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Post by Daphne on Oct 10, 2018 19:09:41 GMT -5
Hello, I'm having a problem that I can't seem to find any answers for. I am trying to make photo tile coasters. I have applied pictures to ceramic coasters with Mod Podge. I then mixed some Amazing Clear Cast, 20ml each of part A and part B. I poured onto tiles, spread with a gloved finger and tried both a heat gun and artist torch to remove bubbles (sometimes, cant get all the bubbles out). The tiles I just made have been sitting now for 48 hours. They are hard to the touch, but when I put a hot coffee cup on the tile it sticks to it and creates a mark. Help please! Thanks, Daphne
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Post by notoes on Oct 11, 2018 8:42:36 GMT -5
Sounds like it's not completely cured or it didn't cross link enough. So let's go over a couple things to see if we can figure out what happened.
First did you mix slowly for a straight 3 minutes before pouring? Clear Cast has a long open time so mixing it for longer is fine - I time myself just be sure I'm mixing for long enough (cause I'm impatient sometimes and won't stick to that if I don't). Also I have to slow myself down as I'm used to using RC-3 where you need to move fast on mixing or it will cure in the cup.
I don't actually spread Clear Cast as it's "self leveling", it will level and become smooth all by itself. Also I pour from as high as I possibly can (usually about 6-12 inches above my mold) and pour in a slow, thin (almost hair thin) stream and let it flow over the object by itself.
And another thing, how long has it been since you poured? Even with adding heat to speed up the cure, sometimes it still will take 7 days for it to completely set up. You can still hit it with a bit more heat for a little while and see if that helps. I haven't tried it myself but then again I used it just to make castings and not as a surface layer.
Last thing, check the data sheet for Clear Cast and then the ingredients for your Mod Podge - it might be a long shot but something in the Mod Podge might be inhibiting the Clear Cast (as I think Clear Cast doesn't normally do this). Like I said, it could be a long shot but then again I just found out that Flex 30 will inhibit Plat 25 (that was a big disaster behind that finding).
Hope some of this helps.
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Post by Daphne on Oct 11, 2018 18:08:00 GMT -5
Hello,
Thanks for your reply.I did mix for a full three minutes, I let sit for another three to try to get bubbles to pop, then pour into the center of the tile and then I was spreading with my finger. I then use the torch to pop any remaining bubbles. I poured three days ago and like I said a hot coffee cup sticks and causes a mark on it. I'll have to check the data sheet and see about the Mod Podge potential reation.
Thanks!
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Post by notoes on Oct 15, 2018 10:15:31 GMT -5
Three days? That's part of it right there - even with heat to speed the cure up, Clear Cast will still come up sticky until it hits seven days. But definitely check the Mod Podge, it never hurts to eliminate other possible problems. And you're welcome, it's always good to hear how things work for others.
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Post by brb1078 on Jan 15, 2021 12:24:21 GMT -5
I have read that when recoating using Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast Resin you need to recoat after 24 hours but before 48 hours to avoid having to sand your piece. Here it says recoat after 3-4 hours or before 12 hours.... What is the correct time? I am wanting to pour a 2nd coat onto 4"×4" tiles that have a photo on them the 1st coat left a few small voids I wasnt to correct. When can I and another coat or what's the proper way to achieve a 2nd thicker finish? Thanks for any help!
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Post by notoes on Jan 18, 2021 7:55:56 GMT -5
If there are no problems with the surface, then you don't need to sand between re-coats. I've added more ACC to a casting within minutes of pouring a first layer (because the first layer wasn't thick enough) and I've also done it days or weeks after but the thing is - none of those had any surface problems that required sanding.
Small voids (where it made an indentation without trapping a bubble under the surface) don't need sanding so just add the second coat when you can.
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Post by Annetta Keeney on Mar 7, 2021 11:47:07 GMT -5
I am having trouble with the epoxy plus as well and I have a Timer and weigh mine out.when I pour mine out into my measuring cups they look the same and have about the same consistency the both have a tint of blue one more so than the other but both feel thinner than the one should be but it's my first time using plus and my last unless i got a defective batch I have been very disappointed I'd rather use that other version wish i had not gotten this
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