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Blend Colors |
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Update: The demise of Manhattan Custom Tackle has meant a migration to a new approach to changing the color of a rod blank, which is also a safer and less time consuming method. All the basic steps remain the same. Substitute any high viscosity, low build two part epoxy and Testor's (model paint) pigment.
Begin with one half of the epoxy mix (Part A or Part B). Using an eyedropper add the pigment until you have reached the desired color/tint then fold in the other half of the two part epoxy and mix as normal. Results:
There are some real benefits in this new method: non-flammable mixture; greater color range, as there are more tints available, including metallics; and a shorter cure to use time. However, I'm still disappointed Manhattan went out of business.
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Begin by visiting a local marine or automotive supply shop and purchasing basic coloring agents for polyester and epoxy resins. These are available in small 1-oz tubes and are in the $4.00 to $5.00 price range. They are a mixture of 50% pigment and 50% plasticizer and are available in the basic colors that can be mixed to create virtually any color. The hardest colors to create are the darker semi-opaque blues and greens. I have had good success with coloring agents produced by Rocket Plastics Co., Montgomery, OH 45242. Admittedly, I haven't tried many others; when I find something that works well, I tend to stick with it until someone suggests something better. Blend the colors in a clean shot glass (jigger). Mix with a smooth surfaced stirrer to keep the trapped bubbles to a minimum. If you are planning to reuse a certain color, then mix and store the material in a small glass-topped preservative jar. These are available in craft stores such as Franks, Michaels, or MJDesigns in the Maryland area. They have a rubber gasket and metal bracket that snaps over the preservative jar. They are about 1.5 to 2-oz capacity and cost in the neighborhood of $1 to $2 each. The color mix contains no hardeners, so the mixture will last a very long time if kept in a sealed container. |
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