 |
 |
Here is a look at the new torch set up at
Sunlight. Lynne has 2 minors and one mid-range. If you would
like to try something other than a hot head, you can rent studio
time at Sunlight for $10/hour.
|
A closer look of the mid-range torch. Like
those ergonomic forearm rests!!!
|
 |
 |
Lynne starting off her demo of electroforming
|
You need electroforming copper solution and
conductive paint. Both these items can be found at Rio Grande
|
|
 |
You will also need a rectifier. The rectifier
changes household AC current to DC current and supplies both
a positive and a negative lead. You need one that delivers very
low voltage. Later photos will show you how to set this up.
|
Here Lynne has melted some wax into which
she dips her bead
|
 |
 |
She is now carving out a design on the wax.
You can electroform with conductive paint on any non-conductive
material (eg. glass, shells, leaves, wax)
|
Next, using a very fine brush, Lynne paints
the bead with conductive paint. Wherever the paint is on the
bead, the copper will deposit. The paint needs to be continuous
so that current will flow.
|
|
 |
Mel looks very interested in the process!
|
After painting, the bead is put aside to dry,
for 8-12 hours.
|
 |
 |
Here is a simple plastic container with the
electroforming solution. A copper sheet held in place with 18g
copper wire is submerged into the solution
|
The anode is connected to the wire that is
holding the copper sheet and the amperage dial is turned up full.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The bead has copper wire attached that has
contact with the painted surface. The cathode is attached to
the copper wire and then it is suspended into the solution.
|
Closer look at the setup.
During electroforming, the negative charge carried to the bead
causes it to attract copper ions from the solution. These deposit
onto the surface of the bead where you have painted it with the
conductive paint. The copper ions from the positively charged
copper plate (anode) leave the plate's surface to replenish the
bath.
|
 |
|
Examples of electroformed beads
|
Liver of sulfate patina has been
applied. |
