Getting that pearl effect!

[philb]

Hi,

Very new to casting, and have been reading all the threads and articles in the library!

One question Im a bit confused with how to get that pearly effect! I know about pearl-ex powder and the Micas, but what would you mix with them in order to not have a single uniform coloured blank.

Would you do a double coloured cast like an opaque colour and then mixed with a pearl, or just a pearl colour and let it do its thing?

Probably a bit of a vague question, but have to start somewhere!!

PHIL

 

[Brooks803]

Hi Phil,
All I use to get pearl are the mica powders from coastalscents. Even if you use just 1 color you'll still get transistions within that color. In direct light it'll show off at one shade and then another when it moves. So it's not always 1 static color. Another option is to use 2 colors that are close and pour them separately in the mold and then swirl together. There are so many options and variations to doing it that each one can end up looking stunning! It's something to play with and develop your own casting styles! Just remember, no pics...didn't happen :wink:

 

[philb]

Thanks just what I was after! Not sure anyone would get the question!

Might try a few just one colour casts, then a couple of close colours but different swirls pearls!

Many thanks, better get my purchase list going!!

 

[philb]

Hi Phil,
All I use to get pearl are the mica powders from coastalscents. Even if you use just 1 color you'll still get transistions within that color. In direct light it'll show off at one shade and then another when it moves. So it's not always 1 static color. Another option is to use 2 colors that are close and pour them separately in the mold and then swirl together. There are so many options and variations to doing it that each one can end up looking stunning! It's something to play with and develop your own casting styles! Just remember, no pics...didn't happen :wink:

Hi, Do you use anything for the more opaque colours, or just mica aswell!

Bit confused as to whether all the micas have a pearl effect, or just the ones that are callled pearl! As i see in your casts you have none pearl and pearl!

Cheers for the help!!

 

[Brooks803]

For a solid opaque color with no pearl you can use this stuff: http://www.misterart.com/store/view/001/group_id/158/Environmental-Tech-Transparent-Dyes.htm this can be found in most hobby stores that carry polyester resin.

I've used just about every single mica from coastal scents and the only one I can remember as NOT having pearl is the plain black. They do have a pearled black but it's more of a charcoal grey.

When you do a two color swirl you can use 1 with pearl and 1 without (using those dyes in the link) and you can get some cool effects that way.

Hope that helps some!