Pricing Aluminum Plates and Sheets

[Ari]

The seller told me he updated his fittings, I hope that means it won't be troublesome.
Did your friend buy recently?

[Tin Can]

I see some are using Lucite or Plexiglas

Your thoughts?

[paulbarden]

I see some are using Lucite or Plexiglas

Your thoughts?

I've never used black plexi, but I know people who have (including Quinn, who likes the result a lot) and it seems to work well. But compared to almost all other media, its VERY expensive. I asked my local supplier to quote a price per 8x10 piece, and if I remember correctly, it was about $2.80 per 8x10. When I can make glass plates at $1.00 per piece, plexi seems rather expensive.

[Tin Can]

Any ideas, thoughts on this? If you read down he made some plates.

Baking in Sun seems a good idea...

https://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolRe...Japanning.html

[paulbarden]

Any ideas, thoughts on this? If you read down he made some plates.

Baking in Sun seems a good idea...

https://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolRe...Japanning.html

I would stick with tried and true recipes from the period. Using spar varnish is an unknown. There's nothing wrong with using Asphaltum dissolved in mineral spirits, with a dash of Canada balsam added. You can bake plates 8x10 and smaller in a toaster oven.
Japan black delivers a MUCH darker black than trophy plate. Comparing the two side by side and the trophy plate looks dark gray!

[goamules]

Maybe a dash of paprika before going into the toaster?

[paulbarden]

Maybe a dash of paprika before going into the toaster?

Cinnamon, if you don't mind.

[Tin Can]

I like Paul's answer