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Preparation of Potassium Tetraborate for Metallurgical Flux Applications
Potassium tetraborate (K2B4O7) is an important compound in metallurgical processes as a flux for brazing . It can be synthesized in the laboratory through a reaction between aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH) and solid boric acid (H3BO3).
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Sodium Bisulfate in the Metalworking Studio
Learn how this readily available, inexpensive and relatively safe acidic compound can be useful in multiple metal crafting techniques.
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Using Pop Rivets for Metal Sculpture
The use of rivets to make cold connections in metal art and sculpture.
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How to Cut Metal With Power Saws
Cutting metals with different power saws is an efficient and time saving endeavor creating cleaner cuts that need little prep.
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5 Additives That Dry Oil Paints Faster
These common and uncommon additives aid in drying of oil paints. Learn why and how in this article.
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DIY Plastic Molds for Fiberglass and Resin Casting
Learn how to use recyclable and discarded plastic packaging to mold fiberglass and cast resin objects with this simple tutorial.
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How to Use Chalk Paint as a Primer
This article shows you how to add calcium carbonate to latex paint to create DIY chalk paint. You can use prepared chalk paint as a primer on interior porous surfaces under a topcoat.
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Craft Uses for Acrylic Solution Resins
This article explores the various craft applications of Paraloid acrylic solution resins. Each resin covered has specific properties and solvents that can be used with. Paraloids can be used as coatings or as adhesives.
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Yellow Inorganic Pigments
This article covers traditional, historical, and relatively new and innovative yellow inorganic pigments, as well as their properties.
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5 Novel Ways to Dry Paint With a Matte Finish
I will cover some novel methods to prepare a matte paint finish with gloss paints without having to buy separate matte medium or matte paints.
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The Rich Story of Pigment Red 254
From the inadvertent discovery in a lab beaker to coating Ferrari’s, this pigment has a story as rich as its red hue.
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5 Ways to Make Metallic and Pearlescent Paint With Mica Pigment Powder
This covers the methods of making unique metallic and pearlescent coatings with mica pigments. A few mixing techniques will be discussed.
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How to Mull Acrylic Paints Efficiently (and With Little Mess)
Learn how to prepare acrylic paints with a muller and glass slab. The method discussed in this article will minimize the clean-up while expediting the dispersion of pigments into the acrylic medium.
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Fillers and Pigment Extenders for Paints
In this article, I discuss the wide variety of fillers and extenders used in paint formulation.
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Running an Airbrush With a Pancake Compressor
I discuss the ins and outs of running an airbrush from a pancake compressor. Both advantages and disadvantages will be covered.
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How to Prepare a Pigment Dispersion With a Rock Tumbler
In this article, I discuss the materials and equipment needed to prepare liquid pigment dispersions using a rock tumbler.
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6 Unusual Uses for Foam Paint Brushes
This article presents rather unique uses for foam paint brushes, from stenciling to sign making to various specialty cleaning operations.
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5 Ways to Stain Wood at Home
Learn how you can use readily available craft materials to stain wood with excellent results.
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How to Prepare a Quick-Drying Acrylic Primer
Learn about the materials and processes that are used to make a solvent-based, quick-drying acrylic paint primer.
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Pigments for Art and Industry
The characteristics of various types of pigments and colorants and their application in art and industry.
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How to Make Sculpture Stands and Bases
Article demonstrating various simple shop techniques to make sculpture stands and bases out of metal and other materials
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Acrylic Plastic for Art and Decor
How acrylic plastic (Plexiglas) can be used to create home or office furniture and decor along with modern works of art.
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Tools Used to Cut and Machine Acrylic Plastic
Information on using ordinary hand and power tools to cut and machine acrylic plastic.
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How to Dye Acrylic Plastic
This article describes dyeing acrylic plastic like Plexiglass and Lucite and using dye baths to color the acrylics. The main focus will be on dip and immersion dyeing.
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Uses for a Step Drill Bit in the Workshop or Studio
A look at the various uses of the step drill bit in the workshop or art studio.
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Methods for Coloring Lacquer to Make Paints and Toners
Learn how to add color to clear lacquers with pigments and dyes to create fast-drying custom paints and toners!
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Many Uses of Angle Iron
This article discusses conventional and unconventional uses for angle iron in industry and the home workshop.
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Soldering and Brazing of Aluminum Alloys
Properties and procedures of soldering and brazing joints made with aluminum alloys.
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Patina Finishes for Steel
This article examines the various patinas and related finishes for steel. These finishes either involve oxidation of the metal or are nonreactive finishes.
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Carbon Arc Past and Present
A comprehensive article covering the history, development and various uses for the carbon arc.
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Cutting Metal With A Variable Speed Jigsaw
Demonstrating the versatility of a professional variable jigsaw in metal working. Numerous metal cutting blades will be discussed as well as various techniques.
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Uses For an Angle Grinder
I will be summarizing the common and not so common applications of the very versatile angle grinder.
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Types of Metals for Artists
This article is about the types of metals commonly available to the metal artist. A description of each metal/alloy and their applications will be described.
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How to Form Copper Bowls From Sheet Metal by Hand
Learn how to form bowls from thin copper sheet metal using a hammer. I'm sharing two methods to inspire your creative juices.
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Potassium Permanganate, a Potent and Very Useful Oxidizer
This article is about potassium permanganate and its various uses in the lab and in industry
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How to Prepare Pure Hydrochloric Acid for the Home Lab
I discuss the preparation of pure hydrochloric acid for lab use. I mention tradtional and nontraditional methods.
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5 Liquids That Can Remove Dried Acrylic Paint From Surfaces
In this article, I discuss five cleaning fluids that can remove dried acrylic paint from surfaces as well as the properties of each cleaner and any hazards involved.
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Rust Removal by Chelation
Rust removal by chelation does not dissolve steel like the strong acids. The chelating agent used to remove rust are organic and biodegradable.
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3 Ways to Prepare Nitric Acid
In this article, I discuss three possible avenues for nitric acid preparation. They all involve a nitrate salt and a strong acid.
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Cutting Straight in Metal With an Angle Grinder
In this site I describe an easy method of how to cut a straight cut with an angle grinder. I also show how to check the results and how it can be fixed.
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Versatility of an Oxygen Acetylene Torch for the Metal Artist
The oxygen-acetylene torch is a very versatile tool for the studio metal artist. You can weld, braze, heat form and cut steel with a gas torch.
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Experiments With Sulfuric Acid
In this article, I discuss the history of sulfuric acid preparation. I then talk about physical and chemical properties to illusrate the various ways sulfuric acid can be evaluated experimentally.
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The Roles of Different Fats and Oils in Soap Making
Interested in making your own soap? Learn about the fats and oils used in making soap as well as the differences between saturated and unsaturated fats.