Bead release, temperature & viscosity

FosterFire · #1 2013-01-14, 10:44am

Just a quick FYI that applies to all bead release:

When any bead release is colder then it is thicker. When it's warmer it is thinner.

So the bead release you received in the mail that was perfect but seems too thick the next day may just be much colder. The bead release that you thinned on a cold day will be much thinner if it is suddenly much warmer the next day.

When I had an outdoor studio I used to keep my bead release in the house and grab it on my way out to the studio. It doesn't affect dipped mandrels as much, but I did notice a tendency to crack more in much colder weather. This is due to cold metal expanding with application of heat.

You have to experiment a bit and see what works for you.

toothpayne · #2 2013-01-14, 11:45am

Thanks Robin, great information. We will post it on the website.

SageCreekStudio · #3 2013-01-15, 7:05am

Thank you for the information! I had no idea but it makes sense and explains some things for me. Cracking on my mandrels. Never occured to me that my mandrels were sitting out in 30 degree weather. I keep my release in the house as it is, its a pain to defrost frozen release......

Thanks again! Great information!

Lyssa · #4 2013-01-18, 4:22pm

"Bead release cracking from the cold..." I wish that were MY problem! LOL