Worbla's TranspArt is non-toxic and skin safe and can be shaped by hand without requiring special safety gear. TranspArt can take deep curves and be deep drawn. A heat gun is the best way to shape it as it requires a higher activation temperature than other Worbla products.
Worbla’s TranspArt does require a higher activation temperature of 120°C compared to Worbla’s Finest Art (WFA)’s 90° C. As such it’s strongly advised you wear smooth work gloves when using Worbla’s TranspArt. (Remember, you are heating it above the boiling point of water). It’s also recommended that you use a damp sponge for shaping, to avoid marks and prints, and a firm toothbrush or other sculpting tools can be helpful to get small complex curves to shape.
When the scraps are blended, they take on a milky, frosted look that’s great for using to diffuse light. Scraps can’t be reblended into ‘sheet’ form, and the more they are worked the more milky they will become.You can paint the interior of your shape, leaving the high gloss finish of the plastic to remain. It’s also easy to restore rough areas by applying lacquer or clear nail polish to dull areas. TranspArt can be painted with acrylics, spray paint, glass paint, spray tints, and also dyed with polyester dyes.
Things to know!
TranspArt does not have any indication to show when it is activated. It’s best to work with test pieces to get the hang of the material before starting a large project.TranspArt works best when heated gradually, compared to using a lot of heat in a short time.
Work gloves are Strongly suggested. Smooth gloves and a damp sponge will prevent you from leaving marks in the plastic when it is heated.
If overheated, TranspArt will start to form small bubbles or blisters in the plastic. These can’t be removed, though they are useful if you are trying to make something appear to be water.
Once kneaded together, TranspArt scraps will take a milky, frosted appearance instead of the clear transparency.
It is best to form shapes working one side at a time. You can use parchment paper to support the section opposite while you work.
TranspArt works best over positive molds. If using a negative mold, you may need to use clamps to keep sections in place.
You can tint TranspArt with thermal tint films (usually used for headlights), dye it with iDye Poly and Rit Dyemore, and paint it with acrylics, spray paint, and glass paints. a
Clean TranspArt with acetone or nail polish remover if you have residue from the mold process.
Join TranspArt pieces with glue. Unlike other Worbla products, TranspArt’s adhesive properties are difficult to use neatly.
Solvent free glues are best, but all glues should work with TranspArt and TranspArt is solvent stable. Always test your glues before using. Instant style ‘crazy’ glues work especially well and remain clear.
A soldiering iron works very well for adding details such as lines or inscribing text. Apply carefully so that you don’t burn the edges brown, and work in a well ventilated area.
You can also use a soldering iron to ‘weld’ your TranspArt edges together. Again, please use proper ventilation.
If you create a solid ‘stone’ out of TranspArt, use a soldiering iron to carve out space for your led.
Please note that for shipment of large volume products such as Thermoplastic sheets, EVA foams and Large sculpting forms, VOLUME will be calculated rather than WEIGHT.
When ordering these products we will quote you separately for shipping AFTER you have placed your order with us. Thank you for your understanding.
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