints are created equal. If your going to clear cast a painted tube, you will need a high temp resistant paint like engine or grill paint. The temp of the curing resin will cause some paints to crack, peel or fall away from the tube. Mixing paints in resin can be a challenge so. Acetone based spray paints will work in most resins but getting enough color in there can be a challenge. Mail polish can also work but your blanks will smell for a while. I would suggest slightly over turning a light wood blank like maple, and then paint it and apply a CA finish. I've done this with gluboost and had no problems. Just make sure your paint is dry, and don't press hard against the paint for the first few coats. I used medium viscosity so it didn't smear the paint during application. Good luck!
What temperature can I expect for curing resin?
 

JohnU

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I've measured it up to 250 while curing but I think you can expect 200-400 degrees depending on resin type and amount. The more resin the more heat. If you seal the paint t with CA prior to casting it might be ok, but you wouldn't be able to use urethane resin over it. Those two don't work well together.
 

ndep

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I've measured it up to 250 while curing but I think you can expect 200-400 degrees depending on resin type and amount. The more resin the more heat. If you seal the paint t with CA prior to casting it might be ok, but you wouldn't be able to use urethane resin over it. Those two don't work well together.
Is there a sealant I can use other than CA?
 

PatrickR

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What temperature can I expect for curing resin?
I only use epoxy (liquid diamonds) and have never had an issue casting over paint and have done it with several types. Slow setting epoxy does not get nearly as hot as the other options. Be sure the paint is completely cured.
 

JohnU

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With so many types of sealants and brands on the market, I'd suggest a test run. I usually stick with ca because that's what works for my set up.

Epoxy resin is popular especially on FB but there are drawbacks to all the resins. For me, I don't like the 5-7 day curing time or the yellowing age factor. It happens to most resins but epoxy seems to be quicker at it, which could be a problem over a white or lighter background. If it's a darker color you'll probably be fine.
 
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