[Jewelry making - Article 00542] - Re: [Orchid] Ultra violet set enamels

[Stevie Gamble]

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>         There are definitely some resins and epoxies that put off too
>     much heat for fragile materials; but have you ever seen the resin
>     with scorpions embedded, or the resin with dandilion "fluff ball"
>     seed stems within?  Lots of people embed fairly fragile items (like
>     photographs) in epoxies. 

    Indeed, it would be difficult not to; such items are churned out in
    ever increasing numbers. I specifically referred in my post to the
    dangers of damaging precious objects. 


>        It actually sounds like you are using fiberglass resins, which
>     are flammable and toxic.  There are some much milder resins and
>     epoxies out there. 

    Well, here in England sculptors and jewellers use a variety of
    resins but glass fibre is an additive usually used in a general
    purpose polyester resin either to provide reinforcement to a casting
    or to produce a more lightweight casting where weight would be a
    problem if a solid cast were to be made.  Are you are referring to
    polyester resins? The properties of these vary, and if you want
    clarity then you won't be using GP polyester resins, but none are
    risk-free.   There are indeed other resins used, though polyurethane
    resins are normally considered, at the very least, as no less
    hazardous than PRs. Epoxy resin isn't this bad, but it also has its
    drawbacks. The safety data at the Rio Grande site on Colores make it
    clear that mechanical extraction (or full respiratory kit in a
    confined space)  protective gloves, clothing and eye protection are
    needed, none of which leads me to believe that epoxy and fine woods
    are a sensible combination. And since skin sensitisation may occur
    I'd make sure that the protective clothing really does cover
    everything. Here in the UK we can buy epoxy resin by the kilo, and
    colour it with the same lead-free pigments we use for polyester , for
    a very wide range of effects, but there is the question of quality. A
    first class polyester resin properly cured will achieve the
    refractive index of glass, which makes it a fascinating medium to
    work with. There are vast numbers of shades which can be created from
    scratch using pigments, and  I can poach metal and stone fillers from
    sculptors to broaden my range. I even use it to set semi-precious
    stones, to cross-connect with the recent 'modern way of setting
    stones' thread. If people are interested, for example,  in inlaying
    wood without metal then there is a whole range of products used by
    restoration experts which can be explored. I'm certainly not trying to
    curb creativity; I'm emphasising the need for careful research, and
    trying to protect precious things, whether they be objects or people. 

best wishes
Stevie


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