Pigments, Dyes, and Metallic

Hi all
I'm getting ready to do my first casting with Alumilite. I can not seem to find any information on sure thing recipes. I have to order in pigments, dyes and metallic additives ... expensive. So I wanted to order what I might need until I get more experienced.

Firstly, I assume you''re using Alumilite Clear, rather than White? If so, any pearl ex, or generic mica powder will give colour and pearl effects (in white allumilite pearlex/mica gives light colour, but no pearl effect). Other than that, you can get allumilite dyes which work very well, and are VERY strong. I have used other resin colourants, but have found them a bit hit and miss in terms of colour and tinting strength.

Melanie
Many thanks. I have read most of the posts so I was clued up before I brought the clear polyurethane ...

I do have some micas but the rest is polyester resins .. there is an online shop in Melbourne which sells Alumilite dyes and pigments. I would drive there but it's 2200 km or about 2 1/5 days drive....

Sorry for the short post yesterday... a cyclone came through here yesterday .... blew the pockets off my singlet .. 560mm rain...

Cheers, Randal

Where did you find the Alumilite Randal?

That places you in Queensland Randel not a pleasant experience.

Peter.

Mark

Alumilite Clear Resin 32oz Aldax Moulds Store

Aldax- 02 95339555 in Sydney ( not Melbourne as I thought) .. ask to talk to Adam.

There is a 32 oz and a 2 US gallon size. ( US gallon less than English) ... factor in freight ... Aldax also has the dyes and micas.

A few things I learnt ... my part of the country often humid .. as Melanie has said .. hates moisture so if you cast perhaps dry part of day and or AC room which dries out air.... dry timber if you are combining... also read MSDS ... re: ventilation.


Also, says on instructions it has 3 months shelf life ... sometimes this means the curing time changes with age. ... I tested some this week .. definely needs pressure or vacuum cast. Seems most on Utube are block casting in throw away timber ply, PE, or silicon moulds.

I've been watching a bloke called Zac Higgins .. seems to try anything in Alumilite .. my favourite is honey comb ...
Alumilite & Honeycomb - YouTube

Cheers, Randal

Peter
Spot on .. near the border ... last count rainforest hinterland got 980 mm in 3 days ... that's close to 40 inches ... now we are waiting for the rivers to flood ... like watching a slow mo horror movie !

Cheers, Randal

Observing you biting the bullet with casting fare thee well mate. Webbed feet if it kept up ie the storm. Wonder why they name cyclones after women? You must be thrilled with Melanies down to earth help with her special pens etc.

Kind regards Peter.

Very nice work - the finished pens look great.

Some nice looking pens there.

Thanks Randal, will check them out.