Paint How To: Magic Crystals

[Ray-Dean]

If they are sprayed with no skuffing, they will grow randomly. You can controle the pattern that they grow into by the skuff pattern and the grit used to skuff.

[Unkl Ian]

Cleaning the panel after sanding makes a big differance.
If the panel isn't clean enough,or isn't scuffed enough,
the solution just beads up and doesn't form crystals as it dries.
I don't know how this stuff is supposed to work on plain glass.
Frosted glass wouldn't be a problem.

I think Alsa sells a "Special Cleaning Solution" made specifically for this.
Probably works well.No idea on the price.


You can also use Window Cleaner,or Tap Water(tm).
Just make sure the panel is dry before spraying the crystal solution.

[vdubjim]

looks like the homie trick; like spraying the darker basecoat, drying, then another coat like red and then while wet smearing it with a walmart or similar bag, then clearing over it.

[Flea]

not quite the same thing as the 'walmart' bag .. (or saran wrap crinkled up and pressed onto the wet paint) ...

[Unkl Ian]

I've done the Plastic Bag trick as well,a few different ways.
Gives a different effect.

The thickness of the plastic,the amount of extra plastic used,
and the amount of paint,all influence the pattern.

Works well with 1-Shot Pearls.

The crystal stuff gives a finer,more delicate,pattern.

[cozee]

Just a note: To change the pattern randomly within a panel or area, use a heat gun to speed up the drying time. This will give yet another different look to the crystal pattern formation.

[hammerhead]

hey all, another company that makes this stuff is Alsa. These guys make all sorts of speciality coatings and paints. you can find them at your local automotive paint supplier. they have the crystal efect, marbleizer, candies, jumbo flakes, you name it. their crystal seems to be like the others listed here. shoot base color then pour over crystal soloution, let dry, then second color then wash off crystals then top coat. very effective. let air dry in a still room with low humidity gets best results. force drying inhibits growth of crystals. of course you can do the same thing with out the expense. ( but only if you have a small panel or small section to cover) use water then use carbon dioxide fire extinguisher on back side of panel to freeze water and have frost effect. you must use a faster reducer for the cold temp but sometimes this works. sometimes it dont. but if there is any air movement on the crystals or water the crystals wont form. here' another trick to try........spray first color. then using a "clean" straw wisk broom spread out the straw with your hand and shoot second color thru the straws. this leaves a nice effect. if you dont want to do it that way ........spray first color, then use an intercoat clear and let dry. (this seals first color) then spray a wet coat of second color. use wisk broom to "brush" thru the second color while it's still wet ( wet but not running ). let flash over then top coat.

[Heavy77]

[lunatic_magnet]

i just painted the tank on my bike using this method... semi gloss black over metallic silver...

[Unkl Ian]

That looks sharp .

A nice gloss clear will make it even better.

[bulletz]

Nice finish on the tank. What are you using to scuff before applying??

[lunatic_magnet]

i just used the same thing i sanded the primer with, i wanna say 200 grit sandpaper.
i havent done the fenders yet, probably early next week before i get to them. tank looks good on the bike though.

[Unkl Ian]

I always used something relatively coarse, but it
would be worth experimenting with something a little finer.

Too fine, and the liquid will bead up, and not form crystals.

Maybe use two different grits ?

[mazdawg78]

also found this. i cat post a new topic so here it is
http://www.markmcguigan.com/2007/08/09/swirl/

[Unkl Ian]

Excellent, thanks.

[ClassicGMJunkie]

I found a spray can (small) of an ice crystal creator, will be experimenting with it soon. there were about 5 more cans on the shelf left over from the christmas season... will go get them if this does well.... pics soon!

[ClassicGMJunkie]

well i tried it out. "Santa" ice crystal spray. takes eons for it to crystalize, went on way too thick, very small pattern. like a super cold morning kinda frost. genuine looking yet not good enough for a liquid mask effect.....