My casting is cloudy.

[navycop]

I did my first label cast yesterday. I demolded it today and it is cloudy. I can see the image alittle bit, but not as good as I hoped. I don't know if it will get better after turning. I am at work now so can't get a picture. Will take one in the AM. I was just hoping someone might help in the meantime. I am using castncraft (maybe I just answered my own question)? Thanks.

 

[Phunky_2003]

In will say again, then others can come in and correct me later... Casting craft works extremely well for doing labels.

Without seeing pics, I would guess the cloudy has something to do with moisture of some sort. Did you paint the tubes? How long after the label was printed before casting? Did you use some sort of medium to seal the label?

You may be able to turn it and it look fine. Some molds will leave a filmy looking layer around the outside.

 

[navycop]

In will say again, then others can come in and correct me later... Casting craft works extremely well for doing labels.

Without seeing pics, I would guess the cloudy has something to do with moisture of some sort. Did you paint the tubes? How long after the label was printed before casting? Did you use some sort of medium to seal the label?

You may be able to turn it and it look fine. Some molds will leave a filmy looking layer around the outside.

I only waited a few minutes before casting (just the time it took me to walk to the shop from the printer). I didn't seal the label with any medium.

 

[Phunky_2003]

I'd turn it round til you can get a clear view of the casting and see what it looks like. I turn all my label/skin/clear casts round to get a good look at them. It may be fine after rounding.

I normally try to plan ahead when doing labels when they are printed. I normally wait a good 8 hours to a day after printing. On colored printed labels and such I will use a spray acrylic sealer over the label. I let that dry overnight.

After you post pics we may be able to get you more precise detailed answers.

 

[PTownSubbie]

In will say again, then others can come in and correct me later... Casting craft works extremely well for doing labels.

Without seeing pics, I would guess the cloudy has something to do with moisture of some sort. Did you paint the tubes? How long after the label was printed before casting? Did you use some sort of medium to seal the label?

You may be able to turn it and it look fine. Some molds will leave a filmy looking layer around the outside.

I only waited a few minutes before casting (just the time it took me to walk to the shop from the printer). I didn't seal the label with any medium.

Mike,

I think the lack of waiting may be the main culprit. If printed on an ink jet printer, the ink is moisture and if not fully dried will release that moisture into the cast causing clouds.

Also, from our discussion at the meetings, I seal my labels with CA prior to casting. This prevents the label from fading from the resin. Give your label time to gas off prior to casting.

Just keep in mind you can't rush perfection.....:biggrin:

 

[its_virgil]

I don't seal labels either but I do let the label ink dry until the next day...just precautionary on my part. I do not use Castin' Craft so I can't speak to its performance.
Moisture will cause cloudyness but so will air.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[PTownSubbie]

I don't seal labels either but I do let the label ink dry until the next day...just precautionary on my part. I do not use Castin' Craft so I can't speak to its performance.
Moisture will cause cloudyness but so will air.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

I think the label determines whether or not they should be sealed. I am using Avery 8245 or something like that. Do you know which labels you have been using?

The only reason I sealed the label is a did a few casts without a seal on the outside and the colors got washed out as the label absorbed the resin. It was like wetting a piece of paper towel. The label sucked up the resin and the colors got washed.....

 

[BRobbins629]

I do not seal and do use CastinCraft all the time for labels. Like Don, I have learned to wait a day and usually 2 before casting. Not only does it allow the ink to dry, but if you cast too fast sometimes the seam comes up. The extra time allows the adhesive to bond more firmly. Also use Avery 82XX labels. After much experimentation, they work the best.

 

[navycop]

[/ATTACH] I hope this helps. The second picture is better. I couldn't delete the first with out deleting the second.
I is suppose to be a green cross with : Virginia Beach Rescue Squard around it.