Hi Brains Trust,
I'm looking for someone who can help with the below enquiry from a member of the public who has turned to the RACI for advice. Obviously I am not the one with the answers, but I am hoping there may be a community member that may be able to help this nice guy out!
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"I'm trying to create my own acrylic paint for tabletop miniature models to sell, and I've run into some issues with my formula. The consistency seems fine initially, but when I paint it onto surfaces, one colour (brown oxide) separates almost like silicone, and other colours dry with a gritty texture. I'm using a glass muller and a sanded glass chopping board, and I follow this process: I grind the pigment using PPG (Polypropylene Glycol), then add small amounts of Hydrocryl 1361, mix it with a bar mixer, and strain it through a paint bag. I'm wondering if the issue could be related to pigment dispersion or stabilisation, or if I'm not grinding the pigment long enough or finely enough. Could the grit be from insufficient mixing, grinding, or straining? Should I consider using a magnetic stirrer, longer mixing times, or different straining methods (e.g., coffee filter paper)? Any advice on how to fix these issues and achieve a smooth finish for miniatures would be greatly appreciated, as I'm trying to make a return on this business as soon as possible"
Also- Bonus points for anyone who knows anywhere in Australia he can put his pigment through a bead mill.
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Any help I can pass on would be appreciated!
Many thanks!
Sian
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Sian Pilling
Events & Awards
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Email:
events2@raci.org.auPhone: (03) 9328 2033
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