bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Dec 18, 2013 15:42:35 GMT -5
I have heard mention that putting reflective backing behind clear or semi-transparent agate cabochons, when the back of the cab will not be exposed in its settings, can enhance the visual of the cab. Any suggestions on material and process would be greatly appreciated.
I am thinking of it for some of my more transparent MT agates, but I would want it to be something that withstood the test of time...Or let me know if this is just a bad (chinsy) idea.
In advance, many thanks. Cheers Andy
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Dec 18, 2013 15:55:41 GMT -5
My jewelry teacher recommended mylar from those shiny baloons you can get at the party store. I'm planning on trying that when I ever get up the gumption to try making a bezel.
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Post by orrum on Dec 18, 2013 19:05:04 GMT -5
I have backed rose quartz cabs with dollar store mirrors glued, this shows the star in the cab.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Dec 18, 2013 19:56:55 GMT -5
That's an interesting idea. Do you just cut the mirrors on your rock grinding tools?
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Post by orrum on Dec 18, 2013 21:11:28 GMT -5
Glue it and use the trim saw and then cab as usual. Cut a little bevel on the mirror edge so it dont chip. Seems to be pretty tuff so far.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,472
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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 18, 2013 21:30:06 GMT -5
Cheapie way of doinng it but I did some experiments with colored foil n back of transparent moss agate cabs used in belt buckles one time and it came out pretty well.....Mel
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Dec 18, 2013 22:32:54 GMT -5
Thanks all for the input...looks like I am going to have to do some experimenting with your suggestions. Cheers.
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Deleted
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Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2013 15:48:57 GMT -5
pure silicon like used for computer chips polishes up to be a nice (dark) mirror, might have a nice effect and tghe back can be shown!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2013 15:53:37 GMT -5
If you have access to old compacts (makeup) they have a real thin mirror in them. I used one and it worked slick. The back was white so if it was seen it did not look bad. Jim
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2013 15:58:28 GMT -5
@wampidy what brand makeup do you like best? Kidlet was wondering.....
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Deleted
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Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2013 16:06:39 GMT -5
I don't like it too heavy so I go with a real light green from Lori Al. It smooths out the wrinkles and highlights my purple nose. When I am broke I just pickup whatever from the second hand store to take the shine off my bald head. Makes the ladies go crazy. Literally. Jim
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Post by vegasjames on Dec 19, 2013 20:10:37 GMT -5
What about masking the face of the stone then spraying the back with chrome spray paint?
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Dec 20, 2013 18:25:57 GMT -5
I like the way you think, vegasjames.
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Post by pauls on Dec 20, 2013 20:52:44 GMT -5
I think it would be a good idea to polish the back before you stick anything on it, the frosted effect of an unpolished back might dull the reflection a bit. Do two, one polished and one not and report back. For what its worth I always polish the back of anything that's even slightly transparent, it really enhances the stone.
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Post by stoner on Dec 20, 2013 22:04:32 GMT -5
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,828
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Post by gemfeller on Dec 20, 2013 22:55:20 GMT -5
I've been doing this for many years with some of my plume agates and others as well. Me too. This is a mirror-backed Saddle Rim Sagenite I cut 25 or so years ago. They're beautiful but are too dark without some backlighting. I use that method on plumes, dense mosses, etc. Rick
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Dec 21, 2013 9:50:48 GMT -5
Cool thanks all. stoner thanks for the methods and details. Is there a particular glue that you have had the best success with? manofglass had PM'd me with a similar suggestion and cautioned about finger prints on the mirror before gluing. Surface mirror = front surface mirror. Good google results for options. thanks again all for the great brain storming and suggestions. Cheers
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Dec 21, 2013 9:53:41 GMT -5
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Post by pghram on Dec 21, 2013 14:00:27 GMT -5
Looks like it makes quite a difference!
Rich
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Post by drocknut on Dec 21, 2013 15:29:05 GMT -5
Just wanted to chime in because I bought a few cabs of Montana Agate from a guy who had them backed with mylar. The colors do pop but from working with them I realize the mylar will peel back on the edges so maybe the mirror ideas would work better. Here's one of the cabs made into a bracelet. Front of the mylar backed cabs I bought: Backing came off of this one when I was taking it out to do photo: Backs of the cabs (you can see where the edges are starting to peel): I am irked because the guy told me he never had any problem with the backing peeling off or falling off and as you can see it does. I really liked the look of them but probably won't make more jewelry with them because of the risk of it falling off or peeling off. If only I had more skill and equipment maybe I could fix them but alas I'm without both on the cabbing front. Hope you find a good way to do it but I wouldn't recommend mylar.
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