Acetone - when to use?

[babysloth]

I've noticed that many sculptors are using acetone to finish the surface of the clay - to get for example the fingerprints out. Now I feel quite foolish  ... but do I use acetone before or after baking??

So far I haven't used it at all. I really hate sanding (don't like the way it feels to my hands), so acetone might help a little bit..

[ejralph]

It isn't something I am familiar with - but it will be used before baking I am sure.

After baking you would need something abrasive like sandpaper to remove any fingerprints. So always try to get the clay as perfect as you can before you bake!

Emma

[MelMcG]

I don't really know, but I guess it could be used to smooth the clay like some people use babywipes.  I would think you'd still need to sand it though.

I also have question regarding acetone.

Can Acetone be used with alcohol inks in the same way that you'd use Adirondack Alcohol Ink Blending Solution?

Mel 

[ejralph]

Don't know about acetone - certainly you can use meths like blending solution though. The only thing is the blending solution has a longer working time I think.

Emma

[MelMcG]

Ok Thanks Emma.

Mel 

[ejralph]

I think being alcohol inks you can use any alcohol sucessfully as a solvent for them.

Emma

[MelMcG]

Thanks Emma.  I'm really enjoying working with the alcohol inks and can see myself using a lot of the blending solution. I'd bought one of the Adirondack ones, which really didn't last me long at all.  When I was in L.A. I saw loads of the 91% isopropl alcohol stuff that I've heard is used, but we don't seem to sell that here, which is ashame, because it was really cheap.

My postman has just delivered my order from you!!  Thank you

Mel 

[Shirley]

Shops that sell computer repair/technical bits may stock the isopropyl alcohol, apparently it is used a lot for cleaning computer innards.

[MelMcG]

Thanks Shirley.  I looked into that, but it's not all that cheap to buy it like that.

Mel 

[Bev]

I've sent you a pm Mel 

[ejralph]

This is why I use meths so much. I use it for both claying and lampworking. It cleans tools, glass, raw clay etc. It works great for inks, cleaning them off things (I also end up doing lots of stuff where I write on my ceramic tiles with sharpie pens, doing baking tests and so on) also the alcohol inks as a blending solution (flicking it with a toothbrush is fun)
Oh cleaning paintbrushes with inks or liquid clays too - meths is fab for that. And its dirt cheap and available everywhere.

Emma

[MelMcG]

Thanks Bev and Emma.

The only issue I've ever had with meths is the smell, it gives me a headache, so I think I'll try out the isopropyl alcohol first.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what else is in the 91% isopropyl alcohol that is easily available in the US?  I should have looked when I had the chance.

Mel 

[ejralph]

I think it is just neat alcohol and water - that is why its considered so pure and good enough for cleaning stuff. I know when we had the computer business, the tech guys were always hassling my BF at the time for it as he could get it from his doctor dad.

It could be they add bitrex or something to prevent people drinking it, but I would have thought at 91 percent proof, no one would be physically able to anyway. SO I suspect just alcohol and water.

Emma

[MelMcG]

Thanks Emma.

Mel 

[Bonipie]

I work a lot with alcohol inks.  Lately, my clay buddies brought up using Rit dye instead of alcohol ink.  I started to use 91% alcohol (which is readily available in US) and notice a great difference between the 91 and 70%.  Just my experience.  And, speaking of experience, based on my testing, I will continue to use the alcohol ink, not the dyes.  Again, just my experience.  (Just in case anyone is interested.)

Hugs, Boni  in not so Sunny Arizona