Tips
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR LIQUID METAL
Recommendations are based on my own research and testing. You should always do your own because there are so many variables. Temperature, metal and so many other factors to consider.
Metal
When buying metal powder you want to get high quality. Look for aluminum that is between 150 - 200 mesh. The other metals between 200 - 350 mesh.
Alternative for purchasing metal www.artmolds.com You can also purchase some of their metals through Amazon. They have very slow shipping and virtually no customer service.
Metal that Are Corrosion Resistant or Don't Rust are Copper, Bronze and Brass
These three metals contain little or no iron, and so do not rust, but they can react with oxygen. Copper oxidizes over time to form a green patina, which actually protects the metal from further corrosion. Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin, along with small amounts of other elements, and is naturally much more resistant to corrosion than copper. Brass is an alloy of copper, zinc, and other elements, which also resists corrosion.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel types, such as 304 or 316, are a mix of elements, and most contain some amount of iron, which easily oxidizes to form rust.
Aluminum alloys contain almost no iron and without iron, the metal can’t actually rust, but it does oxidize.
Galvanized steel takes a long time to rust, but it will eventually rust. This type is carbon steel that has been galvanized, or coated, with a thin layer of zinc.
Custom tints
Gunmetal Silver (formerly Titanium) = equal parts Gunmetal Bronze and Aluminum
Rose Aluminum = 5 parts Copper, 1 part Aluminum
Classic Gold Extra = 5 parts Brass, 1 part Copper Warm Gold
Titanium = equal parts of Gunmetal Bronze and Aluminum
Warm Gold = 2 parts Brass, 1 part Copper
Aluminum
Stainless Steel and Aluminum are typically the only metals that can’t be mixed together they end up with a galvanic reaction.
You cannot use aluminum directly over concrete. The concrete must be sealed first or a reaction will occur.
Bathtubs and sinks - If this is a “working bath” not just a decoration I would use the solvent. It’s the same as using an enamel paint in wet areas rather than an acrylic.
Sanders (for pros and cons of each, go to www.houseoffaux.com
Mirka Deros 5” or 6” $1350 comes with sanders, dust extractor and hose. Also, includes 3 boxes of Abranet abrasives.
Mirka Deros (tool only) $560 includes one box of Abranet abrasive discs.
Contact Stan Houston Equipment in Sioux Falls.
SurfPrep SPESS3X4CV for nooks or 5” or 6” rotary
Buy direct and get 10% off. Code artfusion10
Festool Rotex90 & Rotex150 $475+
Radial Discs - Home Depot has the best price because of their free shipping. Be sure you have attached to drill with bristles facing the correct way. Do not use heavy pressure
Dedeco Sunburst 3” or 6” red 220 grit Dedeco Sunburst 3” or 6” blue 400 grit Dedeco Sunburst 3” or 6” green micron
3M also makes radial discs, although harder to find
Abrasives 240 grit - 5000 depending on sheen desired. Mirka, Festool, 3M and SurfPrep all have great abrasives. SurfPrep works with all hook and loop sanders. Festool is the most expensive. I usually start with a net and when I get to 1000 I start using a foam or trizact.
Sprayers
• HVLP gravity feed sprayer Product can be thinned up to 20%.
Sealers
Renaissance Wax.Developed for use on the British Museum'spriceless antiques, this special blend of micro-crystal line waxes will not stain or discolor with aging. It is acid neutral, water and alcohol resistant.
Metalier has a good sealer. It comes in 3 different sheens.
CrobialCoat- Durable and scratch resistant coating. Ideal for high touch surfaces where cleanliness matters. Inhibits the growth of bacteria and microbes.
https://permalac.com This is an industrial strength sealer. I do not recommend the spray type.
Bulldog ClearGuard - Excellent brand of products.
Wax
Renaissance Wax is my favorite. This is specially formulated to use on exterior metals.
Turtle Cleaner Wax can be found in most hardware or auto supply store.
Metals oxidize with age, if not protected they patina or rust, but they are unaffected by UV which is a huge bonus for outdoor coatings.
Exterior metal coating is durable and should last for 25 plus years, provided the clear coat does not heavily abrade.
Cleaning and Maintaining Metal Countertops
One of the best things about metal countertops is that they’re super easy to clean. Most of the time, no serious chemicals or scrubbing tools are necessary. it’s recommended that you not use harsh and abrasive tools and products on metal as these can unnecessarily scratch and mar the surface.
Maintaining the finish is the main concern with metal maintenance. If you hope to preserve the original finish of your metal countertops, you’ll need to remove the patina on a regular basis, or apply a protective coating. All metals have different rates of “aging,” so how often you do this will depend on what metal you have on your countertops.
One other thing to remember is that over time, you’ll notice “wear spots” on your metal. This is nothing to worry about, and many homeowners actually like it. It’s basically a worn out spot on the area of your countertops where you tend to do the most work — cutting, chopping, etc.
How Much Do Solid Metal Countertops Cost?
Numerous factors will influence cost. And naturally, the biggest factor will be which metal you choose. Using a cost calculator can help a lot here. The cost for a solid metal countertop is $75 $150 per sq. ft. on average, although costs can run up to $250+ psf. This is for “installed” metal countertops.
Factors Influencing Cost
Metal choice
Finish or sealant choice
Size of the countertop space
Extra engineering in the material — special shapes, modifications for sinks, faucets,
islands, corners, seams, backsplashes, edge profiles, and moreInstallation method
Patina Formulas for Brass, Bronze and Copper Sciencecompany.com
Ready made patina solutions….
Modern Masters www.modernmasters.com
Sculpt Nouveau - They have a wide variety of patinas and blackening agents.
Jax - www.jaxchemical.com
Now that you have taken the class what do you do next?
I want everyone who takes my classes to be successful, so I have some tips that I hope will help.
First thing is first. Do you have a website? If not, you are already going to have a hard time marketing yourself. Not only is a website great for sending people to who want to view photos and find out what you can do for them, but using the right content and search engine optimization, a website is a great way for people to find you.
Update your website, Facebook business page, Instagram and other social media with photos from class, samples you made and the certified applicator icon.
Send out a press release. This is a great way to announce your services locally for free. Write a press release and send it to your local newspapers, tv stations, magazines and paint and builder associations.
Make some samples to show to potential clients.
Contact local architects and designers. Sending a letter of introduction along with photos
is most like going to get their attention. Architects especially want to know right away why the product would be beneficial to them, where designers care more about the aesthetics.
Potential problems
Cracking can occur for the following reasons. Storing and mixing in an area that is below 55 degrees. Force drying with heat. Set blower to cool air. Mixture is transparent. Add more metal. Mixture too thick. Add more binder and/or water.
Sanders
(for pros and cons of each, go to www.houseoffaux.com
Mirka Deros 5” or 6” $1350 comes with sanders, dust extractor and hose. Also, includes 3 boxes of Abranet abrasives.
Mirka Deros (tool only) $560 includes one box of Abranet abrasive discs.
Contact Stan Houston Equipment in Sioux Falls.
SurfPrep SPESS3X4CV
Buy direct and get 10% off. Code artfusion10
Festool
Rotex is the best of the best, but may be too heavy for some.
Radial Discs - Home Depot has the best price because of their free shipping.
Be sure you have attached to drill with bristles facing the correct way.
Do not use heavy pressure
Dedeco Sunburst 3” or 6” red 220 grit
Dedeco Sunburst 3” or 6” blue 400 grit
Dedeco Sunburst 3” or 6” green micron
Abrasives 240 grit - 5000 depending on sheen desired.
Mirka, Festool and SurfPrep all have great abrasives. SurfPrep works with all hook and loop sanders but only goes to 600 grit. Festool is the most expensive.
Steel wool - #00 and #0000
Sprayers
HVLP sprayer with 1.8 needle for binder. Compressor setup must be gravity feed gun setup for either system. Product can be thinned up to 30%. Check needle type in manual for primer and topcoat.
Spraying should be done at least 1 - 2 very thin coats. 20 minutes between coats.
Earlex 6000 Series Gravity Feed sprayer.
Fuji T75G
Fuji GXPC
Click on the following link for a demonstration on how to clean your gun.
Wax
Renaissance Wax . Was developed for use on the British Museum's priceless antiques, this special blend of micro-crystalline waxes will not stain or discolor with aging. It is acid neutral, water and alcohol resistant.
https://www.picreator.co.uk
Crobialcoat - Durable and scratch resistant coating. Ideal for high touch surfaces where cleanliness matters. Inhibits the growth of bacteria and microbes.
https://permalac.com This is an industrial strength sealer. (Permalac NT for countertops)
Bulldog Clear Guard. Great for rust and patina effects. https://sculptnouveau.com
Metals can oxidize with age, if not protected they patina or rust, but they are unaffected by UV (except iron) which is a huge bonus for outdoor coatings. You really only need to use a sealer for some outdoor areas or highly used surfaces like countertops.
Cleaning and Maintaining Metal Countertops
One of the best things about metal countertops is that they’re super easy to clean. Most of the time, no serious chemicals or scrubbing tools are necessary. it’s recommended that you not use harsh and abrasive tools and products on metal as these can unnecessarily scratch and mar the surface.
Maintaining the finish is the main concern with metal maintenance.
If you hope to preserve the original finish of your metal countertops, you’ll need to remove the patina on a regular basis, or apply a protective coating. All metals have different rates of “aging,” so how often you do this will depend on what metal you have on your countertops.
One other thing to remember is that over time, you’ll notice “wear spots” on your metal. This is nothing to worry about, and many homeowners actually like it. It’s basically a worn out spot on the area of your countertops where you tend to do the most work — cutting, chopping, etc.
How Much Do Solid Metal Countertops Cost?
Numerous factors will influence cost. And naturally, the biggest factor will be which metal you choose. Using a cost calculator can help a lot here. The cost for a solid metal countertop is $75 $150 per sq. ft. on average, although costs can run up to $250+ psf.
This is for “installed” metal countertops.
Factors Influencing Cost
Metal choice
Finish or sealant choice
Size of the countertop space
Extra engineering in the material — special shapes, modifications for sinks, faucets, islands, corners, seams, backsplashes, edge profiles, and more
Installation method
Mixture to try
brass/copper mix (warm gold)
.600 brass-copper blend (2parts brass-1 part copper)
.300 texture binder
Total (1.98lbs)
1 coat smooth consumed .150kg 8 sq ft
2nd coat with notch trowel consumed .600kg 8 sq ft
Patina Formulas
for Brass, Bronze and Copper sciencecompany.com
Potential problems
Cracking can occur for the following reasons.
Storing and mixing in an area that is below 55 degrees.
Force drying with heat. Set blower to cool air.
Be careful mixing aluminum with other metals. Aluminum should never be mixed with stainless steel or concrete
Mixture is too runny . Add more metal.
Mixture too thick. Add more binder and/or water.