Hey everyone! I'm working on some projects with thin polycarbonate plastic (around 1mm-1.2mm thick) and even using old CDs. Right now, my process is pretty labor-intensive—I have to sand, prime, and then hand paint both sides with acrylic paint, which takes forever. I'm wondering if there's a quicker method, like dipping the plastic straight into the paint for better adhesion.
Also, I'm having trouble cutting out shapes like squares and triangles. Scissors seem to be the fastest, but they're really tough on my hands since I just got diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. I've tried using garden shears, a jeweler's saw, and a small rotary tool, but nothing's working great. Does anyone have recommendations for better cutting tools, like a Dremel, that might be suitable for this type of material and intricate patterns? Any tips on paint adhesion or cutting methods would be really helpful!
3 Answers
You may want to try a paper guillotine for those straight cuts. They're affordable and can do the job cleanly. Just make sure the thickness is within capacity!
Paint can be tricky with plastic; have you thought about using screen ink instead? It's specifically designed for plastic and might give you a better finish than regular paint!
Thanks for the suggestion! I do a lot of different pieces from a single CD disc, so screen ink may not work for my types of jewelry art, but it's good to know about it!
For cutting, have you considered using tin snips? They might be easier than scissors. Also, try using an orbital sander to prep the surface for paint; once you rough it up, you could dip it in primer or paint. Just a heads up—if your carpal tunnel gets bad, wrist braces could help during long sessions. I've managed my own for years without needing surgery, so it can get better!
Thanks for the tips! I've tried tin snips, but they're too bulky for my projects. I'm curious about the orbital sander – would that work well on a CD surface? Good to know about the primer option!
Yeah, I don't think that would work for me. I tried a Martin Yale guillotine once, and it cracked the plastic at the line.