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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Conductive coating for styrofoam
I am interested in metal-forming over styrofoam constructions of various configs., all about the size of shape of a clarinet. I have cast iron and bronze using the evaporative foam method, but now lack the facility and physicality necessary to the casting process. I am preparing to 'cold cast' and would like to know of the best conductor for spray-coating. The styrofaom will be sealed prior to coating but cannot withstand lacquer-based paints.
Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
- martinez, california, usa
2003
Our faqs, www.finishing.com/faqs/organic.shtml, introduce a number of metallizing techniques. Styrofoam sounds like a problematic substrate for electroforming--wax, aluminum, and stainless steel are more common; but styrofoam is very inexpensive so you can try the various techniques without much investment. If you can get it sealed so it's waterproof, it sounds doable.
![Ted Mooney, finishing.com](../portraits/ted_mooney_beach.jpg)
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003
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