paper hardeners?

Question

I saw some of that stuff used on the DIY Network used for jewelry making. Does anyone know how to make stuff like this or know a good brand? Does fabric stiffener work with paper?

Answer 1

You may have seen an epoxy resin being used (some common brands are Envirotex Lite, Ultra-Glo, Aristocrat's Liquid Glass, etc.). These are not the same as polyester "casting resins" like Castin'Craft which may also work, but don't know.

Here's some info about epoxy resins from my website:

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can stiffen paper, cardstock shapes

can decoupage paper images, etc., onto surfaces, then cover with resin
(use sealer on both sides first, to adhere and cover ...thinned white glue, or light spray of acrylic?)

however, porous materials (like paper) will be automatically translucent if you use resin on them without sealing first (with thinned permanent white glue like Elmers Glue All, or perhaps clear acrylic spray)
....translucent "containers" or vessels (which can even hold water, if desired) can be created ---for example with a paper envelope, a paper bag, or vellum (can make it into bags too)
........ lit candles look nice in these bags (but them put in glass votives inside bags though)
......(coat the outside first by placing envelope or bag over a waxed paper-covered cardboard tube, etc., then pour & brush resin over it ... let cure 12 hrs (mottling will disappear with other coating)..... prop envelope open (in box, etc.) and coat inside ......cure 12 hrs.... (can punch hole if desired)... let cure another 12 hrs at least before using or filling with water
.....if want sturdier vessel, add second coat to inside

http://glassattic.com/polymer/other_materials.htm

(don't know if fabric stiffener would work well enough--maybe several coats?, but might be worth trying)

Hope that helps a little anyway,

Diane B.

Answer 2

Judikins Diamond Glaze would probably work well for this purpose....available in most scrapbooking stores.