Thursday 17 December 2009

Epoxy Crisis!

Ok, it’s not a crisis, but I could use any help or advice about epoxy.
I have 307 pills and capsules I made out of clay and wood and I recently coated them in enamel paint. I will attach them to a canvas painted with enamel paint as well. Enamel creates a plastic-like effect once dry. The pills and capsules fit easily in the palm of one’s hand.
I know that I will need to use epoxy to attach the pills to the canvas, but when I went to the store, I didn’t know what epoxy to purchase. There are three types: instant drying epoxy, epoxy plastic, and epoxy gel (there may have been an all-purpose one too, but I can't remember since there were so many brands available). What is the difference? I want to use whatever will keep the pills on the best and not something that will snap off too easily. Any advice would really help.
Some pictures of the pills:

(I just added colors to the pills today. Once they're dry, I'll remove the blue tape.)

Thanks,
Leslie Ann

7 comments:

  1. You probably want to use epoxy instant drying or gel. These seem the most versatile of the group. Plastic epoxy is good for bonding plastic items together (with the enamel coating maybe it's ok), but seems more for industrial uses.

    Honestly it probably doesn't really matter what epoxy type you choose. I did some quick research online, searching up each type and they all seem pretty similar.

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  2. i just read what Michael Wallace said in the 4710 blog, and ok maybe it would be better to use a slow drying epoxy...!

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  3. Thanks Emily for your response! I appreciate the assistance!

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  4. I should have thought about all of this before I started these pills. Arg! I hate having to learn the hard way sometimes -but that's what makes it a learning experience, I guess. :)

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  5. This is so awesome! How long did it take you to make the pills out of clay and wood, and paint them? Did you see Paolo's installation at school with the pills in hanging tea bags?

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  6. I have a weird fascination for pills. I saw Paolo's installation and I really liked what he did. Not only was there a lot of work involved, but I also liked the subtle humorous side.

    It took me a few weeks to finish making the pills out of clay and wood. I was experimenting a lot and trying to find the best way to make them. I was going absolutely mad and then I found this one type of clay that I could use that first of all, could dry and secondly, didn't require being put into a microwave or stove to harden. I molded most of those pills at my studio. However, I also would sneak into the painting class on Thursday mornings to work on them in order to speed up the process.

    If you’re interested in seeing how it’s been going, I’ve been recording my progress on my personal blog: www.leslieannart.blogspot.com

    It sort of has become a virtual diary (which, I guess, is the definition of a blog) and I like it because I’m able to see where I’ve started and it helps me to figure out what I’ll do next.

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  7. Sometimes trying to find the best method to make something can drive you insane. It took me a week to figure out how to make those needlpoint flowers 3-D. But once you discover that method, then it gets easier and feels more rewarding.

    lol, I like how you "snuck" into a morning painting class. Be sly.

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