Okay,...I haven't posted here for awhile, but one of the Mod's let me know of this discussion, and I'm here for a little expert advice (although I'm far from being an expert)
Okay, alum. and bronze powders can add great effect to a casted piece. The main benefits of using powder is: first, it helps reduce air bubbles in the casting, by helping the resin get into those hard to reach places (in the same way that talc. powder does. Second, the metallic color chosen acutally becomes part of the top layer of resin, so the whole piece appears metal, as opposed to just appearing painted. Third, the metal additives help increase the strength and heat resistance of the piece.
However, there are a few things to consider before using these types of products. Mainly, if your going to cast with metal powder layers, I suggest using a pressure caster, and a vac-pump mold maker. If the standard 'mold and cast' system is used, then it's almost a certainty that some sanding of finishing work will have to be done. Sanding of cutting the piece will loose the overall effect of the metal out layer. If your still interested in using metal powders, then my best advise is to go carefully and slowely. This stuff tends to streak, and you may very well find yourself spending hours coating a piece, just for the metal to look uniform shades throughout the piece. Finally, if you get any of this, store it carefully, metals like alum. can be explosive!
Okay, heres how it works, you take a detail paint brush and simply paint the inside of the mold with the metal. BE SURE TO ONLY USE THIS TECHNIQUE WITH RUBBER MOLDS!!!!
Other products are available such as alum, and bronze additives. This is powder that is not used as the top layer, but is actually mixed in with the resin prior to casting. This will aloow a piece to maintain its metal appearance, even if it gets scratched or nicked. This is hard to cast due to the fact that it makes the resin much thicker, and should probably only be used in conjunction with a PRESSURE CASTER.
The best place to find the highest quality of items such as these is:
http://www.alumilite.com
There prices are a bit higher, but well worth the quality. Speaking of which, I'd personally suggest only using the metal additives with 100% PURE RESIN. Again, costs more, but well worth the difference.
I appologize if I've rambled, not made sense, or if anything is grossly misspelled. I've been working many hours (as Chris can attest to) and i'm very tired. However, if anything is unclear, or if anyone has further questions, FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT:
jedimasterjared@hotmail.com
Peace,
J.
