Cason Crystal Clear Color Preserver I

Cason's Crystal Clear I is an advanced, solvent based color preservative system. Our product is crystal clear from the bottle to the rod, has good adhesion to a variety of substrates, and is compatible with all existing finish systems. It produces a superior finish with all types of thread, including silk and Madeira, and retains unparalleled definition of color.

To quote rod-builder Billy Vivona: "When doing a shaded wrap Bill's Color Preserver does not "lose" the shades as you progress from one color to the next. So if you use 5 colors in a shade, the end result after color preserver & finish will be a 5 color shade. With other color preservers, you will often end up with only 2 or 3 shades, and lose the shaded effect."

Crystal Clear is a solution of polymers that provide superior preservation of thread color. The polymers are flexible and durable with excellent adhesion to the rod surface. Once dry, Crystal Clear is impervious to water. Crystal Clear also provides superb results when using feathers in your wraps.

Application Instructions

Apply two coats of Crystal Clear I at full strength to thread wraps. When first applied there will be a significant darkening of the thread, particularly when applied to Silk or Madeira thread. This is normal. Simply allow each coat to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step. For most applications drying overnight is sufficient. Alternatively, allow the finish to dry until it appears dry, and then cure for 3 hours in a heated drying box on a very low heat. If you are applying this product to silk then it is recommended that at least three coats be used. Likewise, if the thread being treated has a heavier than normal silicone content use 3 to 4 coats. Note that if you have a heated drying box then this product actually gains strength upon drying under heat.

Do not speed up the drying process with a heat gun or hair dryer. This can cause the polymers to change into a glass-like form that can affect the color of the thread and is also likely to blow dust onto your artwork. If you wish to speed up the drying process then keep the workspace warm and dry or place the section of rod into a heated drying box. If you use a drying box then be sure to allow the coat to dry to touch prior to heating, so as to avoid any bubble formation.

Do not apply Crystal Clear so heavily that it puddles. If that occurs then use your brush to wick all of the excess material from the thread. Applying the material too heavily slows the drying time. If bubbles form during application then dip the brush that is filled with CP in acetone or denatured alcohol, and lightly touch any bubbles. This breaks the surface tension and allows any such bubbles to pop.

Clean the brush with Brush Cleaner or Acetone. Wash the brush with soapy water after cleaning with the solvent.

Cason's Crystal Clear I allows for the use of metallic thread that is mixed with other threads in the same wrap. The "sparkle" of the metallic thread is preserved while the color of the accompanying thread remains. Use two or more coats to ensure superior results, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. Apply with a loaded brush without any vigorous brushing. Since this product is a solution it will quickly penetrate all types of thread. Wick off any extra and let it dry. Superior results are achieved if you turn the rod after application for 5 or 10 minutes.

Cason's Crystal Clear Water Based Color Preserver is a unique blend of polymers that have been treated to allow them to dissolve in an aqueous solution containing less than 2% household ammonia and less than 10% of a non-toxic glycol. This solution can irritate the eyes and skin if there is prolonged contact. The polymers themselves are not expected to cause any ill health effects, even if ingested. As with any solution containing ammonia, eye protection should be worn at all times, and good ventilation is necessary.

If the product comes into contact with the eyes then wash with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If the solution comes into contact with the skin then wash with warm, soapy water. If ingested then drink a mildly acidic drink like lemonade, limeade, orange juice, cranberry juice or diluted vinegar.

If product is spilled and has dried then use a mild solution of household ammonia to remove the residue. Avoid combining this product with chlorine bleach at any time. Although the concentration of ammonia in the solution is quite low, the combination will create hazardous gas emissions. Never combine ammonia and bleach, no matter what the concentration might be. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN