Flake Problem

[mark poulson]

I tried some Bear's silver holo flake in a black and blue laminate this afternoon, and it worked fine in the micro.

I added the flake, plus some salt, after the blue was heated, and just reheated it for 30 seconds before I poured it.

No sparking, no problems.

I think it may be because I add the flake at the end, and only heat it for 30 seconds, so maybe it doesn't have a chance to get too hot.

Or maybe it's just dumb luck.

But the holo silver really stands out in the blue plastic, and it makes a nice contrast to the black top half.

I cheated. I took some old leftover plastic of different colors, and added black until it was totally black, and it worked fine. I added a little new plastic and some softener, too.

[Delw]

Here's some more info I found on line.

Do you still want to insist that metallic flake is safe for mircowave use? I'll keep throwing facts at you for as long as it takes, for you to admit that you are wrong.

Other metals are a no-no in the microwave, too.

Tiny sharp pieces and thin pieces of metal are a different story. The electric fields in microwaves cause currents of electricity to flow through metal. Substantial pieces of metal, like the walls of a microwave oven, can usually tolerate these currents without any problems. However, thin pieces of metal, like aluminum foil, are overwhelmed by these currents and heat up very quickly. So quickly in fact, that they can cause a fire. Plus, if the foil is crinkled so that it forms any sharp edges, the electrical current running through the foil will cause sparks. If these sparks hit something else in the oven, perhaps a piece of wax paper, you'll probably be reaching for the fire extinguisher.

I dont know man, with your vast knowlege and experiance in glitters, microwaves and pouring baits I guess I should have listened to you.

BTW I never said it was Safe nor have I ever said it was unsafe. I said metal glitters work fine in the microwave and Has been for years. I bet in 10 years I have only heard of a handfull of people having issues. like I said thousands of pounds of gliiter has gone through my shop in about 10 years, but what do I know

Delw

[Travis]

There are various variables with why and how this occurs. Unless one wants to research electrons, electric fields, heat transfer, etc... no sense in using lureology to explain why one can and/or can't do it. Several claims in the thread are not correct. One shouldn't assume that all glitter is the same. Irregularties in surface, production, product composition etc.. will all vary from manufactuer, lot to lot, and even in the same bottle since quality control isn't a huge issue with the product.

Coatings over glitter can play a role in "sparking". Repeated heatings cause decomposition in some coatings, thinning in areas, cracking, and other abnormalites that typically increase in as things are heated. In my experience as one continually reheats some glitters the more likely one is to see the problems occuring. I have looked at different "sparking" glitters over the years and noted such occurrences. I have used all sorts of glitters and the blanket statement all metallic glitters can't be used is absolutely false.

I have had glitters that spark and glitters that don't. For me it isn't a big deal. Chuck it or give it to the kids we aren't talking about a major investment.

[jacobsbaits]

I dont know man, with your vast knowlege and experiance in glitters, microwaves and pouring baits I guess I should have listened to you.

BTW I never said it was Safe nor have I ever said it was unsafe. I said metal glitters work fine in the microwave and Has been for years. I bet in 10 years I have only heard of a handfull of people having issues. like I said thousands of pounds of gliiter has gone through my shop in about 10 years, but what do I know

Delw

Delw,

How about we agree, to disagree on this subject. I am no way an expert on the mechanics of a microwave oven. But I have had bad experiences heating plastic with metallic glitter in a microwave.

I personally prefer metallic flake, heated conventionally, because it doesn't bleed, and it can be reheated many times without losing it's shine.

I know you've been at this for a long time, and I respect your experience.

I hope you have no hard feelings, Rick

[Frank]

You know I asked a question that I though was a good one and got alot of good info. Now it has become another head game that is going to get it deleated. I started looking on this site because it has alot of great info. Seams lately people just want to ruin a good site over egos. Thanks to all that had something constructive to say. Maybe the moderators can delete the info that is not important. Frank

Edited October 25, 2010 by Frank

[redg8r]

Maybe the moderators can delete the info that is not important

Done deal..... carry on.

[Frank]

Thank You. Another thing if the sparking is left untended it actually burns the plastic in the area of the spark. I was getting a funny smell from the box I have my scraps in and found out it was burned. Now there is black flake in it and I did not put it in there. Frank