Peter, I use a pressure pot, although I'm not sure that it is needed.
Pigments - ABL Stevens (Resin & Glass) Ltd.
This is a link to the company I get my resin and pigments from. They are only small pots but they go a heck of a long way. I did all the searches for Pearlex and found them to be very expensive but you just use the Natural Pearl and then the translucent colours. I will post some pictures of the pots later. Have a look at an earlier thread of mine to see my casting setup.
Regards
Eric...
Peter, I pour the neat resin in the cups ready to take the colours. I usually do 4 colours, 4oz in each cup. I then mix in a tiny amount of the natural pearl into each cup, mix it well. Then add the translucent or opaque colour of your choice and again mix well. Once all the four colours are mixed and your moulds are ready then add the catalyst to each colour and mix well again. I add the same amount of catalyst to each colour and I have had good results. I add 2cc to 4oz of resin. I sometimes use a very fine streched spring to try and swirl the colours but I usually just take pot luck. I am working on a 4 colour pouring system that will enable me to pour all four colours at once. I have done a three colour version yesterday but have yet to try it out, Work keeps getting in the way:-( Hope this helps.
Eric...
Hi again Eric sorry to keep bothering you but Ive just realized that you say you mix natural pearl into each cup before addin the colours is this what Ive been doin wrong as Ive not got any of this pearl stuff what does oit do to mixture
thanks agin
willie
Thanks Eric
I will get some natural pearl from ABL Stevens also a wee ? the 4ozs I take its fluid ozs and not weight
thanks again
willie
Hi Eric, Thanks for all the info, just a couple of loose ends if you don't mind?
I have loads of paper cup and a few plastic cups, have you used both, do you see any problem with paper cups?
I went to Wickes today and got some 22mm push fit overflow pipe which is about 18mm internal diameter so that seems okay, but their 15mm pushfit is only about 11mm internal is that enough for pen blanks?
If we get a bit of sun this week I will be casting my first 6, I have to do it outdoors, with my mask on, as the resin affects my breathing dramatically
Regards
Peter
Hi Peter, I have only used plastic cups for mixing. I buy 100 for ÂŁ1.99 from my local poundstrecher.
I have used the 15mm pipe for casting slimline pen blanks. I sell them at 80pence each or 7 for a fiver. They just need a bit more care when drilling. They are fine for the slimline and the streamline pen kits, and hardly any waste. They only take around 13ml of resin to make.
I think you are being a little optimistic about the sunshine but good luck and post some pics when you have them cast.
Eric...
Hi Eric
May I say thanks Eric for your instructions on casting I have tried a couple with just some colour by no natural pearl and with great success best Ive done so far I am fair chuffed with the them and it was so easy following your instructions now how long have I to wait till I can drill and turn them
Thanks again
willie
Hi Eric
I got everything ready and the sun was shining, but the resin went from fluid to gel so quickly I couldn't pour it. I mixed another batch and I was using an ultra sonic bath to get the air bubbles out and it seemed to do a good job, I will only really know when I come to drill and turn them. I only managed to get 2 blanks which are still curing. I will take a photo once I have them out of the tubes.
Regards
Peter
Here is a photo showing the resin which gelled far to quickly and also the two blanks I managed to pour. Not up to your standards, Eric, but I will get there.
The tubes I tried to get some of the gelled up resin into have still got remnants of the resin inside, it wouldn't come out cleanly, the two complete blanks came out easily and cleanly. Do you think I should throw away the tubes with remnants in?
Regards
Peter
Hi Peter, I don't know how much MEKP you used but it looks like far too much. I like the bottom blank, the blue colour looks really good. Try and clean the tubes out once the resin has cured properly but bin them if it's too much of a pain. Keep at it Peter, the rewards are worth it.
Regards
Eric...
Hi SAgin Eric
Another wee ? how long does is the shelf life of the resin and pigments used they are kept at normal room temp
Thanks again
willie
Hi Peter, I don't know how much MEKP you used but it looks like far too much. I like the bottom blank, the blue colour looks really good. Try and clean the tubes out once the resin has cured properly but bin them if it's too much of a pain. Keep at it Peter, the rewards are worth it.
Regards
Eric...
Hi Eric, I poured some more today, micro pearl + amber poured with copper and they look nice to me, I will take a photo tomorrow. I poured 6 and a there was a touch leftover so it went into a spare tube.
Interestingly I used one of the tubes that had slight bits of resin on the side from the last pour and it all came out cleanly.
I need to work on my colours although I much prefer dark rather than vivid and electric.
Thanks for the help.
Regards
Peter
ericofpendom said:Hi Peter, where did you get the copper colour from?
Eric...
Hi Eric, I also bought some mica pearl from this seller who has a great deal with these metallics. They haven't arrived yet, but should be here soon. These are 6gr @ and far cheaper.
<http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Perfect-Mica-Pearl-Powders-Metallic-Extra-Free-very-mini-misting-spray-/120929775169?pt=UK_Crafts_Other_Crafts_EH&hash=item1c27f9ee41#ht_753wt_650>
Regards
Peter