What are /r/electroforming's favorite Products & Services?

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Here’s a link to the face mask I got on amazon. I bought the organic vapor cartridges separately because I wasn’t sure the ones included were what I needed. I’m going to look up other cartridges as well, just so I can have an understanding of all of them and which is best longterm. The one thing to note about this respirator, is that it did not come with instructions, so I had to follow the photos on the listing to put it together.😒 As far as electroforming outside, I believe some people do. I live in NYC, so I didn’t have regular access to outdoor space for this kind of thing, so I’ve never attempted it. The only thing I would suggest though, is to be mindful of the weather forecast for the week, in case you need to leave your pieces in the bath for several days. If you do setup your workshop outside, I’d suggest getting something like one of those wedding tents (a small version), so that everything can be covered.

15 in 1 Reusable full face... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CF25RDV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I’m not a pro. But I have been using this power supply with no complaints. Before you buy anything please do your own research. I’m an amateur/hobbyists. I hope you can find something that works well for you.

Kungber DC Power Supply Variable,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHZ2X2Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Thanks!! (sorry to make you sick :D I us XL Gel Liver of Sulphur

I get it from the Amazons:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PLZ4SS/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm using this

Chartpak Grumbacher 1.2-Ounce Miskit Liquid Frisket https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0027AAPBK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_ZE38SMETXGTA4X5TWNJ0

But I've also used this Reeves 3221759 75ml Winsor and Newton Watercolor Art Masking Fluid, Yellow https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B005P1ROEY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_D3PC4Z2Q5MSETSW43DV4

Just get a watercolor mask

If I use mod podge my recipe is 1 part graphite, half mod podge, half water. I don't like the texture of mod podge.

I'm most successful with the India ink/graphite mix, and use it exclusively now. I find that I have to occasionally top up the ink part.

I've also used everything graphite from the cheapo lock lubricant to a spray graphite lubricant. I am using the Fasco industries brand lately

Fasco Epoxies Pure Graphite Powder Quart https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B076H7QVHF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_AKEZABVRHN4FGH6SKB97

I've personally haven't had the greatest luck with making my own graphite based conductive paint. I've bee using this stuff but its definitely on the pricier side. Luckily you only need the one coat.

Sounds like an issue with the graphite. When I made my mixture, I was well under 25k ohms. I think the highest I measured was 2k ohms, but most of the time it was only a few hundred ohms.

Here’s the graphite powder I used:

Pure Graphite Powder Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076H7QVHF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FTAMAXFSS12SKBTFQ8VB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I use a rotary tool like a dremel. I use these with them Swpeet 66Pcs 1 Inch 6 Mixed Grit 80/120/220/400/600/1000 Radial Bristle Disc Abrasive Brush Gap Polishing Pad Buffing Wheel Assortment Kit with 1/8" Shank for Rotary Tools Cleaning Finishing Deburring https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07LD9LJ2C/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_6D27NGF4SER8F6AMZHBT

If you're new to using them, start no lower than 400 grit until you get a feel for your plate. I use 80 grit a lot but that's because I make a lot of hair accessories and need the surface smooth.

Be sure to use a respirator or dust mask and eye protection.

If you decide to use a tumbler, I'd use a nylon sort of grit. Anything else has the potential to destroy gemstones. You can simulate a tumbler with a screw top jar filled with water, dawn and your tumbling medium.

I use different things to seal depending on what I made. Mostly I use ProtectaSeal on pretty much everything. If I want a gradual patina on a piece that isn't going to be worn, like ornaments, I use Renaissance Wax.

Rings I use the ProtectaSeal then a layer of clear nail polish on the inside.

Honestly it’s really great! I used to sculpt them completely by hand using hard gel, but I recently switched to the Apres Gel X system. It’s incredible! I would recommend getting a lamp that is not the one that comes with the kit (this is the one I use:

Big Chip 395nm UV LED Black Light fixtures with Gooseneck and clamp for UV Gel Nail and Ultraviolet Curing, Portable Ultra Violet Blacklight 5V USB Input (Upgraded) (Sliver 2W) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HFXB97L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_727ZW8QSSKQZE0X78FWV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

-You need a regular LED gel curing lamp as well -a nail drill -isopropyl alcohol -nail files -gel colors -cotton nail wipes

For the Apres tips I use the Stiletto Sculpted Medium

Let me know if you have any other questions!

I use this for my bath. I occasionally have used an air bubbler but I find not only is it messy because it makes my solution an aerosol that goes everywhere, it makes weird whiskers on my items that are a pain in the ass to remove.

ANZESER Magnetic Stirrer Magnetic Mixer 3000 RPM with Stir Bar Max Stirring Capacity 3000ml https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07J59QVGQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_7PZVNQGWSPBK7T58BRA7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You can also purchase heated magnetic stirrers

Depending on the stone I'll use clear or silver nail polish. The latex I use is the same frisket that you use in watercolor painting, also known as drawing gum.

Grafix 4-1/2-Ounce Incredible White Mask Liquid Frisket https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00139SZU4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_D2D0600A1TA0QPG6T8ZD

Or

PEBEO Easy Peel Liquid Latex Masking Fluid - Drawing Gum, Dries Quickly, for Ink, Watercolor, Gouache Painting & Illustration, Fine Arts & Crafts Supplies, 45ml/1.52oz Bottle https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00ELGCSU4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_PTN0W9KE4DC28RDT7WR5

Just make sure you do multiple coats. Solution can slide into a pinhole and stain or damage your stone.

If you mean one of these, yes. Importantly, lab power supplies have short-circuit protection so you don't blow the unit the very first time you accidentally touch some wires together. They also give you fine control over your current and voltage and a digital readout. And they can supply 5 times the current that the one you linked can manage and higher voltages too. And if you really need to, you can quite easily replace the failed power supply on your xmas lights with one too, and the one you linked wouldn't have output the 27 volts I needed to keep the tree lit.

I just buy the basic assortment that's the cheapest from Amazon. I keep a jar of water with some rubbing alcohol that I rinse my brushes with. If I find that the brush is still a little stiff, I soak it in rubbing alcohol or acetone.

Is that mod podge? If so, thin it down with some water. It's better to do thin coats letting it dry between layers than one thick layer. It dries better and you keep your details.

As for the ink/graphite mix, I use ez mix bottles with brush in cap and a shaker bead in it. Like this E-Z Mix Paint Bottle with Brush & Shaker - 70002 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0056FUC8O/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_E40EA45EYABN9ZM7JGR2

Swpeet 46Pcs Dental Beauty Silicone Rubber Polishing Wheels Polisher + 4pcs Mandrel Shank for Rotary Hand pieces https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07R3Z5VLG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_M1NKNWXTVGZYV23AFYFB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Hey there. I use these Yakamoz 18 pcs 25mm/1-Inch Diameter Radial Bristle Disc Set Abrasive Brush Gap Polishing Wheel Assortment with 6 pcs 3mm Mandrels for Rotary Tools | 80/120/220/400/600/1000 Grit https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07CTNWCRS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_EH3J45GXVM8PB9YVRM5K

I hope this link works. I get them from Amazon. I also order them in large quantities from Ali express. Also rubber polishing wheels

I bought a pint of latex off Amazon that is great for this purpose it peels off very easily, and even when the copper grows over the edge of the latex line I can slowly and gently pull at it and it completely comes off clean.

Absolutely love it.

Liquid Latex Pint Bottle Standard https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B005KSV3FS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_EhpfYudKlVGTw

This one works too https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B016Z6TYR2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ACD4013XBS5C9&psc=1

Not sure if this will be of any help - but I use this, from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076H7QVHF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Its very similar to this but with darker "purplish" dots in any recess on cast surfaces

This is my bible everything and anything you need to know.

I only have a small bath for 1 or 2 pieces at a time and this is the one I use. rectifier I’ve had no problems with it! It is easy to use and fairly inexpensive

I just started as well. I first bought the lock lube graphite tube as well but oy didnt work at all. Im not sure if the problem was the graphite itself (apparently the locksmith stuff has a lot of silica) or the amount I used. I just went ahead and bought a big thing a graphite (1lb) from amazon (WAY Mmore cost effective than the tubes heres a link to what i bought) i decided at least now i have enough ingredients to experiment with the conductive paint!

Thank you so much!! The patina I used was "Eurotool Liver of Sulfur Gel." Here's a link for it on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034LL8HQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1QAuDb2WP65F3

I'm new to electroforming as well, and this was an experiment, so for this one I attached the shell piece using only clay (apoxie sculpt). It worked for this one because the clay came up around the shell sufficiently to hold it in place, but on pieces where the clay doesn't come up over the edges, I'll have to use glue. Haven't decided what glue to use yet.