Two failures - curious about the label one

[RSidetrack]

So I had two failures yesterday when I was doing another casting. The first one was a flower pedal cast I was trying to do and I just didn't get all of the gaps filled with the acrylic spray so air bubbles popped up - so understand that one.

I also attempted my first label cast. I actually didn't ready too much about the process but I went and printed out a simple label just of a wolf to play with and the results were disappointing. The black ink (actually toner since I used laser) turned blue and a weird void in the acrylic formed where (I am guessing) it somehow came in contact with the adhesive on the label.

So I guess my question is - how do you guys avoid having the ink change colors when it comes in contact with resin and have you guys ever had voids appear? To describe the void it looks like an arrow head (like robin hood era :wink of ice in the acrylic attached to the tube.

 

[Rick_G]

I have only ever done one but I printed the picture with an inkjet printer (epson) and glued it on the tube with PPA (Perfect Paper Adhesive) from ArtQuest. It's a clear drying acrylic adhesive and top coat. No problems.

 

[DurocShark]

A top coat of some kind (or a "fixative" depending on where you buy it) makes a world of difference. Plus it helps avoid the darkening of the paper and light colors.

 

[djpnevans]

You need to get the right lables. You could use CA over the lable first.
David

 

[RSidetrack]

I am using Avery Laser Labels - are there actually different "types"?

 

[Rick_G]

I just printed mine on regular paper.

 

[navycop]

I just printed mine on regular paper.

Interesting. How do you adhere it to the tube? CA?

 

[Dai Sensei]

I seal the labels after printing with an acrylic clear spray as advised in the instructions that come with the paper.

 

[DurocShark]

I seal the labels after printing with an acrylic clear spray as advised in the instructions that come with the paper.

Is it adhesive backed?

 

[Rick_G]

I just printed mine on regular paper.

Interesting. How do you adhere it to the tube? CA?

I use a glue by artquest called Perfect Paper Adhesive. Label says it's "A universal acrylic clear-drying, non-tacky adhesive, medium and finish top coat" Once the label is glued on and dry I apply a top coat of the same adhesive. When I cast the tube I brush some of the resin over the tube without the hardener in it before pouring the cast. I believe this fills any tiny imperfections in the surface that would result in small bubbles, at least that's what I was told after my first try resulted in a frosted appearance in spots. No frost the second time after brushing the resin.

This is what I wound up with.