Tint, dye, colororant?

[Phillip Kelley]

I have heard of tinting epoxy glue red or black....what is the brand or type of dye that will work best with epoxy glue?

 

[JohnU]

I often color my epoxy when flying tubes in transparent blanks. I've used mica pearls and the poly resin dyes sold by us composites. They come in small glass jars and are a liquid paste type gel. Just a small toothpick dipped in is enough. A little goes a long way. Hope this helps.

http://www.uscomposites.com/pigments.html

 

[Edward Cypher]

I use just cheap hobby lobby or michaels acrylic enamel.

 

[BSea]

I normally use the same color I reverse paint the blank. But less than a drop (assuming you're only glueing one pen). Otherwise I think it affects the epoxy.

 

[Phillip Kelley]

Well, I didn't provide enough info!

I was thinking along the lines of filling cracks in a bowl....

I normally use the same color I reverse paint the blank. But less than a drop (assuming you're only glueing one pen). Otherwise I think it affects the epoxy.

 

[BSea]

I was thinking along the lines of filling cracks in a bowl....

I normally use the same color I reverse paint the blank. But less than a drop (assuming you're only glueing one pen). Otherwise I think it affects the epoxy.

Well, don't I feel stupid.:redface:

But now you have me thinking. I've never considered using colored epoxy for this purpose, but I don't see why it wouldn't work as long as it gets really hard. Epoxy by itself would work (I think), I'm just not sure that when a color is added that it would cure as hard as it needs to. I guess it's worth a try. Just mix up a batch to the color you want & see if it cures to your satisfaction.

 

[KBs Pensnmore]

I did some for Christmas, and used Glitter, Gold, Green and Violet, if you want something different. They were used as gifts for the volunteers where I help out.

 

[KenV]

I was thinking along the lines of filling cracks in a bowl....

I normally use the same color I reverse paint the blank. But less than a drop (assuming you're only glueing one pen). Otherwise I think it affects the epoxy.

I have a fair amount of mesquite that loves to have cracks -- I have been using west systems epoxy with the black colorant that is sold for that epoxy. Turns and finishes well. Strong bond to the wood. I sometimes have fine cracks and if I want the epoxy to flow better it can be warmed, or thinned with solvent a bit.

West Systems has very complete documentation and the product is widely used on marine vessels (boats and ship) in marine environments. It can be purchased here in drum lots.

 

[Swagopenturner]

FastCap sells colorant powder specifically designed for CA Glue. They only sell 6 different colors, but they blend and mix well. Turn and polish easily. Great for filling cracks and voids, and I don't have to paint my tubes, just use black CA Glue!

 

[Wildman]

JMHO, filling cracks in woodturning should perform two functions. Should add strength and not take away from overall appearance of the piece. Having said that have seen exceptional filled cracks on pieces which complimented overall appearance. Then have seen those pieces look like nothing but damaged goods highlighted by the filling.