Stamp Blank

[64Stang]

I was wondering if you could take a look at the attached photos and provide some thoughts.
Although there are some bubbles that surprised me, I think I can fix that. The larger issue for me is the discoloration that is occurring at the ends when casting.
I am using Alumilite clear then into a pressure pot at 40 PSI for an hour. I prepare the stamps with Mod Podge and attempt to seal the stamps and ends as good as I can. The photo isn't great, but the discoloration occurs on basically all the ends, the lower right is the easiest to see.

Any thoughts or tips?

 

[Janster]

..after you glue the stamps to the tube, let that dry well, and then "seal"the ends with CA. After I do that I clear coat the tube w/Krylon Crystal Clear spray. I let that cure overnight and cast the next day. YMMV but that works for me.....Good luck...Jan

 

[mark james]

..after you glue the stamps to the tube, let that dry well, and then "seal"the ends with CA. After I do that I clear coat the tube w/Krylon Crystal Clear spray. I let that cure overnight and cast the next day. YMMV but that works for me.....Good luck...Jan

Do you cast in Poly Resin or Alumilite?

 

[Janster]

Simlar 41

 

[64Stang]

Do you cast in Poly Resin or Alumilite?

Alumilite Clear

 

[mark james]

Do you cast in Poly Resin or Alumilite?

Alumilite Clear

So... One in each!

I thought (no experience myself, yet) that Alumilite is "fussier" with stamps, labels and stickers than Polyester resin. Possibly due to water/moisture.

However, I have seen blanks (i.e., cigar labels) cast in urethane and looked great, so I think its done.

Any thoughts ?

 

[Marko50]

..after you glue the stamps to the tube, let that dry well, and then "seal"the ends with CA. After I do that I clear coat the tube w/Krylon Crystal Clear spray. I let that cure overnight and cast the next day. YMMV but that works for me.....Good luck...Jan

Jan is spot on. I use a polyurethane based spray due to the fact that Alumilite has a polyurethane base. It will bond much better if you do. I've also had outstanding results with just a couple coats of Mod-Podge, dried completely, meaning, no tackiness. Just my .02¢

 

[64Stang]

Thank you

Thank you for the suggestions, I will give them a try.