Ive been working on a mold of a G-2 tine to replace the corresponding G-2 that was broken off the other side. Ive been applying Moulding Latex coats until it got to a thickness that I could pull off and use for a mold. Last night I mixed up some smooth cast and filled the mold. Out came a perfect copy of the antler in pure white. Looking at it, I thought if I colored the next cast a slight brown, it may look more natural and cut down on the finishing time. Out came the #2 Antler Stain from McKenzie. I mixed up the smooth cast, poured in a few drops of the Antler Stain and then poured it in the mold. The reaction was simliar to vinegar and baking soda. It bubbled and foamed for about five minutes spilling out of the mold. When it finally quit reacting, the "cast" was a pourous hunk that stuck to the sides of the latex ruining the mold.
Any ideas?
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All you ever get is a copy of the WRONG SIDE. It's just simpler and easier to repair the antler using wired and epoxy putty that can be stained and colored. Check the archives on specifics.
the Smooth-Cast is a urethane plastic, if that antler stain has any water in it, it will essentually turn it into a urethane FOAM. You should read the Tech' bulletins included with the product before you start adding non-smooth on materials to the product.
Try the SC320-or 321- or 322, it is an off white/vanilla color, or the SC326 or 326 which are a clear amber that are easily pigmented with So-Strong pigments from Smooth On. The SC 325 can vary with pigments from transparent to opauqe.
Ive done the epoxie putty and I wasn't happy my sculpting abilites and have used the cast method before with better results.(To quote an old movie "A man's got to know his limitations") I agree with George that you can get a "mirrored" image instead of the right end result if youre not careful. This one turned out fine but I did learn a lesson. I thought Id pass it on in case someone else trys my "bright" idea.
Hugh
color porakast with lacquer paint I assume it will work with smooth cast also.
We sale a light tan polyurethane casting resin, which come out as the base color of antlers. Then all you need to do is apply the stain coat. It's call Easy Cast 3450-180.
And i agree with the other wrighters; if the stain has any water in it you will get foaming.
ST