Almost a pen

[ToddMR]

So at work the other day I was sitting there and came up with an idea of using sticky colored stars on a black tube to make a cool looking pen. Was the first time I cast using a pressure pot too. The result is below. I need some ideas to avoid the problems I ran into. The first issue is the black enamel came off on the ends and different parts I am sure due to the heat of the resin curing. Also some of the stars coloring faded off too. Overall I think it is a good idea and looks good. There was a crack in the blank but that was caused by me cleaning out the middle of the tube where some resin got in. This time I am going to use a nickle tube which will correct the color of the tube coming off I think. I am wondering if I ought to do a CA finish over the stars first to prevent the discoloration on the stars. Any help I would be thankful for.

 

[firewhatfire]

I would think the ink issue could be fixed with a spray on fixative over the stars before installing. Can't help about tubes.

 

[glycerine]

Awesome! My daughters would love that!

 

[PTownSubbie]

Todd,

Definately CA over the stars. It will seal them and keep their colors.

As far as the tube, try a high temperature spray paint. You can get them for grills and such and they should be able to take the heat.

 

[asyler]

cool look,,

 

[sbell111]

Also, make sure that you are absolutely, 100%, totally certain that the paint on the tubes (and CA) is absolutely, 100%, totally dried/cured prior to casting.

I paint my tubes a bunch at a time and let them sit at least a few days before I consider doing anything with them.

 

[ToddMR]

Todd,

Definately CA over the stars. It will seal them and keep their colors.

As far as the tube, try a high temperature spray paint. You can get them for grills and such and they should be able to take the heat.

Thanks Fred. I just happen to have some grill spray paint. So painted a couple tubes. Round #2 will probably be tonight.

 

[PTownSubbie]

Todd,

Definately CA over the stars. It will seal them and keep their colors.

As far as the tube, try a high temperature spray paint. You can get them for grills and such and they should be able to take the heat.

Thanks Fred. I just happen to have some grill spray paint. So painted a couple tubes. Round #2 will probably be tonight.

Make sure you let the paint fully cure though. If I recall correctly, some people were even baking their painted tubes in a toaster oven to fully cure the paint prior to casting.

But I could be wrong. I think I was wrong once but then again, I could be wrong....LOL!

 

[Buzzzz4]

Alternative to CA is using Mod Podge. It will coat the stars and keep the color. You can then either cast it or build up many layers of CA over it.

 

[ToddMR]

Will the testor's decal spray work too? I have some of that. I will for sure cast it. I will probably let the tubes sit till Friday night on Saturday morning to be safe.

 

[PTownSubbie]

Will the testor's decal spray work too? I have some of that. I will for sure cast it. I will probably let the tubes sit till Friday night on Saturday morning to be safe.

I wouldn't use it to seal them. My understanding is they are meant to seal the ink on the decal. I am not sure it can take the heat of the casting.

But, you will never know unless you try it....

 

[ToddMR]

I ended up just doing the grill paint and then 2 layers of CA. We will see how that works. Thanks so much for all the help.

 

[cwolfs69]

clear acryllic

you can go to Michaels, or any craft store, and get Krylon "Acrylic Crystal Clear High Gloss Spray" and use that just prior to casting. only needs about 15 minutes to set. Stays flexible and absolutely not noticeable after casting. use it on my castings, just a few so far, and have had no problems.

 

[Crashmph]

...The first issue is the black enamel came off on the ends and different parts I am sure due to the heat of the resin curing...

As others have said Grill Paint should work, but you could also try Engine Enamel paint. It should resist hi temps as well give you options of other colors.