What should I use to thin Master's Blend? I searched the archives, and found too many different suggestions. I would like to know the best one to use. I tried paint thinner, and that didn't work at all. *Help*
Thanks!
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It seems that laquer thinner is the best way to go. I will buy some tomorrow:o)
Becky
Why do you need to thin it? I am just curious. its a water consistency already?
I hope that the laquer thinner will slow the reaction time just a little. The stuff hardens way too quickly for me! I also need to clean the needles right after injecting, and the paint thinner just didn't work. Hopefully, laquer thinner will be the answer:o)
I use acetone to clean my needles and syringes. You didn't mention how you were using it. You can't mix it in a container then try to draw it up into a syringe. I use 3 cc syringes and I draw 1/2 of what I need from part A and B into the syringe then shake the syringe to mix it. You still have to be quick to get it injected before it kicks off. I still like it much better than Fantastic Cast or some of the other resins due to the quick set time. Hope this helps.
I tried Master's Blend for the first time, and I only got 2 toes and the ankle done before it hardened. I actually poured part A and part B into the syringe, put the plunger in, shook it up, and started injecting. I was using an insulin needle, and I had a hard time getting anything into the toes. After a few tries, I just plumped the rest of them up with some Preservz-it and called it a day. I am hoping that the lacquer thinner I just bought will help slow down the set-up time. I also hope it will work with cleaning the needles! We'll just have to try it with the next duck.
P.S. Preservz-it is a great preservative, but it does not hold shape on duck's feet! Unless you inject them every day with the stuff, which is such a pain. I am hoping I will get the hang of Master's Blend:o)
Here's what I do...Use a 3 cc syringe with a SCREW ON needle only, no friction fit type, (from the feed store), shield your feathers with aluminum foil. get a small metal "dish" about 3 or 4 ounces of acetone ready, and some pins about the size of your needle. Draw 1.5 cc of A then an equal amount of B. Then some air and flip flop/ shake the syringe to mix, then shoot out the air from inside of the garbage can, holding the needle as upright as you can without missing the side of the can. Inject the feet starting at the top and working towards the toes. When you inject, insert the needle from under a scale, inject, slightly relieve the pressure in the syringe by drawing the plunger back, have a pin ready, pull the needle, put the pin in the hole to plug. Repeat until the syringe is nearly empty or the mix starts to kick. Shoot the remainder out and draw some acetone, flush and draw a few times. I use a toothbrush and acetone to clean off any goo that leaked, it will fill in the scale detail and detract from your feet. When you are done, pull your pins and push the hole shut, the MB has set but the skin/scale is still pliable.
The stuff does go fast, you have to get all your tools ready and work quickly and efficiently.
You can chill the MB to slow it down.
Good Luck
Thank you Jimmy! You really explained the whole process, which is just what I needed. I have been using Preservz-It, and you have to inject the feet every day to keep them plumped up. That's why I switched to Master's Blend, to get the feet finished all at once. It will take a while to get used to, but I will follow your directions to help out. The stuff doesn't come with directions, so we have to rely on other taxidermists for help. Thank you!
Becky, the next time you buy that kind of stuff you might try Epo-Grip Thin Set/Injectable. Gives you plenty of time to work with and is thin enough to get thru needles. Everybody has different techniques but that is what works for me.