Casting Investment Question
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- This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 8 months ago by
belle.
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- September 26, 2008 at 10:53 pm #9237
JanBarker
ParticipantI am shopping for investment materials and all of my references call for silica “flour” 325 mesh. The closest supplier that I can get pottery plaster and silica from calls the product silica “sand” 325 mesh. I am hoping that the important thing here is the mesh size, not the name
Casters, what do you say?
Thanks
September 27, 2008 at 11:02 pm #10856Anonymous
InactiveJan – silica flour is made by crushing silica sand.
Ask them if it has a gritty or powdery texture. If they answer powdery then I think you are okay.
Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.comSeptember 28, 2008 at 8:07 pm #10857JanBarker
ParticipantThanks Paul! Unfortunately, the small ceramics shop that I purchased from did not have the item in stock, they had to order from their supplier. If it turns out that I get sand, can I cast my mold and then do a “slip coat” of pure pottery plaster or kiln wash to soften the side where the glass will touch?
October 2, 2008 at 8:06 pm #10858rgilbert
ParticipantI don’t know if the kiln wash will work. I do know that you can buy Satin Cast (original) which will give you a very smooth finish. It’s made for metal casting, but it works well with glass.
Mixing your own is certainly much cheaper and I have had good results from home-made mixtures. The finish is not as smooth as Satin Cast, but I have been able to smooth out the interior with fingers, cloth, cotton swabs, and the makeup sponges available in the cosmetic aisles.
When that fails, fire polishing helps. The “tooth” that the homemade investments leave is something which can add to the final item. It really is a matter of taste and application.
April 30, 2009 at 6:08 am #10859belle
ParticipantSubstitue diatamaceous earth for silica. Dennis
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