How much pearl?

[jason_r]

So how much pearl (in this case, pearl white from ArtStuf)
do you use in your castings?

So far I've been doing ~3oz batches in the 2x3" molds.

I started with 2 pop-stick "shovels" (a little under 2tsp)
each batch.
Then I dropped to 1 tsp.
Then 1/2 tsp.

So far I can't really tell the difference in the effects or transparency. I'm going to keep dropping the amount until
I reach what I think is the minimum. No sense in wasting the
stuff.

So what's everyone else using?
1) For "solid pearl"- basically enough pearl that it's opaque
2) for "pearl highlights" - just some slivers in a background
of other color
3) ??? what else?

 

[sbell111]

It really depends on your preference. Last night, I mixed up about 12 ounces in one small batch and added what amounted to probably half a teaspoon. It gave me about the pearl that I was looking for.

Basically, I add until I get what I want. For color, I add until it looks 'deep' enough as I let it run off my stir stick down the (inner) side of the mixing cup. For pearl, I add until it gives me a nice luster as I mix it.

Naturally, I never add catalyst until I get the color and pearl that I want.

 

[stevers]

More additives can weaken your resin as well. The more resin per volume, the stronger.

 

[Glass Scratcher]

The techs at 3 companies,was 2, tell me 3%-5% additives by volume. So you have to keep a count.

 

[redfishsc]

Nothing wrong with experimenting!

BTW, if you are shooting for a simple, opaque pearl blank, you may consider adding a touch of pure white powder (I have titanium dioxide) to help you with the opaquity(sp?) if the pearl alone is giving you a hard time.