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Thread: Scratches on PMC

  1. #1

    Default Scratches on PMC

    Hi there, I wonder if anyone can help. I've made about 100 PMC fingerprint charms for Christmas orders and haven't been doing it for very long. My pieces turn out beautifully, however, most of them have light scratches all over them even after vigorous polishing. Whatever I try I just can't get of them! It seems to be happening at the dry clay stage when I sand them down. I use sanding pads around the edges and over the surfaces (bar the fingerprint and engraving) - I think this is what's causing it because I can see the scratches on the surface after I've sanded. Its definitely not my burnisher. The only other thing it could possibly be is either the soft brass brush which I use on the piece after firing, or its happening in the polishing process (I use the graded polishing papers) but I can't see it somehow.

    What should I be using to sand the dry PMC? Has anyone else experienced this.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    Default

    I don't work with art clay very often, but my standard answer to ALL polishing problems is micromesh, and I think it would be the same for this one!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Nottingham
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    Default

    I agree with George, a final finish with a very fine micromesh to even the surface out then a gentle wipe with a miost baby wipe or similar.

    Nic may have a few other suggestions but you need to be looking at getting the best possible finish to your piece before you fire it.

    Hope this helps

    Annie xXx

    All things are possible - if you look at them the right way!

  4. #4

    Default

    Sounds great! Where can I find it? I've googled it but what grade do I need to use?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    Hi Jools,
    I got mine from Ebay but the name of the co is called theturnersworkshop as Cookies don't stock it.

    9 X PAD VARIETY PACK (2 > Micro Mesh Products > Abrasives

    Good luck.
    Jules

  6. #6

    Default

    Thanks Jules I'll order some of those! Forgive me for being a complete novice but which grades are supposed to be used on the dry clay? And can these also be used to polish once its been fired?

    Sorry for all the questions!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    I use those impregnated rubber burrs from cooksons on my flexshaft.
    (Dremels are fine with them too) Use brown then the green (avoiding the print)
    Mirror finish by using wenol and a soft cloth
    nic x
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  8. #8

    Default

    Thanks Nic, I've had a look at them but would have no idea about how to use them. My husband has got a 'drill type thing' which has an extra bit which you hold like a pen - is this the kind of thing you use them with? Forgive me for sounding dumb! Also, Nic do you mean you use these on the fired clay or the dry clay?

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    As long as it's got a chuck that will fit a 2-3mm bit in then you'll be fine.
    I use them on fired silver.

    Nic x
    Monthly FREE entry giveaways on Blogs!
    Shop Blog: http://muranosilver.blogspot.com/
    Silver Clay Blog: http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
    View images of my work on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver

  10. #10

    Default

    Ok thanks Nic, I'll check. If you don't mind me asking, what do you use to smooth the surfaces and edges when the clay has dried (before it gets fired)? Because the sanding pads I'm using are leaving loads of scratches.

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