Full Version: Tiny Bubbles
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
13 May 2004
To: ALL
You probably recognize the title of this thread, as the hit song, by Do Ho.
Believe me, the bubbles I'm referring to, were no hit with me.
I was doing some epoxy doming today. When I poured the epoxy from my main container into a dispenser bottle I noticed some miniscule air bubbles. I was in a hurry, and knowing air bubbles can be eliminated with the use of a flame tool, I poured the epoxy onto some namebadges.
I used the flame tool to eliminate the obvious air bubbles. What I didn't see, were some VERY minute air bubbles. Well...I saw them AFTER I removed the badges from the UV curing unit.
The bubbles were so small that they didn't render the badges useless, but I knew they were there.
Moral of the story?
Let your epoxy sit awhile, after pouring into a dispenser bottle.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: BettyW [#2]
27 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 27 Jul 2004
When I have used the glazing system from RPL Supplies, I get what I call "light chicken scratches" in the resin. They are not the bubbles!
Any ideas why this is happening? RPL says I might be putting on the resin too thick.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
27 Jul 2004
To: BettyW [#2] 28 Jul 2004
Betty,
I assume you're referring to the system that encapsulates a photograph onto a China plate. Your resin (I assume) is UV cure.
I've never worked with a glazing system, so I don't know the differences between the formulation of the glazing system resin, as opposed to the resin I use for epoxy doming, which is a one-part UV cure epoxy.
I can tell you of my experience with UV doming resin.
The resin has a shelf life. When the resin is "going bad" it doesn't cure completely. Never really sets up.
Are the "Chicken Scratches" embedded in the resin, or are they surface scratches?
Since the resin is "light sensitive" it can begin curing even before you place the item into the curing oven. That may have something to do with your scratches.
As an experiment, you might try applying the resin in subdued lighting and see if that has an affect.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: BettyW [#4]
28 Jul 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3] 28 Jul 2004
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#5]
28 Jul 2004
To: BettyW [#4] 28 Jul 2004
Betty,
If your flourescent light fixture(s) end up being the problem, get a roll of clear UV blocking film at your local Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. Open the cover on your fixture, completely cover the plastic lens with the film, then close the door.
I used this method of screening UV rays in the room I develop my film for sandcarving. I have never had a problem with overdeveloped film.
Of course, if your flourescent fixtures are not the enclosed type, you may be out of luck with this option. You could have one of your fixtures put on a seperate switch and have the bulbs in that fixture changed to yellow light.
From: BettyW [#6]
28 Jul 2004
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#5] 28 Jul 2004
That is a really good idea. Going to give this a try too. thanks!
From: Zonas [#7]
3 Aug 2004
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 3 Aug 2004
David, I know you have also mentioned doming your name tags on the sub forum. Could you post a picture? Are you using frames/holders with your name tags?
Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
3 Aug 2004
To: Zonas [#7] 3 Aug 2004
Zona,
I use some with frames, others without.
I'll put something in the "Show & Tell Gallery." You'll have to be a bit patient. Still handling time-sensitive tasks at the moment.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA