Mica Flakes source/texture sample...

[Larry White]

After going round and round looking for a source for mica flakes in quantity, I found this place. Mike added it to the hard to find supplies list. Their prices seem quite reasonable.
http://www.micasnow.com/

[Jeff Lang]

Larry,
Here is another:
http://www.rags-n-tags.com/supplies.html

I have purchased some from eBay just last week at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MICA-SNOW-GLITTER-F ... dZViewItem
Bob Hovanec referred this to me, & one pound of flakes were at my door two days later for roughly $15.
Jeff

[Larry White]

Here is a (cruddy) photo of a sample piece I made to show various grade mica textures. The mica was sifted through a varying size mesh screen to produce the particulate size to create the various textures. All 4 were done with the mica process as outlined on the instructional pages from the Letterheads website(Mica Process Instructions). The finest texture (not shown on this sample) can be created by applying the acid dilution directly on the glass without any mica. However, this requires creating and sealing a dam around the area to be etched. It's quite a bit easier to mix the acid with the powdered mica for near the same result. The sifting screens can be purchased from Dallas Bonsai Garden. The T57 model is probably the one to get. Although the mica can be reused, with new acid added, over time, the stipple will soften (which can be desirable). For the most pronounced stipple, use new mica, with the dust sifted out, and fresh acid dilution.

ANYONE NEW TO THESE PROCESSES SHOULD SEEK HANDS ON INSTRUCTION. HYDROFLOURIC ACID IS DANGEROUS AND MUST BE HANDLED AND STORED IN A PRESCRIBED MANNER. KNOW WHAT YOU'RE WORKING WITH AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.