liquid emulsions

[spoolman]

I had a thought the other day about liquid emulsions and what surface prep is needed to coat on thick translucent plastic sheets and plexiglass. I was thinking of using the fine grit that is used for making ground glass and using it on these materials to try to simulate the look of Kodak Translite film (Discontinued) and to give the liquid emulsion a base material with " surface tooth" to help it adhere to the base material.

Any thoughts on this idea and what liquid emulsions ( single grade or variable contrast) would be best for this purpose?.

Also what would be a better coating method: brush or coating rod.

Any help is appreciated.

Doug

 

[removed account4]

hey doug

i have limited experience with liquid emulsion and plexi.
i used liquid light ... i didnt scuff the plexi but coated it with minwax urethane.
i had troubles getting it to stick, but it might have just been my inexperience
i also used gelatin as a sub layer with lackluster results.
my guess is that if you are using grit as you mention to give the plexi a tooth
you might be OK ... i have read of other people who did less than me ( prep wise )
and had great results so my poor showing was probably atypical ...
it might require more thwn one coat of emulsion, and use a hardener in your fixer bath
to make extra sure rhe emulsion wont frill / lift off.
just make sure your surface is extra clean and you will probably be on good shape.
oh coating .. ive flowed emulsion which is kind of fun ( think wet plate )
also used a foamy paintbrush with good results ( on glass, not plastic ),
and i have found if i free pour / flow the emulsion, the 2nd coat goes on much easier than the first ..

sounds like a fun project !

john