I just got my first Water Weasel today. I like the tone, however I was caught off guard by the markings on the PVC (you should’ve heard my family. “You payed $?? for that!”). Anyway, I’d like to give the whistle a paint job and don’t really know how to go about it.
Has anybody ever tried something similar? I need to find something that is not toxic, will not rub off, or affect the whistle’s tone or PVC. Any suggestions?
Stonewall
Good old model airplane paint should work and be available in any hobby shop. I’d try a dab on the underside of the tube first, though and wait until it dries.
It could affect the weight and balance, though I doubt it - maybe some others could address whether the slight increase in wall thickness would affect tone.
The PVC markings on the tube are actually thought by many to lend the WW certain rough charm.
I believe Glenn uses acetone to remove the pvc code. I would’nt paint it.
Doc
[ This Message was edited by: Doc Jones on 2002-07-01 23:02 ]
Whether you try to paint the Water Weasel or just remove the lettering, it might be a good idea to experiment first on a length of ordinary PVC pipe. (It’s cheap, available in any home improvement store, and you can even make a whistle out of it.)
Yeah… Go for it… I just got my fred rose blackwood D and didn’t like the color… so I went with my favorite… PINK!
Blayne
Ridseard,
From everything I’ve read on this board, you CANNOT and SHOULD NOT use ordinary PVC for a whistle. Apparently whistle makers use CPVC which is specially formulated to carry potable water. Regular PVC is toxic.
Whatever you think you want to do with your Weasel, I would suggest you email Glenn hisself & ask him. Might as well get it from the horse’s mouth.
For my part, I appreciate the PVC markings and find them desirable, and selected one from Glenn’s selection that had the most markings. Its a great story to tell people that beautiful music can come from such a humble material, that craftsmanship means more than the selection of material, and finally, the “plumbing” whistle is consistent with the humble and unpretentious nature of IrishTrad as I like to believe it continues to be handed down.
On 2002-07-02 08:38, McChastain wrote:
Yeah… Go for it… I just got my fred rose blackwood D and didn’t like the color… so I went with my favorite… PINK!
No actually I was thinking along the lines of a patriotic “stars and bars.” Seriously, I am planning on emailing Glenn. I just wanted to see if anybody had tried it before.
Two options that I have considered were 1) spray paint (after covering the mouthpiece & plugging the holes) or 2) some type of varnish stain. Seeing that the whistle already has a neat offwhite color the stain could complement it, (I’d leave the head untouched) maybe giving it a wood-like color. Thanks for the input.
Stonewall
[ This Message was edited by: Stonewall on 2002-07-02 11:08 ]
Purple Primer is used on PVC before applying the Red Hot Blue Glue. If you want your whistle to be stained purple, then try some Purple Primer. You’d still be able to see the material, and it wouldn’t have the vibration dampening characteristic of paint. Now, how toxic would it be once dried, I haven’t a clue. It is made with mostly methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
JP
Talk to Paul from Silkstone whistles. He makes PVC and paints them Green and Red.
I’ve got a green PVC Bb whistle from him and I… don’t… think… I’ve… been… affected… aaaaaaaaa!!!
Merry Pippins to ya,
DrGiggles
I wouldn’t use the Purple Primer. It actually melts the PVC so that the glue will bond.
If you want a cool wood look, spray paint a color on and let it set for a couple of minutes 'til its tacky and then wrap some loose celophane around it. When it dries it’ll have a crinkly wood grain look.
I’ve used Testors brand paints on plastics with good results. Some paints won’t stick well to shiny plastic surfaces and require preparation (sanding or steel wool) to break the outer glaze.
What’s wrong with a nice steel wool finish?
I for one am envious. I wanted one with the code still on, but thought he washed the code off these days as a rule. Oh well, maybe next time. Great whistles though.
I’ll keep those tips in mind for my next WW, but for now I’ve actually come to like the PVC code. Maybe it’s something about the WW’s cheap outward look combined with a good resonant tone…I’ve also found it’s a great conversation starter.
Stonewall
[ This Message was edited by: Stonewall on 2002-07-24 01:06 ]
Haven’t tried it yet, but I’ll bet the Water Weasels would look great with some scrimshaw decorations! Pencil a drawing on, etch it with a sharp tool, wipe some India Ink over it, then wipe off the excess leaving a nice black etched design. Maybe something Celtic. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in trying this to experiment on scrap PVC first!!
On 2002-07-02 11:07, Stonewall wrote:
No actually I was thinking along the lines of a patriotic “stars and bars.”
I don’t know if I would re-do a Water Weasel…I kinda like the PVC marking too. But if you do it, I’d love to see it! Maybe you could post a picture when you get it done?
Kim
Yes, you would want to avoid purple primer from getting on the fipple or windway area otherwise you ruin an excellent whistle.
You can acetone or fingernail polish remover (the kind with acetone in it) to remove the markings. Make sure that the surface is clean clean clean (not oil from your hands on it). The obtain some automotice lacquer paint or your choice. Yes - you can even use metal flake.
Cut a small piece of card stock to fit inside the windway to protect it from the initial coats of paint. You can remove it and attempt to paint lightly there on the final coat. Make sure that you use a quick drying paint. Paints with acetone in them can distort the surface of the whistle - so read the list of contents.
Spray it with clear if you like a glossy surface.
You can also use polyurethane for a real durable surface.
Regarding PVC vs CPVC:
PVC = Polyvinyl Chloride
CPVC = Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
CPVC has extra chlorine that leaches from it.
To some this is considered more hazardous.
For the most part that real hazards are experienced when the material is being burnt.
PVC is so much a part of our regular lifes, we talk in into telephone mouthpieces made of PVC, we stick polyethylene forks and spoons in our mouths.
So please do not inhale when you smoke your whistles! :roll:
Another interesting point regarding this post. Though a person might be concerned about putting PVC or CPVC in their mouthpiece. Please consider what types of paint that you might putting in your mouth.
Shellac is a very inert finish and has been used for years. Parks makes a Shellac spray paint.
[ This Message was edited by: Daniel_Bingamon on 2002-07-25 23:24 ]