From: Cahebay-AT-aol.com
Date: Sat, 18 Jun 2005 19:58:04 EDT
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Request info on Durham's water putty
To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org



What is Durham's Water Putty?

Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty=E2=84=A2 is a gypsum-based filler -- a powder --  that
becomes very hard when mixed with water. It never shrinks and has great 
bonding strength. That's why so many people use Durham's to fill holes and =20cracks
in wood, plaster, furniture, stone, and concrete. Once Durham's is set  in
place ... it stays in place.
Who uses it?

Painters, decorators, woodworkers, electricians, carpenters, cabinet  makers,
handymen, housewives, pattern makers, electronics repairmen,  manufacturers,
plumbers, and practically everyone who has a repair job.  Artists, modelers,
and hobbyists use it, too.
Directions For Use.

Mix Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty and water to a fairly stiff, dough-like,=20
consistency -- approximately 3 parts powder to 1 part water. Press firmly into
 clean, oil-free cavity with putty knife. Continue adding more and pressing=20
again until putty "bounces" back, leaving an excess of putty. Do not attempt 
to smooth off the excess putty while it is wet. You can clean around  the area
with a wet cloth. Prepare only the quantity you need because Durham's  sets
quickly. 
Let set about 20 minutes. The putty will be like hard soap. Shave off the 
excess with a putty knife, leaving very little sanding to be done. This method 
gives a firm, smooth texture -- perfect for shaving, cutting, and _carving_
(http://www.waterputty.com/carving.htm) ! 
About 40 minutes later, Durham's will become very hard and have great 
strength. Let set about 8 hours, however, before sanding if an especially  smooth,
light ivory surface is desired. For craft items, or repair jobs in  which large
quantities have been used, let Durham's dry even longer. 
For special jobs where slow hardening is desired, add a small amount of 
vinegar or milk to retard setting time.
Coloring Your Putty.

Durham's dries to a light ivory color. Add dry colors such as umber,  sienna,
ochre, or poster black to Durham's powder for coloring throughout the  putty.
Experiment a little, and you'll be able to obtain almost any color or  shade
desired. 
You can also paint the putty once it is dried if you do not need the color 
throughout the mix. For more complete coloring information, check out "_How=20To
Color Your Art Objects_ (http://www.waterputty.com/color.htm) ." 
Finding Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty.
 For lasting satisfaction -- use only the original  Durham's! 
You can get Durham's at your paint or hardware store, lumber supply dealer,=20
do-it-yourselfer store, and at many hobby, craft, and art stores. It is 
available in 1- and 4-pound cans as well as 25-, 50-, and 100-pound drums.
Why Durham's Is Better.

Durham's does not shrink. This is important for hobbyists who want their 
objects to hold their fine details and shapes. Handymen and crafters find this 
beneficial when filling holes in wood, plaster, and other materials.

Durham's Putty sticks and stays put. It adheres in oil-free material such  as
wood, cement, plaster, stone, and composition when completely dry. Embed 
pebbles, shells, glass, tiles, and other materials in the putty when making=20
mosaics. Add objects to sand sculptures without the worry of having them fall 
out. 
As the name implies, Durham's Putty is rock hard and resistant to  scratches.
Repairs are also more durable, craft projects are stronger, and art  objects
don't need firing. 
Since it is a powder, Durham's lasts indefinitely when kept sealed in its 
container. Mix only the quantity you need and eliminate waste! 
Finally, this putty can be sawed, chiseled, sanded, polished, molded, 
painted, varnished, waxed, or colored. Always could be since the 1930s!
For Best Results ... (Usage Precautions).

Your satisfaction is important to us. That's why we want to also tell you 
about certain usage precautions. 
Total drying time depends on size of amount of Durham's used, humidity, and=20
temperature. Durham's Putty will withstand weather if kept painted, but paint 
will peel from damp Water Putty.       The familiar can -- a symbol of
Durham's  dependability. 
Moreover, Durham's will absorb moisture, as from underneath a porch, deck 
floors, and from condensation within walls. Thus, an extremely humid 
environment such as a plaster shower or bathtub enclosure will prevent  Durham's from
completely drying and adhering to the surrounding material. 
For repair jobs, Durham's Water Putty fills voids like holes, cracks, and 
the like. Just fill the void completely until the putty bounces back. After=20 the
putty has set up, remove the excess. It adheres to the sides of the hole  for
permanence. That means Durham's isn't designed to be spread in thin layers 
over large, smooth surfaces. For example, if a wooden door panel is weathered, 
replace it or sand it down. A thin layer of Durham's spread over the panel 
will look great -- but it may pop off with the first good slam of the door.=20
Remember, Durham's is meant to fill voids. 
Where there is movement, expansion, or contraction -- as between floor 
boards -- Putty may become loose. Durham's is not intended for load-bearing=20
repairs. Finally, Durham's Putty expands slightly as it dries so it will  "stick and
stay put." This expansion, however, may also cause Putty to "pop"  from a
smooth concave surface. 
Durham's is to be mixed with water. If you add a great deal of powder or 
liquid paints, hardness and performance may be compromised. Complete coloring 
and staining precautions can be found under "_How To Color Your Art Objects_
(http://www.waterputty.com/color.htm) ."  
Durham's conforms to ASTM D-4236 so it is safe for children when used 
appropriately under adult supervision. However, you will want to use the  product in
a well ventilated area. Proper eye protection should be worn. NIOSH  approved
dust respirator may be required when using. Avoid ingestion.



_Professional Puppeteers  Guild_ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pro_puppets) 
A discussion list on the creation and presentation of Hand and Rod  Puppets

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