nickcalderone Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 Okay... Made my first few pours today. Everything went great...poured several worms in various colors just to get a feel for the process. When I felt a little more confident, I started to mix in the glitter...so far so good. So, after a few dozen worms, I decided to use the pearl powder. Here's where things got a little crazy. I poured 1/4 cup plastic and mixed it with about 1/2 teaspoon of powder...I MIXED IT VERY WELL! Then, I heated the plastic to about 350 degrees (according to the digital candy thermometer) Everything was going smoothly...then I noticed that the plastic wasn't thinning out to a watery consistency like it usually does. It seemed to stay thick...I continued to heat it, but it never eally would get thinner. I didn't wantto scorch it, so, I stirred it vigorously and then removed it from the heat. I tried to pour it, but it was just too thick...and it seemed to solidify rather quickly. I couldn't even pour the other two cavities in the mold. So, what did I do wrong? Too much pearl? Does it need a higher heating temperature when using pearl powder? Also, on a side note, I noticed that after the plastic had cooled, the pearl powder was swirled rather than a consistent solid pearl color...and YES, I mixed it VERY thoroughly. Just curious if that is normal. Either way...I need a little help. Thanks in advance.... Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattlures Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 you turned your plastic into sludg. You put WAY too much pearl in that tiny amount of plastic. It never stood a chance. Add more plastisol or less pearl and you will be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickcalderone Posted October 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 Matt, Thank you so much for the quick reply! I kind of figured that I may have put too much in...after the fact! I will definately go easy on the pearl powder next time...I guess that was a rookie mistake on my part. Thanks for the advice! Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 I always add the pearl powder to already hot plastic. Never to cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrm-n Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 Like earthwormm77 said... always add to hot plastic and a pinch ( a small pinch) is all it takes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickcalderone Posted October 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 I am such a rookie! I will try to pour a few more in the morning and I will post the results...Thanks everyone! Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pastorshane Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 Nick, I only use 1/8 tsp of pearl to 4oz plastic and add the powder after its heated and colored, works great for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattlures Posted October 26, 2007 Report Share Posted October 26, 2007 I have added color and powders before and after heating and to me it makes no diference unless its those fluorescent colors that you HAVE to mix cold. Mixing powders is heated plastic might be a little easyer though but I havent seen a diference in the end results Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickcalderone Posted October 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2007 THANKS EVERYONE! I poured a few today with waaaay less pearl and they came out great! My next try will be with the Hi-Lites powder.... WISH ME LUCK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDC Posted October 27, 2007 Report Share Posted October 27, 2007 Nick The hilights take much less than pearls to get the effect Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted October 27, 2007 Report Share Posted October 27, 2007 NickThe hilights take much less than pearls to get the effect Good Luck Great point.......WAY less than pearls, and pearls don't take much. BTW.....I'm with Matt. In fact, I always added pearl while the plastic was cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDC Posted October 27, 2007 Report Share Posted October 27, 2007 By much less, we mean a large matchhead size measure to 1/2 cup of plastic should be close. Adding one drop of black color will set the hilight off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
