lume mix help needed.

[TBK]

I'm trying out some lume pigment powder. The grain size is nice and small. 5-15 micron. If I mix it with my acrylic matt binder, the lume looks good and it applies fine. But... When the lume is dry, it looks like the surface of the moon.

What is going wrong? Did I use to much pigment? Did I use a cheap binder? I tried different mixing ratios and one other binder. Lume glow is good. But the surface is horrible.

Got some idea's?

 

[TBK]

No experts on this? :wyliehelp:

Haha.


So I've done some more testing myself. Tried a few different acrylic binders and a clear varnish. They al went grainy once dry. Tried some clear nail polish... That gave me the best results yet. Good enough for a midrange sandwich dial. But not good enough for a Breitling Rolex or Panerai. Still not smooth enough.

 

[Niven]

Try tamiya clear acrylic
usually I have 2 part acrylic to 1 part lume powder

for hands
I will wait abt 10mins before applying because that is when it start drying up and will not bleed to the front side of the hands

 

[trailboss99]

You shouldn't be using any water based acrylic with lume powder.
As a rule serious lume powders are not coated and absorb water based mediums. The result is a mess such as you describe.
One should use a thinners based lacquer such as the clear made for model aircraft etc. The best of them is Floquil, a model railroad product.

 

[TBK]

Thanks Niven and trailboss,

Regardless of the advise of the seller. The acrylic binder is useless.
Nail Polish was acceptable for some watches, and now I tried (also advise from seller) yacht lacquer. This dries very reasonable, but unfortunately it's has a light brown color. I need a white result. Great color for a vintage lume though. :calm:

So, I have to get me some floquil or similar. Floquil is hard to find here. Maybe Testors as alternative.

I will keep this updated.

thanks

 

[TBK]

Still not able to find a supplier in close proximity.

 

[Niven]

Still not able to find a supplier in close proximity.

try ebay?

there are other brands such as Mr colour or gaia colors from Asia with laquer base on my side
I am using gaia colours personally

 

[TBK]

Yes, checked our floquil already on eBay.
But will check mr colour and Gaia also.
thanks

 

[zocker4711]

Why you didn't use the Binder from an good know'n Company?

MagicWord is Tritec

If you find your right mix you wouldn't have Moon Cater

 

[TBK]

Because of the price...
I'm luming for the first time. So want to practice a bit...