Pearl Ex question?

[smalljaw]

I see some here are adding this to powder paint for some pretty good colors, and now it has my interest peaks but I need to ask a few questions. My first question is about curing, do you have any problems with curing? Do you have to go low heat for longer times or can you use the normal 350-15 min. cure cycle? Does it affect the durability in anyway or weaken the powder paint? I know it is a pigment that can be used in a number of things but I did some research and it seems the members here are the only ones using it in powder paint so I assume it does melt which brngs me back to the cure cycle. I'd really appreciate any help I can get, thanks!!

 

[AtticaFish]

Looked a little into the Pearl EX stuff to try and figure out actually what it is...... seems like it must be very similar to natural mica (just ground very fine) but has some additives and colors to make it 'cosmetic friendly' and used for makeup. If it actually is true Mica, glass blowers use Mica and fire their pieces in kilns over 1000 degrees. Looks to me that 'all natural' mica only comes in around 4 main colors. Found a lot of people making comments that they mix the Pearl EX in polymer clay and then bake it with no problems, but not positive on what temps they use.

 

[Ron Don]

If it's colored pretty much means pigment has been added. Has been used in plastics forever. You have a melting problem. I have probably 15 colors of it that I use in plastics. Just got some green chartreuse that looks pretty cool. As for paint I think just the plain sparkle is the best addition!

 

[Fatman]

SJ - I got the System 2 pack and I cured at 330 degrees for 30 mins and had no problems!!! You really have to keep it stirred up between dips though and while I haven't tried it yet, just looking at it I don't think its gonna work in a fluid bed. Haven't seen any durability problems so far.

Only thing so far that bugs me is I haven't gotten the sparkle of it to show! but could be I have to much clear mixed in so I have some more playing to do with it.