Mountain Man 26 Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 Just wondering if anyone has a good microballoon substitute they'd share for ading to Alumilite? I've visited several RC forums with limited success. Wood flour is the best lead I have. I tried the dust from around my bandsaw wheels and it made my resin foam pretty bad. I kept getting a large airpocket in my casting from that mix. Any help appreciated. Chad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRammit Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 Just a thought... Since you're experimenting with saw dust... Maybe try PVC dust?? I havnt worked with resin (yet).. But since the end result is plastic, then maybe a plastic dust would mesh better than a wood dust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 I put some super glue on PVC sawdust, and it foamed and popped, bigtime! Scared the crap out of me. If you're going to do it, do a test somewhere safe, and wear glasses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saltwater Posted September 5, 2015 Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 Durham's Water Putty or Plaster of Paris..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountain Man 26 Posted September 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 Thanks for the replies guys. Really appreciate it. I'll try the POP. Still got tons left from making worm molds with Elmers off Longhorns mold posts back in 08. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimP Posted September 5, 2015 Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 (edited) Chad: You are adding microballoon additives to you resin to either extend the resin or to lighten the resin. If the purpose is to lighten the density of the resin then don't add plaster of paris. It will make your final lures heavier than the pure resin. As a pure resin extender POP should work fine. However, if you are looking for a microballoon replacement that will reduce density you can try a paint additive that is used to give the sand texture to paint. In the old days it really was sand now days it seems to be some sort of very light weight ground up plastic. The label does not mention the actual material but it is very light weight and I have used it for your stated purpose. The box I have is called "Homax Paint Texture Sand" The link below is for "Stone" and many work or not, look for "Sand." Here is an Amazon link for more details. The link is selling "Heavy Finish," my experience was with "Medium Finish." If you can find the "Fine Finish" I think I'd try that first. http://www.amazon.com/Homax-8452-10-Ounce-Stone-Texture/dp/B009WQ35WS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1441425088&sr=8-5&keywords=paint+texture+additive As you can see several companies manufacture the same stuff, check a local hardware store paint department and you should find what you need. Good luck! Edited September 5, 2015 by JimP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountain Man 26 Posted September 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 Jim, I am indeed looking for an alternative to microballoons to add that will make the resin bouyant. Thanks for the response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdeee Posted September 5, 2015 Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 I have used small styrofoam balls that come from beanbag chairs. I found some small packs in the craft section of the dollar store.Just don't add too much or it will make the bait brittle on larger baits ( musky ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
