325 mesh copper and aluminum powder in Alumilite Clear Slow

[HugeElvis]

I hoping somebody can provide a hint to help me pour alumilite clear slow with 325 mesh copper and 325 mesh aluminum powders. I have used mica powders, but it looks like mica powders in resin. I am hoping to pour a turnable pen blank that looks more like metal

I asked AI and got these instructions

• Use fine (325 mesh or finer) aluminum powder for best reflectivity.
• Mix it in at ~1 tsp per 4 oz resin, adjusting by volume for your batch size.
• Add mica pigment for tint, and maybe a drop of black dye to deepen highlights and reduce plastic-y sheen.

I'm going to use 5" x0.75" 4 hole vertical molds. My main concern is that the metal powder will sink to the bottom as do some mica powders. Maybe pour first blank at 100 degrees and pour consecutive molds at 5 degree temp increase up to just before it sets?

Has Anybody tried pouring powdered metal or poured a resin blank that looks like metal and if so, can you share your technique?

 

[JohnU]

If you're using clear slow you might want to wait until around 115° to pour, and don't pour from too high up, or with heavy volume. I would divide a cup with some cardboard, and pour each side with the different colors already mixed. Then pour both colors at the same time so they swirl together as you overlap them in the mold. This will help not have one color dominant at the top or bottom of the mold.

 

[HugeElvis]

Thanks John. I was a bit vague on my description. I may try and mix the powder aluminum and copper in the future, but step one will be one or the other. Thanks for the 115 degree temp suggestion. I may start at 110, then 115, then 120 or whatever temp gets thick enough to still pour, but on the edge of too thick