I have a butt wrap in white thread with bronze/orange trims. I intended to put a fish label over the white zone, but the label curled when the overcoat was applied so I had to remove it. The finish has cured and I hate the plain white area, so decided to marbelize over it. My 1st attempt didnt work...it remained tacky after 2 days. I'm guessing I didnt mix it well enough. All my marbelizing to date however has been on raw blank with no finish with no problems, so want to rule out that its not caused by trying to apply it over finish vs. just plain falling asleep at the mixing wheel. Your thoughts?

It's not the thread. I have marbleized over thread many times. I would guess that either your finish wasn't mixed right or you had too much or wrong pigment in it. What were you using for pigment??

Mike

I'm using Liquitex I picked up at A.C. Moore, which I've used and seems to work well though I must admit the proportioning isnt very scientific I just eyball/estimate ...is there an optimum proportion? I've been going for about 1/3 the puddle of finish?

I actualy like to marbilize over clear (cured) epoxy , it gives a little depth to the finished product . A lot of times I will also apply clear , then swirl the color(s) into the clear epoxy , that's the way to get the flame look.
Marbilizing has endless possibilities. As for the original question , there is nothing wrong with putting the marble over cured epoxy , just scuff the area , just as if it were clear you were going to apply .
Have fun , JHD

Got Fish ?

Mix any pigment in a little at a time while stirring until just enough pigment has been added to get a consistent color. Adding too much will cause problems as you have; finish mixed improperly will, too, though.
Too little pigment will result in a "transparent" look; you'll be able to see any contrasting colors through it.

Putter
Williston, ND

I would think that 1/3 of anything added to finish would drastically alter the properties (I could be wrong as I'm not familiar with what you are using). I use TAP pigments or Testor's with the solvent pouered off. I just use a small dab of pigment on the tip of a toothpick added to the finish

Mike

Sounds like I've been over-doing it, and just darned lucky with prior marbelizations. Thanks for the help, all.

John - I used to know a John Dow in Pembroke Mass. about 20 years ago. Any relation?