Tips and Pointers

[Baitman0928]

I am completely new and dumb when it comes to making my own plastics. However I am getting ready to start in the next few weeks. I am in the process of ordering aluminum molds from del. I plan to heat my plastic in a microwave, and honestly that's about all I know. So What are some things I need to know? And what are common mistakes I need to try and avoid? What are some more basic colors I will need and how far will they go? For example If I were to order 4 0z. of color how much will that usually do? Also what size of glitter do I need mostly? I plan on putting the plastic in a pyrex measuring cup, however I have read things on here about Pots with stirrers an such? Sorry for the length and all the questions. Just looking for help for a beginner and a point in the right directon.

Thanks

[longhorn]

I would start by clicking on "How to" at the top of the page..then go to member submitted tutorials, soft plastic and start reading. Lots of great info there. Then if you still have specific questions you'll have a better chance at getting an answer. Good Luck.

[Jig Man]

I just switched from hot plate to microwave. I have a couple of threads here where I ask some questions and got some good advice. You might read them.

[rsinyard]

1. Start small - I started by using 2oz of plastic in a pyrex cup.

2. Most manufacturers say 1 oz of color will work for a gallon of plastic. I don't know but I usually use more than 1 oz per gallon.

3. Ask questions here. Several of these guys have been pouring a long time and have a lot to share. I have been pouring for about 3 months now and I have to give kudos to a lot of these guys.

4. Get ready to spend some nights on the couch. Because this is so addictive that the wife is not going to be happy with you.

[drof99]

I'm fairly new to this as well. Although I have been pouring alot lately. I saw your looking to get molds from Del. Most of my stuff has come from him. He's great to work with. I would highly suggest getting a kit from him for starting out. I bought the 5 1/4" stick kit. Comes with everything, salt, plastic, mold, color, softner, everything you'll need. If your ordering right now be patient with Del. Its Christmas and its going to take a bit to get your stuff. Order now and start reading in the mean time. By the time the stuff shows up you have a basic understanding. I went through a ton of the old threads and learned alot. I read a lot about the problems people had, and I think that helped me alot. I'd suggest starting with a pyrex cup and pouring small amounts. That way you get the feel for it. Keep it fun. When I was heating my plastic in the microwave I was getting the plastic just a little too hot. One thing that helped me with this was an infared thermometer. I would suggest getting some kind of thermo to check the temp. Until you get a feel for it you won't know what it should be like to pour. If you do mess up, and I know I did, you can always remelt the plastic and try again. When heating your plastic there is no set time that will work for you micro. You have to just start out with about a minute and then stir and then start hitting it with 30 second blasts. Stopping each time to stir. The plastic will thicken before it is ready. Then it will start thinning out. I pour with it about like pancake sryup, around 350 or less. The thermo will help with this. 4oz of color will go a long way. I think the kits come with 1 oz. I still have plenty of color left. I ended up buying Del's large color kit as well. Other than that go read the threads and it will help a lot. You can also cal Del. He is a great guy to work with. I've also worked with Lurecraft and they can answer your questions of he phone as well. Good luck, becareful because it is addictive like said earlier.