polypropropylene idea--need your thoughts!

[FJ and G]

A while back John K had a post about trying to stick something to polypropropylene. I have the opposite desire. I have something that I DON'T want to stick to polypropropylene.

I'm designing tie plates for my 027 handlayed rails but only spike about one out of every 3 or 4 ties. Thus, it would look funny to have spikeless tie plates.

The solution I have come up with is to find a non-stick surface like polypropropylene or perhaps wax paper or teflon?? Then, using a toothpick, dab little spots of wood glue on the non-stick surface. Once dry, spray paint spike rust brown and remove the little fake spike heads and glue them to the tie plates.

I also could make rivets in this manner. I even could design little detail parts for trains out of Durham's water putty or some other substance as long as I can rest them on a non-stick surface.

Problem is, I don't know where to find polypropropylene. Or, would wax paper or teflon work just as well?

Your thoughts please

[FJ and G]

well, I just thought of Plan B. I could maybe mix some rust color into the wood glue and dab the brownish glue "spike heads" directly on the tie plates.

I'm still curious about finding a nonstick surface, however, to make other things that I can lift off.

[wrmcclellan]

Use the lids from Planters peanuts or 1 or 5 lb cans of coffee. Butter tub lids also work.

I use these to make slip gaskets, to mix epoxy on (when excess is dry - just peel off), etc.

Regards,
Roy

[iguanaman3]

Use the Teflon if you have it..it's the slipperyest material made. NOTHING should stick to it.

[SPFan]

Wax paper has worked for me when I was casting epoxy. Most modeling materials including paint will not stick to it and you can peel it away easier than the thicker plastics.

Pete

[FJ and G]

Thanks, all for your help on this slippery topic. I'm a bit curious as to what Pete was casting. I've always heard a spray of Pam would do the trick, for stuff like rock castings in rubber molds.

[Roger Bielen]

Dave, the problem with sprays or coatings is that when you remove the cast item there is a thin film of the spray on the underside that can also make gluing difficult. I've had good success with wax paper.

[FJ and G]

thanks, Roger, Now that makes sense!

[underworld]

All good ideas......I've used wax paper myself.

underworld

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