Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

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motoguy
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Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by motoguy »

I'm selling a lot of patina's wall hangers. I'm using mostly Copper F/X, Torch F/X, and Bronze F/X on them. The Copper F/X is great...as soon as it touches the metal, instant change. I love it. Same with Bronze F/X. The Torch F/X, on the other hand...I sure seem to be going through a lot of product to get the desired effect. On Bill's youtube videos, I see him just spraying away with the Torch F/X. I guess that's easier to do when you manufacture the stuff. :D

I'm looking for tips or tricks on getting a little more efficient performance from the Torch F/X. I've been spraying from one of the supplied (Steel F/X) orange-top spray bottles. I then moved to one of the ultra-fine spray bottles, hoping that better atomization would lead to improved performance. It seems the key to the Torch F/X is a flow of the product over the metal. It seems the spray method is generating a lot of waste, vs product that is reacting.

Would using a cloth or sponge soaked in Torch F/X decrease the amount used for the desired effects? Any other ideas?
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by tnbndr »

I find the fumes from Torch FX pretty noxious also, and yes it takes a bit of time to react. I am leaning toward an actual torch, it may be faster and the heat will dry out any residual moisture!!
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by gamble »

In for info too! Never had much luck with torch unless I used a lot of it (I use it over copper)
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by littlefatbuddy »

I have found if I leave the metal wet, use short strokes in a concentrated area and then rinse as soon as the color I want shows up it works very well. I hold the bottle fairly close to the piece. I got aggravated trying to use it on dry metal. Gamble, you are correct, it has to have the copper base to react. I leave my pieces in the sink and have the water running so I can rinse quickly. The picture is a piece that was copper f/x with torch f/x and then cleared with rattle can gloss.

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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by izzyscages »

Flame FX seems to work much faster BUT it can also go too far too quick
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by motoguy »

I have Flame F/X as well, I just haven't taken the time to try it. If it gives similar results, with less product usage, I certainly need to give it a try.
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by PlasmaGranny »

I found the same results, I use the Flame F/X and you have to work fast, and I also get a rainbow torch from my metal place, Pacific Steel, I like it even better but can only get it there. Company does not sell to individuals.
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by little blue choo »

I quit using torch FX long ago. Get better results with Flame and it takes very little product. It reacts much faster so I keep my hose handy to rinse quickly. I sometimes apply it with a artist brush when working with fine detail

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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by motoguy »

Excellent. I have several patinas I need to apply on Monday. I'll give Flame a shot, vs Torch. That works out well, as I may not have enough Torch on hand anyway. Lol
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by jakeg »

Black fx is even faster. I use black then flame to blend the ares together
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by Nacs Fab »

Can any of you who have used Flame or Black FX post up pics of how it looks when finished? I too am using a lot of the Torch and love the effect for sure, just would like it to go a little farther.
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by motoguy »

I don't have any photos handy, but I gave Flame a shot...it looks very, very similar to Torch, IMO. I'm not sure I could distinguish between them after clear coat. However, it reacts INSTANTLY. The slow-reaction for Torch means it's easy to feather/blend in smooth lines. With the Flame, I'll want to use a higher quality spray head. Any "big drops" that the nozzle spits out, form round colored blobs all over the piece.
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by littledigger »

Try reducing flame with water about 25 percent. This will slow down the reaction time. I have been doing this for a while and it works great! I love using Bills products.
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by motoguy »

littledigger wrote:Try reducing flame with water about 25 percent. This will slow down the reaction time. I have been doing this for a while and it works great! I love using Bills products.
Awesome. Reduce product consumption, make the reaction a bit easier to deal with, and still use less product/faster reaction than Torch F/X? Sounds like a winner to me!
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by tnbndr »

I don't have any photos handy, but I gave Flame a shot...it looks very, very similar to Torch, IMO. I'm not sure I could distinguish between them after clear coat. However, it reacts INSTANTLY
Are you using Flame over Copper FX or on polished steel?
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by motoguy »

tnbndr wrote:
I don't have any photos handy, but I gave Flame a shot...it looks very, very similar to Torch, IMO. I'm not sure I could distinguish between them after clear coat. However, it reacts INSTANTLY
Are you using Flame over Copper FX or on polished steel?
I use Flame over Copper F/X. The diluted Flame F/X is my go-to now. Dilution slows the reaction time, as well as reducing product usage. I'm very happy with it.
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Re: Tips to get more mileage from Torch F/X application?

Post by noclinkers »

Blue Halo works good for me for the same things torch or flame do, but you have to be super quick to neutralize it or it goes too far.
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