Domino Basics
PREPARATION:
There are different ways to "prepare" your dominos before you get started. And it will also depend on the type of application you wish to do. For applications such as polished stone, using Decor-It inks, acrylic paints (this would include lumieres, neopaques, etc), you don't have to prepare the domino first. You can apply your technique to the domino as is. Do realize that since the domino is slick, the application can scratch off until it's sealed. For applications where you want to use chalks, inks, colored pencils, etc. it helps to either sand the domino's surface or let them sit in bleach overnight to remove the shiny surface application. Note, the bleach method does not work on all types of dominos (I tried). If you sand, use a very fine grit sandpaper and sand in circles (similar to sanding shrink plastic). An easy way is to lay the sandpaper grit side up and then rub the domino over the sandpaper in a circular motion. This will give the surface some tooth making some mediums adhere better. Dye inks can bleed on sanded surfaces, try the bleach method if you plan on using dye inks (waterproof or not). You can also stain the dominos by giving them a tea or coffe bath/boiling after bleaching or sanding. For some applications, a layer of gesso works well. I will usually keep several dominos around for "testing" to see if I like a particular application and what type of preparation did I do to get the look. Gesso is a chalk based paint like product that dries quickly and gives your surface some tooth for various mediums. It works well under oil pastels, paints, etc.
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Most dominos are fairly easy to drill. Some are made of a harder resin than others but can be drilled. The smaller dominos can be drilled too. Typically I use my Dremel on setting #5, that way I have more control over starting a hole. After the hole is started, you can speed the drill up to whatever speed is comfortable (I usually don't go over 10). As you're drilling, it helps to periodically clean the drill bit as the resin becomes hot when you drill and can melt onto the drill bit. I just use a knife tip or toothpick to clean the drill bit. Also, as the drill bit becomes hot, the resin build up will happen more quickly. I've had my drill bit get stuck in a domino before and I had to use another drill bit to drill around the one that was stuck to get it out. That's why I try to do all my drilling before painting and stamping. But, this usually happens with the harder resin dominos. I can't tell you which brand is harder than the other but I do know the ones I bought at Odd Lots are harder than the other dominos I have.Over time or with extensive use, drill bits can become dull. Titanium drill bits work extremely well and have a long "life span". But, this all depends upon how many dominos do you plan to drill. I've drilled about 100 with my regular Dremel bits and have not have to replace them as of yet. I use drill bits ranging from 1/32 up to 1/8 for most of my holes.
To drill holes from side to side is fairly easy. Usually I just eye where I want the hole to be and drill straight through (making sure my drill bit is just a bit longer than the width of the domino). You can also mark on each side where you would like the hole and then drill part way from each side. This works extremely well for drilling lengthwise (top to bottom). Drilling holes from front to back is easy and quick and can make for some interesting ways to add embellishments. I don't have a drill press, I just hold the domino I'm drilling, but it can help if you're wary about holding the domino and drilling. Or, you can put the domino in a vise and then drill. I just use my kitchen table to do my drilling since it's next to my craft room. I'll lay down a couple layers of newpaper on the table and a piece of matboard under the domino I'm drilling to avoid drilling holes into my table :)
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I usually seal my dominos with polyurethane. The type I used is an oil based satin finish and I have never had a problem with it causing my inks/paints/etc to bleed or run. I just put a toothpick through the drilled hole, dip into the can, let drip and let dry. Sometimes you need to tap the bottom of the domino on paper to get rid of any drips. For dominos without holes, I just paint a coat on the sides and then the top and let dry. Also, you can use clear nail polish, PPA, acrylic gloss varnish, spray varnishes, etc. Be sure to be check if the sealant you're using is waterbased or not as that can affect waterbased mediums. I like to seal my dominos before embellishing. This way I won't damage the image when handling the domino while embellishing or if I add Diamond glaze I don't have to worry about bleeding, etc. I will also seal the domino after embellishing depending upon the type of embellishment.
top EMBELLISHING:
Embellishments can be added in many ways. Beads on wire, necklace cords, fibers, charms, etc. There are various adhesives on the market to use to add embellishments. E6000 works well if you sand the area you are planning to glue first. PPA works extremely well and acts as a sealer as well. Pour a little PPA into a cup and let it thicken and it will be easier to add beads/charms/etc without having to hold them until they dry. Aleene's tacky glue is another alternative that works well. Diamond glaze and crystal laquer will work to add embellishments as well as seal the domino. Do be aware that some mediums will run/bleed after an application of Diamond Glaze/Crystal Laquer.
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