black epoxy

cdark · Feb 25, 2001

i was trying to find info in the archives about using black epoxy along the tang in the handle area to give good contrast to the filework. i found some threads about it but not one that mentioned where i could get some. anybody know where i could get some? and does it stay in the relieved areas pretty good?

thanks chris

[This message has been edited by cdark (edited 02-25-2001).]

Terry McMaster · Feb 25, 2001

I have found the black colorant at Home Depot and you likely will at any place that carries fiberglass materials. Don't add too much color, it doesn't take much and too much will degrade the integrity of the epoxy. It does highlight file work very nicely. Good Luck. Terry
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1535014&a=11627245&p=41238346&Sequence=0&res=high

[This message has been edited by Blind Dog (edited 02-25-2001).]

Tom Lewis · Feb 25, 2001

Sheffield's sells Conap epoxy in a black color. The catalog # is K22. Their phone number is 1-800-874-7007. I have used their Conap epoxy with great success.

Rogue57 · Feb 26, 2001

Hi Chris,

I've had thoughts of making the black (or any color, for that matter) using clothing dye. (I think a major brand name is "RIT") I believe if you mixed small amounts of the powdered dye into your epoxy mixture, that it would give you a nice full color, (and be permanent) but I haven't had a chance to try this, yet. It's available at most drug stores, and is relatively inexpensive. As a kid, we would use Koolaid to dye the edible "playdough" that the teachers would have us make in school, and thought that the dye might give better results for this type of thing. (Probably don't want to try eating this mixture, though.) Not to mention that it would allow you to create almost ANY color epoxy you might need. Any thoughts on this, guys?

Brad

[This message has been edited by Rogue57 (edited 02-26-2001).]

Tom Anderson · Feb 26, 2001

Try a drop or two of Testors model paint. I don't know if it works with all epoxies, but it works with Devcon epoxy pretty well.

Don't add too much paint or the epoxy will become "soft."

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Tom Anderson
Hand Crafted Knives

Al Polkowski · Feb 26, 2001

"Epoxy Black" from Brownells

Osbourn · Feb 26, 2001

I usually mix in a bit of sawdust from the wood or antler I'm using to match up handle material. I also have some ebony sawdust for blacking in other projects, but I've never had to use it.

Andrew McLurkin · Feb 27, 2001

I use one drop of black ink from ballpoint pens. It dries just as fast and hard as plain epoxy, and turns the epoxy dark black.

Don Cowles · Feb 26, 2001

Toner from a printer or copy machine will work, too.

White Knight · Feb 26, 2001

I use the black pigment colorant used to mix paint colors. You can find it where ever they mix paint (wow...there's a newsflash!).

I just stick the end of a q-tip into the black just prior to mixing a two part long drying two-ton epoxy. Works very well so far.

Feb 26, 2001

Welcome Al,
One drop of Fiberglass colorant will do enough epoxy for a good sized knife. works well and lasts forever. As far as filling the filework I have done it. Be sure your handle is sealed first or the epoxy could leach into it and BANGO

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RHankins Available knives
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=205453

cdark · Feb 27, 2001

thanks for all the tips everybody. can't wait to try it.

chris

Jeff Pelz · Feb 28, 2001

cdark,

I use the powdered tint with my epoxy. It works great. Whats nice about powdered tint is the choice of colors without blending.
I mix the tint until there is even color and no lumps, and spread it into work. A little tint goes a long way. But caution should be used as some colors are toxic and should not inhaled.

Jeff