Orasol dyes for HXTAL

Isabelle Garachon asked about using Orasol dyes to color Hxtal epoxy
glass fills.

I have had success with Orasol dyes added to epoxy fills and also
for toning the surface of fully cured, clear fills.  To color an
epoxy fill, a tiny amount of the dye is added to the Hxtal while it
is still fluid. Stir well. The dye tends to dissolve slowly into the
resin and the color will get stronger the more it is stirred. Then
pour the resin into the mold and allow it to cure.

However, I've found that toning a cured epoxy fill gives more
control and better color matches. Mix the dye with Acryloid B-72 in
ethanol (10% to 15%). Then brush it on over the hardened fill. The
dye can also be added to more Hxtal which is then brushed on in a
very thin layer over the fill and cured. A dry palette of Orasol
dyes in B-72 is very handy for toning and staining a variety of
materials--from worn wood finishes to metals to glass.

Laura Reutter
Indianapolis Museum of Art
1200 W. 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:78
                  Distributed: Thursday, March 6, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-78-006
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