I’ve created jewelry with cowrie shells I painted with tesstor enamel paint.
I paint two thin layers, then waited 3 days before applying glosscote and another 2 days before adding the jewelry findings. Here are the problems I’m having:
glosscote creates a terrible residue that looks dried glue on the shells, I don’t know why.
sometimes the enamel paint chips when I’m using my jewelry pliers to attach the shell to a piece of wire. I’m not sure if I’m being to rough or if I painted it incorrectly.
I have sanding the shells before painting so I’m not sure the problem. Can anyone give me an answer to why this is happening and a solution?
I want to add a glossy finish to the matte paints, but I can’t deal with the residue. Can you recommend a better glosscote and if there’s a sealant I can use to make the enamel paint waterproof and or chip resistant.
If you are using an airbrush,try Alclad Aqua Gloss.
I would say bring too rough with the pliers,nothing is chip resistant if handled roughly,remember for the most part we here work with plastic models thst we handle gently.
It sounds like the spray residue may be too a too dry coat and marbling. Try a test piece with a wetter coat. The chipping may be due to hard surface of shells and gems I think shells can be primed, but painting gems is problematic.
Glosscote appliked too heavily or inadequately shaken tends to turn white as too much of the flattening agent is present. Really shake the container a while before using it the spray on very light coats. I’m assuming you’re spraying and not brushing.Brushing applies too much and can damage enamels and acrylics.
For what you’re trying to do, I’m thinking a clear epoxy would be better than any kind of lacquer, enamel, or acrylic coating. Most of them won’t hurt the paint that is already on there and will give you a hard, glossy finish once cured. You can brush it on and it should self-level.