InLace / InLay

[Scroll'ng Dave]

Has anyone fooled around with Inlace yet? I have been playing with it for awhile, basically taking some small scroll work like ¼” thick X-Mas ornaments and using them as my lab rats. For the filler I use crushed stained glass or metal dust, both work great. However, the EPOXY/RESIN mix just isn’t getting it done. I’ve tried 5 and 20 minute epoxy as well as SystemThree. I think the SytemThree is going to get me where I want to be, however, if the mix isn’t perfect, and I mean PERFECT, it just doesn’t cure – but I’ll get that one figured out sooner or later.

In the end, I want my projects to be clearly transparent like a sun-catcher. Make sense so far? To do this, I take a scroll piece that I want to add Inlace, I lay it over a piece of wax paper, insert a layer of Epoxy and let cure. I then mix a batch of more Epoxy and add in my filler. I add this over the initial layer of epoxy that has cured (hopefully) by now. Let this 2nd layer cure and then add a 3rd, top layer of Epoxy.

When it’s all said an done, the top layer is exactly as I want, smooth and Glossy; but when I remove the wax paper form the bottom I realize it’s not transparent at all but foggy – all because of that bottom layer laying on top of the wax paper. Obviously I can dissect this work to find out what’s going south on me, but I really do believe the whole problem surrounds the bottom surface that is in contact with the wax paper. Any thoughts?

I might add, if you haven't played around with this; you’re probably better off as it can be extremely frustrating and the best Epoxy, SytemThree is not cheap....

Here is my best source of Inlace material
InLace Products - InLace Inlay Material

Welcome to System Three.com - Epoxy Resin Products

I'm goofing at the office right now, but when I get home, I'll post a copule pictures so that you can see what I'm talking about... Dave

[Barefoot1]

Evie used a product sounds like what you are looking for. Give her a shout.
Now get back to work Dave!

[Barefoot1]

Better yet - I still had her PM -

Hi there Thomas. the thing I started for my xmas ornaments was , what I called liquid glass. but for real it is realy just paint. called gallery glass. it comes in tubes , just squez it into the cuts. and let it dry. keep the project clamped to a board background, with plastic over it. so paint won't stick then , let it dry for a few hours. 4 or 6 , and peel the plastic off. and walaw. you have a stain glass look. I have also used plain glue. like the Fussion glue. put beeds in it. or not. and that works too. I am exsperamenting on some fiber glass reson. to see if that would be a harder finish. or glass. but will let you know. hope this helped. your friend Evie

[Scroll'ng Dave]

Thanks for the insight Thomas, I really appreciate it! How can i post to "Evie" as i don't htink I've had the pleaseure. I would really like to learn some more about this "Liquid Glass" or "Gallary Glass". I found Gallary Glass on the net; but it doesn't appear to come in tubes as she indicates; and I'm wondering if Gallary Glass is a generic name, or a product name? Also, I can't seemto find anything on Liquid Glass other what is associated with Automotive glass cleaner.

...either way, it's got me excited now!

[minowevie]

Hay there Dave, Evie hear. the gallery glass I used is just paint. that is clear. I don't think it is what you are looking for. it was a fun project at Xmas. but I have heard of the lace stuff. but never used it. I think Jeff, brout that up. and I would love to try it. I have also tryed glues. with great results. but for a hard finish. I think you are on the right track. let me know how it goes. thanks. Evie

[Scroll'ng Dave]

Hi Evie, thanks for the reply, I was having fits trying to find something that doesn't exist. Nevertheless, I appreciate the time and suggestions. And it's not to say that I want use some of that Gallary Glass on some other project... Thhanks again! Dave

Back to the drawing board.

[Scroll'ng Dave]

Thomas, thanks for introducing me to Evie... it really was a good idea, just not for this application.

An by-the-by, I took a visit to your website, WOW! That's some really great stuff you got out there... absolutely beautiful!!! You're definetly in class above me. Although I did make that same Scroll Box designed by Diana Thompson - I made mine out of American Walnut. Also, I've been eyeing the Grover Irish Clock, but never acquired the pattern - you inspire me! Next time I place an order w/ Wildwood Designs, I going to get it. Out of curiosity, whose Scroll Saw do you use? Mine is the infamous Dewalt 788... Dave

Also, I agree that life really is beautiful in Utah... I've been going to Park City every year for the past 10 yrs for the skiing; aside from that, I'll keep the sun and long summers in San Antonio...

[workin for wood]

Go to micheals and get some casting resin. use casting resin dyes or just regular paints. You can add anything to it. You'll need to build a little mold with some wax paper under the item. POS part is that you will have to scrape it all down from top and bottom once it's dry to get it level. You'll have to have some weight on the wood too so it doesn't float in the resin. You can use anything in the resin, you can have coffee floating in between your cuts.

[Bruce P]

Dave,

If you want "suncatcher" like effects, why not just use stained glass instead of trying to recreate the look with other media. Individual pieces of glass can be easily cut/ground to fit within the openings of fretwork, or alternatively, you could do the the whole image in copper-foiled stained glass and overlay the fretwork.
--------
Bruce P.

[CanadianScroller]

Well Dave it sounds like you have been working hard on the process.
Have you tried using kitchen parchment paper instead of the wax paper?

I had thought of a similar process using hot glue gun but I am sure it would not be clear And I also don't know if the wood would warp if I was to put it in an oven for a short time while the glue chips melted.

I do think the parchment will help you though.