JBrown437
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Registered: 08-2004
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Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
I am building a model of Superman's Fortress of Solitude and I want to cast the crystal support beams out of plastic. I went to www.smooth-on.com and looked at their selection of liquid plastics but I don't know what would be the best for my application. If there is anyone with experience using these materials, could you give me a suggestion as to which would be the best and most cost efficient. Thanks a lot!
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7/12/2006, 10:48 am
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Blackwood Bat
Registered: 02-2004
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
There's some stuff out there called,I think,Cast-n-Craft crystal clear,or something like that. It's basically just clear resin.
It comes in a metal can that looks like a paint thinner looking can,and the catalyst is in a smaller,separate bottle. 10:1 ratio,I think.
This stuff should be available at a local place,like a hobby or arts and craft store. I've never used it,but I know people that have and it looks great.
It can also be tinted to do the green crystal or even kryptonite,or any other color you want.
I'll check for the actual name next time I'm there,but I think I got it right.
John :flapbat
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"Wile E. Coyote is my reality,Bugs Bunny is my goal."
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7/12/2006, 2:30 pm
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JBrown437
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
Ahh Thanks soooo much John! You're the man once again! I am actually planning on doing the crystal and kryptonite so this will work out perfect! I am psyched now! Gotta get back to work on it, lol. :up
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7/12/2006, 7:07 pm
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Neon Sentry
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
Just be careful when using any type of clear casting material. It's usually quite toxic, and bubbles can always pose a problem. When casting with a clear material it's also reccomended to use a pressure pot. It helps to minimize bubbles, and it's usually used by experienced prop makers
Harbor Freight has one on sale right now for $39.99. I'm actually considering ordering it, but I don't have any clear cast involved projects at the moment, so I think I'm gonna put it off
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7/13/2006, 12:44 am
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JBrown437
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
Thanks man. What type of mold is best for this? I silicone ok?
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7/13/2006, 7:13 am
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Neon Sentry
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
I think just a rubber mold would be sufficient... I haven't read enough into it to recommend any specific mold compound. A quick glance on Google should lend some results :)
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7/13/2006, 4:01 pm
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clevelandfx
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
if it has to be crystal clear, epoxy resin with a dab of tint and a pressure pot if you have access to one would be good. You probably would be well served if going that way to use a UV blocking clear spray.
the crystal clear stuff that smooth on sells has to be heat cured if I remember correctly, and you have to use a pressure pot. Also, if using a silicone you will need to degas the rubber otherwise you run the risk of warts on the casting as any air bubbles in the mold compress under pressure.
The smooth-cast color match series is a light amber (light beer type) color but tints well. 326 allows most bubbles to raise to the top of the mold and pop. pretty nice, but not water clear. price is as good as any of their other stuff. The cast-n-craft stuff is a polyester resin, if it were me I'd probably avoid that for this. Too fragile if you;re doing anything large. this the resin you meant blackwood? the clear epoxy they sell is slightly yellow as well, and will soften with heat. I've used this
epoxy
to cast stuff with pretty good results. Pretty much water clear if you get the bubbles out.
Tom
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7/15/2006, 3:01 am
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Blackwood Bat
Registered: 02-2004
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
That can looks a bit different than I remember,but I do believe it's the stuff I was refering to. :wink
As I said,I know very little about this stuff so far,but seeing it right on the shelves seemed like a quick fix and I've always been meaning to try it.
I had no idea this stuff required so much preparation. Looked lke 'mix and pour' to me.:lol
I must say Tom,you have always provided much needed and helpful information with your input.
John :flapbat
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"Wile E. Coyote is my reality,Bugs Bunny is my goal."
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7/15/2006, 10:08 am
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JBrown437
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
Thanks Tom...here is a site that I found. I was thinking of going with this. What do you guys think?
http://www.delviesplastics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DP&Category_Code=Casting_Resin
Last edited by JBrown437, 7/15/2006, 11:50 am
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7/15/2006, 11:48 am
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jokerscrowbar
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Re: Liquid casting Plastics Question!!
I've used that and it's great as long as you leave it to cure for about a week and even then its easy to leave fingerprints or get dust stuck to it so you will need to spray it with the varnish coat as soon as possible.
Once poured, I held each mould over a lightbulb and used a plastic toothpick to tease out any bubbles.
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TJ
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7/16/2006, 9:29 am
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