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Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

#1 2012-12-31 13:35:51

Zoik
Member
Registered: 2012-12-21
Posts: 4

Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

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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#2 2012-12-31 19:15:26

CatPerson
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From: Washington State, U.S.A.
Registered: 2006-01-09
Posts: 1314

Re: Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

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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#3 2012-12-31 19:49:31

paper soup
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From: Small Town Texas USA
Registered: 2008-08-10
Posts: 107

Re: Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

Eggshell tempra?

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#4 2012-12-31 22:24:49

Zoik
Member
Registered: 2012-12-21
Posts: 4

Re: Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

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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#5 2013-01-01 00:57:32

CatPerson
Moderator
From: Washington State, U.S.A.
Registered: 2006-01-09
Posts: 1314

Re: Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

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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#6 2013-01-01 13:50:30

dopapier
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From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-04
Posts: 754

Re: Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

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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#7 2013-01-01 20:57:12

CatPerson
Moderator
From: Washington State, U.S.A.
Registered: 2006-01-09
Posts: 1314

Re: Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

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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#8 2013-01-02 10:00:08

dopapier
Moderator
From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-04
Posts: 754

Re: Crushed egg shells - how fine to crush, how much to mix, etc.

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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