6 replies to this topic

[Predator]

I know that glitter stars are moisture sensitive & if too much water is used it will ruin the whole batch.
so my question is, how about binding glitter stars with NC lacquer replacing dextrin?
Thanks for any replies in advance.
-Predator.

[Arthur Brown]

Commercially the answer is cost. Water is cheaper than acetone/alcohol. Also Water is less flammable in manufacture.

[Predator]

Thanks a lot for your kind reply.

[starseeker]

As long as you only wet the comp so it is still crumbly but will bind together if squeezed in the hand you will be fine,

[Mumbles]

Too much moisture isn't the problem.  The real problem is staying wet too long.   It's quite easy to cut glitters with 30+% water and have them function perfectly well if you dry them in a reasonable amount of time.  It should be noted that even with the same formula, the effect will be slightly different between cutting, rolling, and pumping. 

 

Also, glitters are particularly sensitive to binding conditions.  Red gum and parlon kill the effect quite well.  I've seen some people have luck with other non-aqueous binders like PVB (I think) and possibly some phenolic resins.  Not all are created equally though.  You'll have to try them out and see what works.  NC will probably affect the glitter phenomenon as well.  Forming the sprizels is surprisingly touchy. 

[Predator]

Thanks for reply Mumbles

Too much moisture isn't the problem.  The real problem is staying wet too long.   It's quite easy to cut glitters with 30+% water and have them function perfectly well if you dry them in a reasonable amount of time.  It should be noted that even with the same formula, the effect will be slightly different between cutting, rolling, and pumping. 
 
Also, glitters are particularly sensitive to binding conditions.  Red gum and parlon kill the effect quite well.  I've seen some people have luck with other non-aqueous binders like PVB (I think) and possibly some phenolic resins.  Not all are created equally though.  You'll have to try them out and see what works.  NC will probably affect the glitter phenomenon as well.  Forming the sprizels is surprisingly touchy.

[pyrotrev]

NC works fine, I've used it a few times with success. Mumbles makes a good point about the binder affecting the glitter phenomenon though, you might find it helps to add a few parts lactose, SGRS etc. to cool the burn and get the right effect when binding with NC.