Bought my first thing of glitter from Mudhole to experiment with. I picked up fire opal, wasn't sure which color to get.

I was wondering how mixing colors turns out, i.e. fire opal and the electric blue. Also, how much glitter do you mix into your epoxy?

Thanks,
Phil

Before you start using glitter on a rod - be sure to test on a section of test work that has the same thread and finish. It takes a very small amount to the stuff. Try it out and get the results you are looking for. Be sure to put the cap back on the little bottle before you knock it on the floor - if this happens to you you will soon tire of the urge to use the infernal stuff.

Gon

I've never been happy with my results when mixing glitter into the finish. It never came out even enough for my liking... splotches with lots of glitter, some with very little. I've taken to using a thin coat of finish and when it is no longer runny, but still very tacky, use a pinch between my fingers held a couple of inches above the rod and "rub" to gently sprinkle it on while I turn the rod. When dry, put on another coat of finish. It lets me put the exact amount of glitter exactly where I want it. The downside, is that there isn't much room for error if you drop too much. Use a large piece of paper or cardboard to collect the residue and make sure you don't have any fans around and don't sneeze. As Bill said, the stuff is easy to get all over the place and once it does... well... you'll be wiping up glitter for months.

If you can see it in the finish, you probably have to much LOL!! Like Bill said, a little goes a LONG way. I dip a toothpick into it and transfer to the finish while mixing. One thing you DON'T want to do is try to shake a little right from the container. Believe me, it ain't pretty! I assume that you have ultra fine stuff. Mixing is fine as long as you use small amounts. Like Bill said practice/test

Mike

I have used fire opal glitter for many years. I first started using it on the finish of custom basswood lures I made and airbrushed. The glitter really gave the lures an extra sparkle in sunlight, like natural fish scales. The glitter I use, came from Flex Coat (I think), and is very fine. It really adds a very nice effect to certain wraps and expoxy finishes. I just applied a finish with glitter to a butt wrap today. The wrap is black, candy apple red with gold holo thread. The glitter really added a nice look to the overall finish, especially to the gold holo thread. In my opinon, the secret is to use just a very small amount of glitter so its not overwhelming. I used so little that you almost have to look for it to see it. It just adds a nice sparkle to the finish without drawing attention from the butt wrap. I'll be posting a picture of this wrap in the next couple days. I think glitter's pretty neat stuff when not over used. If you have any other questions about using it, please e-mail me.


Rich Matranga
Folsom, California

Look forward to seeing the pic Rich. Thanks for the info all.

Phil

I use glitter almost all the time unless the customer specifically doesn't want it. They will ALWAYS have seen it before hand if they have seen any of my personal rods. When I first started, I took everyone's advice about "A little goes a long way" and I was not thoroughly pleased with the results. They are right...A little DOES go a long way...but my personal taste goes to a bit more. I usually use three colors mixed together. For example if the thread wraps are red with gold trim, I use mostly red with a bit of gold and fire opal. if I am using blue and silver...you guessed it...blue, silver, and fire opal. I especially love the fire opal. I use it on most wraps. I mix 3cc each of the two parts of flexcoat high build. After it is well mixed I add the glitter. I use the tip of an exacto knife as a spoon to measure the glitter. All you can get on the first 1/4 inch of an exacto knife blade is a good starting point for each color. (That is...if you like it glittery like I do)...Play with it...you might like it too

Steve Buchanan
Steve's Custom Rods

Phil,

I posted 2 pictures under thread art. However the glitter did not show up as well as I hoped.

Rich Matranga