Post by robn on Apr 8, 2019 7:14:45 GMT -5
I should start by pointing out that I am new to this subject. I haven’t done any mould-making or casting before.
Recently, I bought an Alumilite kit to cast some copies of a decorative piece of wood (for the full story, see below) so that I can replace some pieces that have been lost. I have had a go at casting a piece and I am pleased with the accuracy of the result I achieved using the kit but, of course, the castings come out in hard, white resin and won’t “take” paint (or, rather, woodstain in this case). Is there some sort of primer I can/need to use in order to get the moulding to “take” paint/stain? Or is there a better way that I haven’t thought of? As I say, I’m new to this.
I have attached a photo of the original piece, the casting I made (I have, as you can see, made some attempt to put woodstain on the casting but this just rubs off), and a 50p piece (for scale):
I’m open to any ideas and would be grateful for any advice anyone can offer. If you need any more information just let me know.
Thank you.
The Full Story:
I recently inherited an antique letter-writing desk (known as a “davenport”). It has been in my family for many, many years and I have always loved it. Although it is beautifully made (real craftsmen in those days) a few bits of decorative “flourish” have fallen off over the years and been lost. I always knew I was designated to inherit the davenport so I have always had, in the back of my mind, the idea of replacing these missing pieces … somehow. Well, finally, I’m at the point where I can work on replacing the missing bits and pieces and I needed to look at options. I thought about getting something CNC’d or 3D printed but this worked out far too expensive and difficult. So, I looked at silicone moulds (and taking an impression from one of the identical mouldings) and then casting in epoxy resin.
Recently, I bought an Alumilite kit to cast some copies of a decorative piece of wood (for the full story, see below) so that I can replace some pieces that have been lost. I have had a go at casting a piece and I am pleased with the accuracy of the result I achieved using the kit but, of course, the castings come out in hard, white resin and won’t “take” paint (or, rather, woodstain in this case). Is there some sort of primer I can/need to use in order to get the moulding to “take” paint/stain? Or is there a better way that I haven’t thought of? As I say, I’m new to this.
I have attached a photo of the original piece, the casting I made (I have, as you can see, made some attempt to put woodstain on the casting but this just rubs off), and a 50p piece (for scale):
I’m open to any ideas and would be grateful for any advice anyone can offer. If you need any more information just let me know.
Thank you.
The Full Story:
I recently inherited an antique letter-writing desk (known as a “davenport”). It has been in my family for many, many years and I have always loved it. Although it is beautifully made (real craftsmen in those days) a few bits of decorative “flourish” have fallen off over the years and been lost. I always knew I was designated to inherit the davenport so I have always had, in the back of my mind, the idea of replacing these missing pieces … somehow. Well, finally, I’m at the point where I can work on replacing the missing bits and pieces and I needed to look at options. I thought about getting something CNC’d or 3D printed but this worked out far too expensive and difficult. So, I looked at silicone moulds (and taking an impression from one of the identical mouldings) and then casting in epoxy resin.
