posted
Can anyone help me with info on a "how to" re: the application of abalone shell/mother of peral/nacre. I think I've finally tracked down a source for the stuff, all i need now is info on the correct way to apply it. As always, thanks in advance, David
------------------ D.A. & P.M. Fisher Signwriting Brisbane Australia da_pmf@yahoo.com
Posts: 1450 | From: Brisbane Queensland Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
How to get it on your continent is a mystery to me. I just go diving and after eating the galloping gastropods we cut the shell, or sell it to the cutter and buy it back, or call Rick Glawson. The latter is the easiest, the former the most rewarding.
We cut the shell by making a deep scratch with xacto knike and breaking it on the score mark. We apply some masking tape to the eraser end of a pencil, sticky side out, and use it to pick up and apply the pearl. Look at the pearl in the light direction which it will be displayed in and rotate it to it;s most brillient orientation, and cut it to work. We use either rubbing varnish or an industrial grade of cyanoacralate(super glue). The varnish goes on both the glass and the shell, or the glue requires just a good drop on the shell only. With the pencil you can press it in place and hold it till it'll stay, and rotate the pencil loose and move on to the next one. Hope this answers your Q.
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"The codfish lays ten thousand eggs, the homely hen lays one the codfish never cackles to tell you what she's done And so we shun the codfish while the lowly hen we prize Which only goes to show you that it pays to advertise!" *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ Ogden Nash
The Sign Shop Mendocino, CA.
Posts: 6713 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I was going to suggest glueing it with super glue, but Rick has already covered it. You can be sloppy and then wipe up the excess after the piece of shell takes in a few seconds.
Let's know how it goes. Where are you getting the shell?
posted
You should use the gel type super glue as it allows sliding or rotating the shell into position. It will only adhere when pressure is applied for a few seconds. The better quality adhesives will not attack paints or varnishes. The thinner, watery type may adhere to the glass immediately not allowing for exact positioning. The 4th edition of Gold Leaf Techniques has additional information or contact Estoeric Sign Supplies. rick.glawson@gte.net
------------------ Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio Greeley, Colorado, USA oldgilt@aol.com
Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
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