This month, Slumpy's has had many questions about what kind of primer to use and what steps are needed when priming a stainless steel mold. So here are some tips!
The easiest, fastest & almost all-around best primer (my opinion) and my preferred method is using the boron nitride sprays. The application time is maybe 10 minutes-- apply 3 light coats of the spray and you're ready to drape! With the boron nitride sprays, you are not required to heat the mold prior to application. Take your mold to a well ventilated area, shake container well before application, and hold can 6-8 inches away from mold surface spraying on a light coat. Let layer air dry before applying another coat. Continue until you have 3-4 light coats of primer. Slumpy's carries 3 different boron nitride sprays-- check out here!
*If you want to cure the mold set your kiln to 200°F (93°C) and let soak for four hours, then increase your temperature to 1300°F (700°C) this will make the finish hard and last longer.
Another method requires you to heat the mold and then brush on the kiln wash in thin even coats. Of course with any application you must wait for it to dry in between applications. If the primer just drips down your shape, increase the temperature to get it to stick. When using the kiln wash, you need to apply several coats, covering any and all surfaces where your art glass comes into contact. Many recommend you mix 20% rubbing alcohol to 80% water you mix with your dry kiln wash powder. Adding rubbing alcohol into your mixture will allow it to evaporate faster so you don’t have to wait as long for it to dry when brushing on an application.
Both methods can be touched up easily with another few applications of kiln wash or boron nitride spray. You may want to apply another application when you see areas that are scratching off.
If you are going to try out one of our many stainless steel molds, keep these priming methods in mind. And as always feel free to contact us at slumpyartist@slumpys.com or 1.866.SLUMPYS
Slumpy's NEWS:
We've announced our 3rd workshop & it's on the 3rd of May!
Saturday, May 3 @ 8:30 am
