pvc color experiments with MEK solvent dye

For those of you who follow this blog you will recall the work done with re-purposed PVC taking different forms. The bone bangle series and some of the re-creations of neo-primitive forms all rendered in brilliant white (or off-white as the case may be) which happens to be the natural color of this type of plastic.

Here now some examples of color that are possible with PVC. These early experiments are performed using a MEK solvent and a handful of dye colors.

Left to right:
Bronze + Brown
Bronze + Orange
Red + Bronze + Brown
Red + Brown

The color is applied in two steps with the piece spending a few minutes immersed in the first dye bath, then another period in the second.

The piece is then set out to dry allowing all the solvents to evaporate leaving the color chemically bonded to the plastic.

This is the Red + Bronze + Brown piece that has been buffed post-immersion to remove some of the surface in which dye is embedded.

More effects: the hard surface of the PVC takes the color more sparingly than the abraded surfaces. Textures telegraph through the solvent process.  More later….



design and photographs copyright 2016

super thin stackable bracelets 4029

A little stack of little bracelets created from thermoplastic but shaped and finished to resemble traditional horn, ivory, or bone materials often used by traditional cultures. Since the illegal ivory trade is destroying the elephant population in Africa it is important to find alternative materials that can offer similar properties to recreate traditional forms.

Stacked this collection is less than 1" high.

Composed of four slightly oval shaped pieces these bangles are made from white PVC plastic. Cut from a section of round pipe and then shaped to remove the edges the finishing reveals the pure white color of the material.

Progressive treatment with fine sand paper creates a matte surface. Final polishing with felt media brings out the textured surface with highlights.


See this collection at ArtiFactSite

Other designs similar to this you might like:

eclipse bangle moon bracelet 3731

bone bangles sculpted slender bracelets 3463

white bone bangle bracelets 3309


design and photographs © copyright 2016 

eclipse bangle bracelet PVC plastic moon bracelet 3731

The small void carved into the rim of the bracelet represents the shadow of the earth's penumbria on the moon that can bee seen during an eclipse.

One of the series of bone bangles which might be re-titled "moon bangles" this small oval shaped bangle is perfect for people who have smaller hands. These bracelets won't slip off the way larger bangles tend to do. These special designs are thin and lightweight but extremely strong.

Here's a link to more bone bangles

 7" (178 mm) inside circumference
2" (57 mm) x 2 1/2" (63 mm)

hand carved from re-claimed plastic pipe this design is part of the Handmade Artifacts collection that explores the connection between ancient heritage forms and modern materials.

Available here ARTiFactSite





design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop