Sealing Metallic Powders

[PlanetAlexander]

I've done some cold casting recently and for what I've made, I'm hoping it can be used for cosplay. I casted with aluminum powder and buffed it pretty well with #0000 steel wool. However, there is always the concern that the powder might rub off after lots of handling.

What do you folks recommend to seal metallic powders with? Preferably non-airbrush based and available in Australia, but I'll take anything just to get an idea.
(Accidentally posted this in the replica costumes thread but it's in the right place now)

 

[robstyle]

Anything that bites will likely alter the color or sheen. In reality that aluminum powder is part of the casting. What mesh was the metal powder? Off the shelf stuff sold by most material suppliers is 325 to 450 mesh. I use materials that are much finer than that with no issues.

 

[PlanetAlexander]

The tub says "fine mesh" - can't find out anything else online. It's an aluminium powder from Barnes. So theoretically, it should be fine? Might just need to be buffed if it dulls?

 

[robstyle]

Odds are thats 450 mesh.

Spray a sample and see what happens. You may get a different reaction from flat, satin, semi and gloss sprays. You will also need to find a sweet spot with application. Some sprays go on better in a couple thin coats where others in a couple thick coats applied one after the other. Its the learning curve. Weather and air temps come into play as well as the base casting material. It sounds all combobulated but again, the learning curve.