
FAQs on Ecrylimer Eco Casting Compound
FAQs
Q: Can I use Jesmonite base with Ecrylimer liquid?
A: Ecrylimer liquid was not designed with Jesmonite in mind, so we do not recommend combining Jesmonite base and Ecrylimer liquid. Bramblier did conduct a trial at a client’s specific request and combining the two produced a very short working time, thick material and lots of bubbles. The design and normal use of Ecrylimer negates these 3 drawbacks.
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Q: How much stock do you have?
A: Bramblier maintains high stock levels in our warehouse and has a plan to maintain business continuity by receiving ongoing replacement ingredients for us to manufacture.
Q: What is the working time of Ecrylimer?
A: On average about 5-10 minutes depending on your ratio, the liquid is thinner than Jesmonite and does stay fluid for longer, giving you more creative options.
Q: Does it really have less bubbles than Jesmonite?
A: Yes, in developing this product this was a key factor we wanted to solve. Some pigments are found to make the mixture more bubbly, and you can spritz with an alcohol spray to help them pop.
Q: What pigments can I use?
A: We recommend the Bramblier range of pigments - we have primary, neons and accent colours available in 10gram - 500gram sizes. Ecrylimer is compatible with Jesmonite pigments. Other alternatives are also the JoSonja range of Acrylic paints using less than 1% (in particular high pigmented versions such as Pthalo blue and green). Mica and Oxide powders can be used.
Q: Do I need to seal a vessel before I put candle wax in it?
A: No. Ecrylimer Pro has been tested with unfragranced Soy wax and it does not penetrate to discolour the outer of the vessel. Bramblier has conducted a number of single and double wick tests up to 40 continuous hours, no external discolouration occurs. The Bramblier sealer is suggested as great option to use to ensure no seepage. If you wish to make candle vessels with Ecrylimer Pro you must completely test your finished candle to ensure it works as expected - there are many varying factors such as wax, oils, moulds that can impact the end result.
Note - Ecrylimer Bold and Bold+ are suited for candle holders, not vessels.
Q: Is Ecrylimer food safe?
A: Straight out of the mould it is not food safe as it is a porous material. To achieve a food safe level this would require a complete long lasting seal (like what is on ceramic dinnerware). Unfortunately, the product that could be food grade (not just food compliant like the resin manufacturers say are the same thing - it's not) to do it would be very high in VOCs and contain very dangerous chemicals which we are wanting to avoid.
Q. Does food safe wax make Ecrylimer or Jesmonite sealed and food safe?
A. No - using a food safe wax will produce a lustre on the product, however it doesn't make it food safe in anyway as it doesn't seal the product permanently or enough to stop moisture.
Q: The liquid seems to be separated?
A: Yes the liquid will separate once it has sat for a while, it just needs to be shaken. You should give it a shake each time before using it.
Q: Can I use beeswax as a sealer?
A: We recommend a clear wax like a carnuba wax (we have a wax in store) to bring out lustre and shine and this can be over the sealer.
Q: Is Ecrylimer classed as flammable?
A: No. Ecrylimer has been subjected to several tests at 2000 °C (LPG blow torch). It will glow red hot and discolour at that temperature but will not burn. Do not replicate this type of test. Bramblier carried them out under controlled conditions and products of decomposition (see SDS) were evident.
Q: Is Ecrylimer waterproof?
A: No. It does require sealing, just the same as Jesmonite. The Bramblier sealers, if used with enough coats, are suitable to stop water and we have used it for the purpose of a vase.
Q: Does Ecrylimer have to be mixed with a mechanical mixer?
A: We highly recommend using a paint mixer on the end of a drill for at least 60 seconds. It's quick and effective and mixes all the product correctly. You will get the best results this way. However, you can absolutely hand mix and this will require you to mix for between 1-2 minutes.
Q: Are you really an Australian company?
A: Yes. We are 100% Australian owned and operate from Launceston in Tasmania.
Q: Do you have to sand each piece after it is released from a mould?
A: No. There is little or no sanding required. We usually use a peeler on the edges at the bottom to smooth those out.
Q: I can see darker spots when I de-molded making it look patchy - what is this?
A: These are moisture areas. It is really important to demold as soon as it's ready so as to not get these sweat marks. If you see them on demolding remove the piece outside to the sun if possible to try and reverse the process. They show up more on pale colours and waxing can help once cured to try and diffuse the look.
Q: My pour took a lot longer than 30-40 minutes to set?
A: There are 3 reasons this may happen - incorrect ratios of 1 liquid to 2.5 powder. Not mixing the compound on high with a mechanical mixture for at least 60 seconds or by hand for 1-2 minutes. Using more than 2% pigment - this is especially for white or white based pigments that will increase set time.
Q: Is Ecrylimer as hard as Jesmonite.
A: Yes, it certainly appears so when tested to destruction under controlled conditions and measured with a newton meter.
Q: Does Ecrylimer have an SDS available and where can I get a copy?
A: Yes. An SDS for the powder and separate SDS for the liquid are both available upon request from Bramblier.co.
A quick summary:
Ecrylimer liquid (an Eco Acrylic Polymer), is not classed as dangerous goods for the purposes of the ADG (Australian Dangerous Goods) or IATA (International Aviation Transport Association). Under the GHS7 there is NO signal word as it is not classed as Hazardous.
Ecrylimer powder (Composite Gypsum Triturate), is not classed as dangerous goods for the purposes of the ADG (Australian Dangerous Goods) or IATA (International Aviation Transport Association). Under the GHS7 the signal word is: Warning.
Q: How long do I have to wait before I demold?
A: At least 25-40 minutes, it can be quicker sometimes depending on your mold.
Q: Are there any VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in Ecrylimer?
A: No, there are not.
We are here to help! Please reach out anytime with questions :)
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