Comments on: Troubleshooting: Adhesive Vinyl and Nail Polish on Glass Cabochons

By: art fulley

art fulley — Tue, 19 May 2020 20:32:06 +0000

I can think of two things. The first is that the rate of polymerization is slower at the interface, and faster on the rounded surface. This means any air bubbles, or water molecules will be trapped at the interface because the outer surface dried already The other is the viscosity of the glue (due to polymer size): your glue may have large polymers, and not flow well into the small crevices formed by your paper..add to this the differences in polymerization rate…..One way you may be able to prevent it is to make a thin layer over your design first, and then make the dome once that has polymerized.

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 20:39:08 +0000

In reply to Rena Klingenberg. I don't think you need the modge podge at all. I have been making glass cabs with nail polish for some time and I just glue it into the pendant tray directly with E6000. I have not tried it with vinyl decals though and I like the idea!

By: CASSANDRA

CASSANDRA — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:27:17 +0000

It may be because the modge podge is not actually a sealant. I know after we used it on ceramics we would have to seal it with a clear sealer. E6000 ‘s chemicals will penetrate anything water soluble which your modge podge is. you might try it without the modge podge or try sealing with a clear spray or liquid sealant after the modge podge.

By: Mary Anne

Mary Anne — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:50:05 +0000

I too, after carefully studying the photos observe that the bubbling is coming from around the vinyl decals…which would make me think the vinyl is chemically reacting with the nail polish. Vinyls can melt and gas off (hence the bubbling around the decals). I would burnish the vinyl down quite well. Allow more time (days) for gassing off, and do more studies of what could be used over it. You might contact the manufacturer also, or do some googling for what can be coated over permanent vinyl (it’s not made to be coated or sealed with anything, so this is why the chemistry is challenging).

It might just need gassing off time, and then perhaps a water based sealer could be used over it, but more tests need to be done before you start selling these. I too have had a lot of chemistry issues when working with mixed materials in my art and jewelry.

By: Cecilia

Cecilia — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 11:44:18 +0000

I love your striking designs, Kara. Generally, there seems to be an unwanted chemical reaction going on with your process. As a person with sensitivities to phthalates used in making the vinyl, I would suggest using an alternative material such as copper sheet or paper for your cutouts and eliminate your exposure to the toxic phthalates.

By: Anna

Anna — Sat, 05 May 2018 15:24:05 +0000

I think the clear nail polish used as a sealant is reacting with the vinyl. Does anyone know if the Nunn Design sealant reacts with nail polish?
Are you still doing the vinyl cabochons?

By: Gigi

Gigi — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 02:30:18 +0000

I, like Maria, would seal the vinyl with the mod podge after properly burnishing the vinyl to the glass. Let dry at least a few days and then put the polish over it. The pieces you have shown are beautiful and I hope you find something that works.

By: Maria Sharrow

Maria Sharrow — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 12:40:17 +0000

My science loving brain had a couple of thoughts. My first thought is that the vinyl may reacting to the nail polish only because nail polish is a polymer film (plastic) dissolved in a solvent. Since the vinyl is also plastic It may be causing the issues you are having. Instead of sealing them with nail polish seal the decals with different types of sealers then after drying add the .polish. You may have to experiment to find one that works for you. My second thought was that the mix of waterbased sealer with the polish may be reacting as well. I would try a resin instead of modpoge. Good luck.

By: Stephanie Thompson

Stephanie Thompson — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 05:25:06 +0000

I would try Iced Resin. It is a jewelry quality resin and is completely clear, unless you color it. It is sold by Ranger and you can find it online.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 02:42:59 +0000

Hi Tara,
The best two products that I have found for similar work are Nunn Design Sealant and Nunn Design Glue. They are acrylic based, dry clear and I seldom have trouble with bubbles. Make sure you use multiple coats and let them dry for about 20 minutes per coat.
Love your work!

By: Cindi Bernloehr

Cindi Bernloehr — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 15:38:26 +0000

Ice Resin by Ranger has a paper sealer that I use when I put paper under a resin Cab and it works well.. You have to seal both the top and the bottom of the paper because the resin will seep in. Not sure how it will work with glass cabs?

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 18:42:36 +0000

Hi Tara, I have a couple of thoughts on this. First, could the little bubbles actually be pieces of glitter from the nail polish?

Also, I’ve used Mod Podge frequently in mixed-media projects, and even after I brush a very smooth coat of it onto a surface, I find that occasionally there are small bubbles that seem to form during drying. I’ve heard that you’re not supposed to shake or stir the Mod Podge before using, to help prevent bubbles (I don’t shake/stir it, but I still get occasional bubbling).

My other thought is that Mod Podge is a water based sealer, and it could be that when the glue is applied it reactivates the Mod Podge, causing the bubbles. Mod Podge can be tacky, even when you have let it dry for several days, and they tell you to spray it with clear acrylic (after it has dried) to help prevent that. Perhaps you could do a test piece on a surface that is similar to what you use, and apply Mod Podge to it and let it dry. Then add some of the E6000 and see what it does. That may give you your answer.

I hope this helps.