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Post by Psycho on Aug 24, 2016 20:57:31 GMT -5
I need some pro opinions, what do you chose to use as a turquoise stabilizer for cabbing or other jewelry needs? Thanks !
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 24, 2016 21:04:40 GMT -5
Most people are using epoxy in a solvent. I have been playing around with using sodium silicate but have not got the whole process down to where I really like it. Works but leaves a white crust that has to be ground off. There are some old threads on how to use the epoxy here. Just run a search for epoxy and turquoise.
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Post by Psycho on Aug 24, 2016 21:13:23 GMT -5
Thanks, I watched a couple YouTube videos and they used a black epoxy two part stabilizer. I forget the name at the moment.
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Post by orrum on Aug 25, 2016 5:41:30 GMT -5
Are you talking about stabilizing the turquoise or backing it? By black epoxy I think you mean backing it?
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 25, 2016 6:05:27 GMT -5
Could be referring to making reconstituted turquoise. Some people will mix the chips of turquoise in black epoxy to create veining in the reconstituted turquoise.
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Post by Psycho on Aug 25, 2016 7:20:53 GMT -5
Okay I've got myself confused lol. The black epoxy is by DEVCON now I got that and i read the thread on stabilizing soft or fragile materials. I have a dental heat and pressure sterilizer that I may try to use for the process.
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Post by radio on Aug 26, 2016 17:01:35 GMT -5
Okay I've got myself confused lol. The black epoxy is by DEVCON now I got that and i read the thread on stabilizing soft or fragile materials. I have a dental heat and pressure sterilizer that I may try to use for the process. The two part Devcon plastic steel is ideal as a backing for Turquoise and other stones if needed. Stabilizing is accomplished by the absorption of an epoxy into the material it's self and generally not a surface treatment. Many folks get confused on the terminology and refer to backing as stabilizing, but that is technically incorrect. Although backing a cab does in one sense stabilize it, backing is still the correct term. I use Devcon exclusively for backing and buy it in the one pound tubs although I keep one or two of the two part tubes on hand in case I need to back one or two cabs This is how I back small batches of cabs with Devcon plastic steel. Fill the masking tape "dams" with Devcon and turn back right side up on a piece of plastic, press down slightly to level and let cure at least overnight
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Post by Psycho on Aug 26, 2016 21:20:38 GMT -5
OK now I see, thanks for the info
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Post by Psycho on Aug 28, 2016 0:16:13 GMT -5
Radio what do you use to stabilize fragile cabs then?. I guess I'm trying to keep it simple as I learn all things lapidary lol.
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Post by radio on Aug 29, 2016 18:21:12 GMT -5
Radio what do you use to stabilize fragile cabs then?. I guess I'm trying to keep it simple as I learn all things lapidary lol. If possible or necessary, I back them with Devcon, then use Starbond Cyanoacrylate to fill cracks, crevices and minor pitting. It's especially useful on grainy Boulder opal matrix
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 29, 2016 18:27:28 GMT -5
Radio what do you use to stabilize fragile cabs then?. I guess I'm trying to keep it simple as I learn all things lapidary lol. If possible or necessary, I back them with Devcon, then use Starbond Cyanoacrylate to fill cracks, crevices and minor pitting. It's especially useful on grainy Boulder opal matrix Isn't filling the pits still a form of alteration that would have to be disclosed like stabilization and thus can affect the value?
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Post by Psycho on Aug 29, 2016 18:27:29 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. I guess I need to order some things!lol
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Post by radio on Aug 29, 2016 18:53:51 GMT -5
If possible or necessary, I back them with Devcon, then use Starbond Cyanoacrylate to fill cracks, crevices and minor pitting. It's especially useful on grainy Boulder opal matrix Isn't filling the pits still a form of alteration that would have to be disclosed like stabilization and thus can affect the value? Yep, it needs to be disclosed. Most of the Boulder Opal in the grainy matrix is not the high dollar stuff though. You would be amazed at how few disclose doublets and triplets!
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Post by Psycho on Sept 10, 2016 15:53:40 GMT -5
When you back with DEVCON can you still dop with standard dop wax attached to the DEVCON backing or super glue and a nail?
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Post by radio on Sept 10, 2016 19:39:19 GMT -5
When you back with DEVCON can you still dop with standard dop wax attached to the DEVCON backing or super glue and a nail? yes you can, but it is quite hard to pop the cab off the dop stick unless the Devcon is very smooth. Best way to have smooth backs is use a thin piece of plastic such as various container lids and place the cabs Devcon side down on this. Apply slight pressure with your fingertip or pencil eraser to make sure the cab is leveled and the Devcon is flattend against the plastic to eliminate air bubbles and/or voids
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Post by Psycho on Sept 10, 2016 20:39:19 GMT -5
Got it!
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