Color question

[Texasbeachbum]

I have a copperhead skin I am going to cast. I have it tanned and it is a little transparent after getting all the scales off it. What color should I paint the tube? Or should I leave it brass colored?

 

[ken69912001]

Why did you take the scales off. I assume thats where all the color is. Most snakeskin blanks have scales still on.

 

[its_virgil]

Don't leave brass. Paint it with something. I would choose a color that will enhance the skin and not change the color. I would think a reddish brown or one of the colors in the skin...or as close as you can get. The answer is difficult to give without having the skin to look at. I don't really think you will be wrong unless you go with an outrageous color. I look forward to seeing the pen when finished.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

I have a copperhead skin I am going to cast. I have it tanned and it is a little transparent after getting all the scales off it. What color should I paint the tube? Or should I leave it brass colored?

 

[its_virgil]

The scales have a clear cover that traps air and one of the enemies of casting, especially snake skin blanks, is air. The other is heat from the curing resin. So, the scales themselves weren't removed but the scale covers were removed. I brush all of the skins I cast with a small toothbrush sized brush that has brass bristles.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

Why did you take the scales off. I assume thats where all the color is. Most snakeskin blanks have scales still on.

 

[Texasbeachbum]

This isn't a great picture of the skin. Maybe you can tell something from it.

 

[its_virgil]

I've never had a copperhead skin to cast but here is my opinion. I think I would use a color close to one of the lighter shades in the skin. Lighter colors seem to cause little change in the coloring of the skin where as dark colors seem to make the lighter areas darker. Maybe you could paint several colors on a piece of paper are white board of some kind and test by placing the skin over each color and see which one you like. I wish you the best with the skin. It looks really nice.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

This isn't a great picture of the skin. Maybe you can tell something from it.

 

[jthompson1995]

I've had good results painting the tubes white with copperheads. It really makes the colors stand out. Here's a pentel pencil I made with a white painted tube. The wood is mesquite.

 

[Phunky_2003]

I think a tan or grey color would be good for that skin.

 

[Texasbeachbum]

I used a automotive gray primer on these. They are going to be Diplomat 4 Chrome pens. I just turned them round and polished them up to see what they were going to look like. I am satisfied.