The Hunt For Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg

Larry or Mike- I know I'm not the only person on here who has encountered this issue, and I'm probably not the first to ask about it (so forgive me for not researching if you have answered this before). My question is this: How do I keep bubbles from forming in my hot Alumisol? Lately, I've been trying not to "whip" the product when I add dye or microballoons, but I still seem to get bubbles. When I look at the professionally poured plastics, they are bubble free. Do you degas the Alumisol while it's hot and molten, or is there another technique that I'm missing? Or is it I'm just whipping the product too much? I have noticed that when I set my microwave on "low" and heat it up, it the process seems much smoother requiring less stirring. I'm thinking the less you can stir it (while still completely incorporating your additives) the better. I covet your expertise and years of experience. Thanks in advance for your reply/ies.

Scott

Have you tried thinning out the alumisol a bit?

Thinning it with an additive, or thinning it by cooking it longer to achieve a less viscous texture? The only additives I am aware of that would change the physical properties of the plastic is softener, hardener, or heat stabilizer. Is there something else I'm missing or unaware of.

Thanks

just let it sit for a while after heating, maybe on mid power in the microwave and it should solve the problem.
best
L

I normally whip mine too but after bringing it up to heat in the microwave, I let it sit as Larry mentioned. I let mine sit for approx 1 minute. Then turn the microwave back on for 15-20 seconds, then let it sit another minute in the microwave while leaving it turned off. Basically just give the bubbles time to come up and pop before pouring into your mold. I do not stir it anymore after it is melted. I may take the handle, pick it up and swirl it around once or twice but I don't stir it anymore which would introduce more air. Do this 2 or 3 times at the absolute max and you will have bubble free Alumisol.

Mike

You guys are awesome! Thank you for the insight.

yeah i meant thin it out with softener. Sorry wasn't very specific.

I've had issues with the softener and colors bleeding into one another. I'm at odds on precisely how much to add to your Alumisol to achieve your desired level of "softness", yet not cross into the threshold of colors bleeding into one another. To be honest with you, I really can't even notice that much of a difference when using the softener. Do you add the softener prior to heating the virgin Alumisol in the microwave, or do you add it after it's reached it's optimum heated viscosity to start the curing process? These are questions I would rather discover BEFORE starting one of my projects. I can't STAND if I mess something up to the point that it isn't recoverable or reusable. Money down the tube! I added it when my plastic was hot- and I didn't precisely measure out the ratio. This is surely why the colors bled, but maybe you can give me some insight on this.

Aha!! Add the softener before heating, and stir it in. It has to reach curing temp before it will cure. I add as much as 20% by volume to the standard alumisol.
If you are remelting cured plastic add the softener with the chopped up cured pieces prior to heating.
As I mentioned before, you might also try using a bit less dye. the alumilite dyes are super concentrated compared to others.
Not too much to worry about regarding recoverability other than color. Just reheat to cure temp and start again.
good luck,
L