Another question on stamp casting

[jbswearingen]

I've been searching but haven't found an answer to this question: Can I use Modge Podge to seal the stamps against the PR I'll be casting them in? If so, I know I need to allow plenty of curing time as it's water based and will react badly with the PR if it isn't cured. I do have lots of thin, medium, and thick CA, but would rather use the brush on MP if I can.

 

[bruce119]

I've been searching but haven't found an answer to this question: Can I use Modge Podge to seal the stamps against the PR I'll be casting them in? If so, I know I need to allow plenty of curing time as it's water based and will react badly with the PR if it isn't cured. I do have lots of thin, medium, and thick CA, but would rather use the brush on MP if I can.

There will be some that say they do it with out a problem. That is probably after the recommend cure time 72 hours.

I have a problem waiting this long probably why I haven't had much success.

I glue my labels or stamps on the tube with Mod Podge let dry for at least 24 hr. then I will put the blanks on a mandrel on the lathe and give it about 2 coats of medium/thick CA. I apply the CA with my finger using nitrate gloves. Works real well run lathe at slow speed add a drop or 2 and spread out with finger (covered with glove) A quick spritz with accelerator just watch the edges when you remove that you don't chip the CA on the end of the blank. Then for good measure I will seal the ends of the tube with CA. Put a drop or 2 on a piece of plastic spread it out a little now just dip the ends of the blank on the CA clean out the inside of your tube let cure at least another 24 hr. now your ready to cast....

Another note you don't need to worry if the CA is real smooth small high and low spots are irrelevant when casting in PR.

Good Luck

 

[jbswearingen]

Thanks, Bruce. You actually answered another question I had about the CA/PR mixing--not to worry about smoothing it out before casting.

 

[bruce119]

Thanks, Bruce. You actually answered another question I had about the CA/PR mixing--not to worry about smoothing it out before casting.

I don't worry about small high and low spots.
Two main things...seal it 1 or 2 coats...don't forget the ends resin could seep in.

Another is bubbles the only thing I would be concerned about when applying CA is if there is a (how would you say) pointy spot something a bubble could hang on when casting. (this so called "pointy spot" would be the result of applying too much CA or too thick for a coat. I found if the CA is applied a little too thick you can get these pointy spots like tiny stalagmites. If I get one of those I will use my finger nail or a pop stick and burnish it down wile the lathe runs. If it is high and stubborn I use a razor to trim it down. Don't need to be smooth think bubbles catching. Even if you were to scuff the CA finish like with say sand paper (I don't) it would not show the PR wets and adheres very well.

Good Luck

 

[jbswearingen]

Thanks again! I gotcha on how the peaks might form bubbles. I'll watch out for those. I cast under pressure, so that *should* be minimized. I just bought a lot of several dozen various stamps for cheap from an eBay vendor...we'll see!

 

[bruce119]

If you cast under pressure bubbles wouldn't be an issue.

You should be able to cast something like stamps with out pressure. Just preheat your molds with your blanks in place to about 125. Then preheat your resin before you add the MEKP I preheat resin by putting the resin in an appropriate cup like Hefty Crystal Clear. Then put the cup in hot water. Then mix in your MEKP and your good to go 3-4 drops per once tops. I let set up over night for 12 hrs. then out in the sun for about 2-3 hrs. to get rid of the tackiness.
Good Luck

 

[jbswearingen]

If you cast under pressure bubbles wouldn't be an issue.

You should be able to cast something like stamps with out pressure. Just preheat your molds with your blanks in place to about 125. Then preheat your resin before you add the MEKP I preheat resin by putting the resin in an appropriate cup like Hefty Crystal Clear. Then put the cup in hot water. Then mix in your MEKP and your good to go 3-4 drops per once tops. I let set up over night for 12 hrs. then out in the sun for about 2-3 hrs. to get rid of the tackiness.
Good Luck

I do all the heating you suggested; I cast under pressure just in case there are any bubbles that aren't able to surface before the PR gels.