Mutant crystals

G

Glen440

Promoted Users
I'm wondering if anyone has experience doing the crystal effect.

I made my own with water and urea with a couple drops of dish soap. I have just started playing with it. I also tried the diesel exhaust fluid.

The problem I have run into is it beading on the surface. I think I fixed it on sanded clear, it's picky on which degreaser is used. I also had it happen on spray bomb and had to sand it to get it to work. I cannot use waterborne base so I have to use spray cans.

Not sure if there is something I'm doing wrong.
 
DEF IS urea btw.

KCl also an aggressive Crystal former.

That being said, I have no idea what you’re trying to do.
 
I'm just trying to do the crystal effect. Doing something for myself as an art piece for home.

What I have happening is it will not wet the whole surface. Sometimes it does, sometimes it acts like water on fresh clear and won't stick to the surface. I know the soap is the wetting agent.

The def has some added chemicals as it has a smell to it.

The price places want for this stuff is crazy.

I will eventually figure it out.
 
AAE said:
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I followed his mixture. People in the comments have the same problem and he has not replied so I did not ask him.

I have successfully done it, it's just not consistent. Even over the same paint.
When I tried to put it on the silver spray bomb on a different day it would not stick.

I cannot draw or air brush. I have started playing with waterslide decals and gold leaf. I'm going to try to get my kid to air brush. She is doing graphic design and painting in university.
 

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Maybe sample the old saran wrap technique.. Sorta similar effect, but its mechanical as opposed to chemical contaminants, may be easier to control for you . I'm more of a pre you tube sort of person on things
 
i have used the alsa crystal stuff prob 15+ years ago and had similar results. it was really inconsistent. you did say you added dish soap to it. add more. dish soap is a wetting agent of sorts. if a couple drops didnt do it then add a few more. eventually you will get enough in the mixture where it will not bead.
 
I will try adding more soap. Maybe a different one. When it's put on too wet it gets a white powder.

I was playing with saran wrap. I also tried the water spots. Might try the soap lines.
 
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