New to Casting

[Tage]

Well, I'm going to give casting a try. A friend wants a couple of pens with his business logo on some Mesa pens. I originally thought of doing a decal, but thought an embedded logo in clear PR would look better if I can pull it off. I purchased PR resin from Michael's craft store (Castin' Craft, I beleive) and a resin saver mold. My idea is to glue the logo to the tube and then cast it. I've researched the Library, but still have some questions:

1) Am I better off with a waterslide decal on the tube, or should I print the logo on my inkjet and glue it on? I intend to paint the tube first.

2) I'm assuming I need to seal either of the above before casting?

3) I have no access to pressure or vacuum pots at this point. Is it possible to get a bubble free casting without these?

4) Any other tidbits of advice before I dive in?

Thanks.

 

[Jim Burr]

I've had good results with casting a blank, turn it just under bushing height, waterslide decal (making it is a different gig) and lots of CA over that. Bubble free is pretty easy with just normal molds and vibration. YMMV!

 

[mwhatch]

I warm my pr up by setting it in warm tap water for about 10 minutes. Then add the accelerator and pour. I have only done 6 tubes in my resin saver mold but have not had any bubbles.

Morton

 

[Drstrangefart]

You might have a much easier go of making a waterslide decal, putting it on a turned barrel and coatimg it with CA. I have no experience casting onto tubes, so I'm useless there.

 

[its_virgil]

Here is what I do:
1) paint the tube white and let it dry for a day
2) build the logo (or copy and paste) using photoshop (or what ever you have or use) and size it to the tube being used.
3) print with ink jet printer and let dry for a day. I use the peel and stick Avery 2"x4" labels...the repositionable ones
4) stick the label and be sure it is well glued to the tube..especially the edges and let that dry for a day
5) cast

No, I do not seal the label with anything but if you think you must CA is an excellent choice.

I think there is a "bubble free" casting article in the library if it hasn't been removed. You may want to look at it.

Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[Tage]

Thanks all for the advice. I hope to take the plunge this weekend.