Thanks Creighton. Really I should have twigged earlier to the Dura Lar being too pliant...maybe I was picturing my shells as perfect cylinders...:)

I'm *extremely* interested to see the vintage nickel sparkle firsthand, because the pics attached are both it! Also extremely hoping the Ludwig image is the more accurate...

Mitch

A real pitty it did not work out. I hope the process in itself was satisfying for you. I think it was cool and brave and innovative!

I guess that if anybody really wants to do the home made sparkle thing, the method of glueing the sparkles straight onto the shell with clear laquer and then applying many layers will be the way(the way I did my premier kit). Takes a whole lot of time, but this way it doesn't matter if the shell is not a perfect cilinder.

Yes it was fun while it seemed like it was going to work. :) I do enjoy messing with stuff and we all certainly learned what doesn't work...again just a more rigid clear sheeting would do the trick I think.

The lacquer+glitter buildup method is tried and true and looks stunning from what I've seen. I had thought my way could be quicker, with less steps. Nope.

If you could get a close-up of the finish on your Premiers I think it would cheer everyone up... :)

Mitch

This is the closest-up pic I have.

I am tempted at trying this:

Use laquer and glitter on sheets of acidfree paper. Because the paper can lay horizontal thicker layers op laquer can be applied. This will work quicker. With a thick enough paper the result will be stiff enough.

But, I say "tempted" because I'm too buisy with two other projects.

If I'll get to it some time I'll let you folks know.

I mean this one

Perfection! Hats off to you a thousand times until I have no hat at all! :)

That really is gorgeous. So the lacquer topcoat on the acidfree paper would not crack when "bent back" around the shell?

mitch sory to get off topic here but I want to say,, great sounding band you have there bartw!!

But hey Mitch, thanks for the entertaining thread!

Been a cool trip Mitch. I applaud your efforts. Great idea. Perhaps perfection is down the road. I have tried a few things that in theory sounded great. But didn't turn out so well. I tired to do a translucent white with amber tint. To replicate a yellowed WMP. My thinking was the maple exterior ply was highly figured. And would sort of replicate a pearl pattern. Sounded good but failed terribly. Next was a simple rewrap in creme pearl. A bit too tan color wise. The latest is still in progress. I'm hoping for good results. But until the fat lady sings we'll have to wait and see. Either way it'll be nice to have my Slingerlands back together again. I do miss playing them.

Thanks Jeff, and I'll have to check out Bart's band too...

Thanks Glenn. It's tough trying to be a trailblazer eh? :) I wish you great success on your latest endeavour.

Mitch

@ Jeff, thanx.

@ Mitch, thanx. In case of the Premier: I painted straight on the shell. So no risk of cracking at all. But I also made inlays for the hoops. Made them with acid free paper, glitter and laquer. Was easy to do. The inlays were very flexible. Could easily roll them in a 6 inch circle.

If I ever want to do a sparkle kit again I wont paint straight on the shell, but make wrap with paper and laquer. Because of working in a horizontal plane this is pretty easy to do. You just need lots of time to allow the laquer to dry.