[Jewelry making - Article 00384] - Re: [Orchid] Colorit and UltraUV alternatives

[ElaineEC]

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>           What is the difference between Colorit and Ceramit? Are they
>     used in the same applications? Can they be mixed or interchanged?
>     I have a bit of Ceramit, but haven't used it yet. I am looking
>     forward t o experimenting with it. 

    Hi Katherine, Both Ceramit and Colorit produce a hard ceramic-like
    surface resembling kiln-fired enamel.  The difference is primarily in
    durability and hardness o f the material although Colorit also cures
    faster and has a much wider choice of colors offering more creative
    potential. 

    Ceramit (aka Ceramitation) is a low-temperature-curing resin.  It's
    a liquid two-part system in which a catalyst and a color are mixed,
    then fired at low temperatures.  There is a shelf life to the
    catalyst (about 1 year).  There are a variety of opaque and
    transparent colors which can be mixed and matche d for different
    effects.  It's very easy to use. 

    Colorit is a material from the dental industry.  It's a
    ceramic-reinforced composite material.  Like Ceramitation it's a
    liquid and it's very easy to use, but it cures by light, rather than
    the chemical reaction/heat that cure s Ceramitation. 

    Colorit is photosensitive -- it will cure even in normal daylight
    but it wil l take a long time (hours or even days depending on the
    specific color) and results are unpredictable. Therefore a special
    light is supplied in the Colorit Kits to make curing faster,
    consistent and predictable. 

    It is commonly assumed that the Colorit Light is ultraviolet but
    actually it is a blue light in a range of about 200 to 600nm with an
    ultraviolet and infrafred filter making it more user friendly. 
    Colorit takes only minutes t o cure with this light and results are
    consistent and predictable. 

    Colorit is a lot tougher than Ceramitation and can stand up to more
    abuse, including polishing to a high shine, sandblasting, milling and
    drilling, filing, carving and lathe-turning at high RPMs.  While the
    gold around it will look scratched and worn over time, Colorit will
    not.  Colorit has a wider range of color choice than Ceramitation
    including Deep Colors, Neon, Pearlescent and unique Eye-Effect
    colors. 

    Although they could probably be used together in the same piece, I
    can't honestly see a reason to do it. If you have Colorit, you'll
    never want to go back to Ceramitation. 

    Please note that I'm not knocking Ceramitation, it's a very good
    product, it does the job and it's very popular.  Certainly the price
    is right.  But Ceramitation has its limits and is not nearly as
    durable as Colorit. Ceramitation is subject to scratching, wear
    marks, cracking and fading (over time). 

    I hope I've answered your questions.  If you have more, please feel
    free to ask via Orchid, email or by phone. Contact info is below. 

Best Regards,
Elaine
Elaine Corwin
VP Tech Services
Gesswein Co. Inc.
www.gesswein.com
Tel: 1-800-544-2043 x287
in CT: 203-366-5400
email: ecorwin AT gesswein.com or elaineec AT aol.com

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