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So I got me some eggshells and I have crushed them up.
First pass in the mortar and pestle the bits were about 1-2mm in size, second time more like a powder. Is this about right?
Any tips on which paints to mix this stuff with? What effect are we trying to achieve with these eggshells?
Cheers.
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What was your purpose in the beginning?
There are only three uses for eggshells in PM that I know about:
1. Ground fine into dust, as a filler, as an alternative to something like chalk/calcium carbonate.
2. For use as a mosaic type of finish, broken into coarse pieces (suitable to the size of the project). These pieces could be dyed before application, or painted once they are in place.
3. A whole shell (with contents blown out and washed), as a base to build upon. They make nice fat little bird bodies, or heads.
But if you've heard of some other use, please post!
Sue
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Eggshell tempra?
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Hi Sue
I thought I had read about shell being mixed in with certain paint finishes to achieve... I'm not sure what.
CatPerson wrote:
What was your purpose in the beginning?
There are only three uses for eggshells in PM that I know about:
1. Ground fine into dust, as a filler, as an alternative to something like chalk/calcium carbonate.
2. For use as a mosaic type of finish, broken into coarse pieces (suitable to the size of the project). These pieces could be dyed before application, or painted once they are in place.
3. A whole shell (with contents blown out and washed), as a base to build upon. They make nice fat little bird bodies, or heads.
But if you've heard of some other use, please post!
Sue
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There is what is called an 'eggshell finish' on walls, etc, that has a slightly rough finish with little or no gloss, but it's just a descriptive term, as there are no eggshells involved.
There might be some type of craft finish using ground eggshells mixed with paint to give a rough, gritty finish. Or paint the surface, then dust with ground eggshells while the paint is still wet.
Sue
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It is not easy to grind eggshell into a really fine powder, not is it worth the effort. Eggshell that is ground fairly fine, as with a mortar and pestle can be mixed in with pulp for a thin surface layer. When the dry surface is sanded and polished it looks a bit like granite. There is no value in using it for the main body of pulp because it won't be seen.
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I've never seen that, David. Is it ever colored, or just the natural white &/or brown?
My duck has started laying eggs (one female out of six), and I've noticed the shells are different: chicken eggs are dull, but the duck eggs look more like they're made out of thin porcelain.
I learn something new every day!
Sue
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The natural colour is all that is needed. Yes, the duck eggs do look like porcelain. It is a marvellous surface for painting miniatures. Alternatively, if you crack the end of the egg, wash it carefully and line the inside with paper and pva it becomes a very strong surface for further creation.
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