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PARTICIPATE IN A PROFITABLE
BUSINESS?
PEWTER MINIATURES ARE HOT
SELLERS!!
Many of our
customers, seeking to earn extra income now or
when they retire, have called asking what prices
they should charge for their painted miniatures?
We have told them it is impossible for us to
establish a selling price for their work as it
depends on how well they have been painted.
Now, here is an idea that doesn't require any
artistic talent and the profit potential is
excellent. It is Pewter! Pewter is a
great seller and requires only a modest
investment for the equipment and supplies.
You already have
most of the equipment necessary and the
knowledge required for producing professional
quality products which have widespread
popularity. With today's economic uncertainty,
starting a new business is risky and expensive.
Right under your nose exists an unequaled
opportunity to test a product line with minimal
exposure. You will find that creating saleable
pewter items is not difficult.
Generally, classic pewter is never painted, only
antiqued by oxidization so far less time is
spent finishing the figure. Just think
how quickly you can complete a Pewter chess set
when it does not have to be painted.
Steps to produce
quality Pewter products:
1. Prepare molds
as you have for lead-tin casting. If you haven't
cast before refer to our Casting Instructions
sheet and "Helpful Hints" booklet.
Remember most successful casting results are
obtained when the metal is allowed to continue
heating for about 25-30 minutes after it is has
melted. This is especially important if you are
not getting fully cast figures.
2. After casting
clean off flash with our flush cut gate cutter
and remove seam lines with a needle file. Clean
castings as described in Casting Instructions.
Correct any imperfections and assemble parts, if
necessary, using a temperature controlled
soldering iron with solder and flux or by gluing
3. Either dip the
figure or brush on the oxidizing agent for
several moments turning the casting black.
4. Rinse the
casting well in running water to prevent
continued oxidization.
5. Polish to a
satin finish with 4/0 steel wool or buff with
our red oxide polishing pads attached to a
Dremel power tool.
Consider the
potential and you'll find that the investment
needed to get started is not excessive so the
risk is minimal. You could easily participate in
this growing field of interest and we are
certain you will find it satisfying, potentially
profitable and simple.
Oxidizing Bath
Classic pewter is rarely painted but usually
only antiqued. This is done by dipping in an
oxidizing bath or brushing the oxidizer on the
casting. The longer the casting remains in
contact with the acid bath the darker the figure
will become, going from gray to black. Wear
protective gloves and use tongs or a hemostats
for dipping the castings into the oxide bath.
After using the oxide bath, you must rinse the
figure and any tools in running water to prevent
further oxidation or corrosion.
The
oxidizing bath is a mild acid solution so you
must use caution. It is not difficult to use but
read the instructions carefully and handle with
care. This is an adult hobby and these
materials must be kept away from children.
A
little practice with the oxidizing bath will
give you your desired results.
Polishing
After the oxidation bath, final finishing is
done by buffing the casting with a very fine,
4/0 steel wool pad or a piece of cut oxide pad
for use with the Dremel Tool. Pewter can be
polished to a wonderful satin finish.
An
interesting and attractive decorating technique
can be obtained by using the power tool with the
flexible shaft and a bur to grind off small tips
of material on folds of clothing or edges. This
gives the shaved off sections a gem-like
appearance against the darker colored pewter.
We
hope the results you obtain by following the
above instructions will meet your expectations
and that you can enjoy many hours of enjoyment
and profits. |
