Label casting

[jtdesigns]

Got an opportunity with a well known cigar label to present their label in a resin cast pen. I had some luck in the not so distant past of doing this but lately problems have occurred. I ran out of Silmar 41 and was also seeing the shimmering so I decided to use Michael's Castin Craft. My process is affix labels with CA glue. Allow to outgas. Seal with Modge Podge. Let sit for 2 days to fully dry. Cast in resin. What I am noticing is as the resin cures the surface of the label begins to get cloudy in areas particularly where the modge podge is thicker (but dry). I thought maybe finish curing with my toaster/resin curing oven would work but apparently makes it worse. Only using 3 drops per ounce of MEKP as catalyst. Any ideas as to what is going wrong.

Jeff

 

[PenMan1]

Jeff:
How old is the modge Podge? It sounds like some kind of "interaction" with the m.p.
Have you ever used the Castin Craft in this configuration before? For what is is worth, I have had issues with Castin Craft that I never had with Silmar 41.

 

[BRobbins629]

I have used Castin Craft for years with no problems associated with the resin. I have had issues with Modge Podge and similar materials. It if were me, I would scan the label and print it on an Avery label where you don't need any CA and don't need Modge Podge. Still let the label sit for a few days before casting. Just another method for consideration.

 

[its_virgil]

Several times I have posted not to post cure clear castings such as snake skins and labels....now you know why. Sorry you had to experience that.

Here are the things I would suggest: (1) don't use the mod podge. I have but the surface is not left smooth and tiny bubbles seem to stick to it. (2) I don't coat labels, stamps, or other stuff printed on paper with any thing. (3) fill the tubes with clay leaving enough room for whatever method you use to plug the ends of the tubes.

Report on your next attempt.

Do a good turn daily!
Don

Got an opportunity with a well known cigar label to present their label in a resin cast pen. I had some luck in the not so distant past of doing this but lately problems have occurred. I ran out of Silmar 41 and was also seeing the shimmering so I decided to use Michael's Castin Craft. My process is affix labels with CA glue. Allow to outgas. Seal with Modge Podge. Let sit for 2 days to fully dry. Cast in resin. What I am noticing is as the resin cures the surface of the label begins to get cloudy in areas particularly where the modge podge is thicker (but dry). I thought maybe finish curing with my toaster/resin curing oven would work but apparently makes it worse. Only using 3 drops per ounce of MEKP as catalyst. Any ideas as to what is going wrong.

Jeff

 

[jtdesigns]

The only problems is that with stamps and cigar labels, the resin soaks in and either bleeds the colors or mutes the contrast. Any problem with CA glue as a sealer then clear cast?

Several times I have posted not to post cure clear castings such as snake skins and labels....now you know why. Sorry you had to experience that.

Here are the things I would suggest: (1) don't use the mod podge. I have but the surface is not left smooth and tiny bubbles seem to stick to it. (2) I don't coat labels, stamps, or other stuff printed on paper with any thing. (3) fill the tubes with clay leaving enough room for whatever method you use to plug the ends of the tubes.

Report on your next attempt.

Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[its_virgil]

If you must have the real thing then keep searching for a solution. Anytime I use CA for gluing stamps or real labels I have bad luck with the CA sticking to my fingers on the paper and causing the label to separate when my finger comes off. I suggest you take Bruce's suggestion and scan and print the image onto an avery label where no CA is needed.

The stamp video by PSI does use mod podge to glue the stamps in place. I have used mod podge but the results are not reliable enough for me to continue. I did cast some real stamps for a Canadian friend who knows the stamp's designer and out of 5 stamps only two acceptable castings were made. The glue on the stamps was not strong enough to hold it onto the tube, CA was a total waste but the mod podge worked on 2 of them.

I have almost 100% success using avery labels. But, if the real thing is needed avery labels will not work for you.

I have used CA as a sealer over snake skins with excellent success. I once used CA over the skins but no longer. I've not used CA as a sealer over other embedded materials.

It's late in Israel (I'm on vacation) and bedtime. I'll check back when I get home on Thursday morn. Touring all day tomorrow and returning home late tomorrow night. Good luck.

Do a good turn daily!
Don

The only problems is that with stamps and cigar labels, the resin soaks in and either bleeds the colors or mutes the contrast. Any problem with CA glue as a sealer then clear cast?

 

[andyk]

I am not at the level everybody here is but have you thought about using shellac or lacquer as a sealer?