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DESIGN-CAST 62 can be integrally
pigmented to brilliant or soft colors. When pigments are property
chosen the colors are light-fast and weather-stable, and the castings
retain their full strength and other qualities.
In general, pigments that are suitable for use
in concrete (i.e. pure dry oxide-type pigments containing no additives)
work well in DESIGN-CAST. In addition, other pigments which can
not be used in concrete (because of concrete's highly alkaline nature)
can be used in DESIGN-CAST.
Recommended Pigment Types
- Iron oxides: reds, yellows, browns, blacks, earth tones, terra
cottas
- Cadmium sulfides and selenides: brilliant reds, oranges, yellows
- Chromium greens
- Titanium oxide white
- Colored oxides used in ceramic glazes.
- Certain metallic powders: bronze, copper, and stainless steel.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE ALUMINUM POWDER OR FLAKE! ALUMINUM
CAN REACT VIGOROUSLY WITH DESIGN-CAST MIXES.
Pigmenting Guidlines
All pigments should be pure, dry powders—not
liquid dispersions or mixtures of pigments with other unknown fillers.
In general, don’t use more than 5% by weight
of pigment, based on the weight of DESIGN-CAST dry mix. Exceptions
are the metallic powders, which may be used up to 100% of the weight
of DC dry mix.
Pigments may be used both in fiberglass-reinforced
mixes, and also in aggregated mixes.
For a uniform pastel color, use a mixture of
2 to 4 parts of titanium oxide white, plus one or more colored pigments,
to produce the desired tint.
If you are not sure whether a pigment is compatible,
try it out first in a small mix. If the DESIGN-CAST then sets either
too slowly or too quickly, the pigment is not compatible and should
not be used. Also, if the DESIGN-CAST mix becomes too stiff to work
with when you add the pigment, do not use the pigment unless you
can thin out the mix adequately by the addition of 5% more water,
based on the weight of the DC dry mix.
Pigments may be added at any stage of mixing.
The easiest way to add the pigment is to first dry blend it roughly
with the dry mix; then add the pigmented dry mix to the polymer
mixture and mix as instructed previously. |
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