“Salt & Pepper” or “Sprinkle” Technique:
1. Apply a small amount of separator to the lingual side of the model with a separator brush.
Spread evenly.
2. Secure wires into place on the buccal side of the model with wax, using a #7 wax spatula.
Separator need not be dry.
3. Hold model slightly tilted toward the side acrylic resin will be applied. Apply a thin layer of (polymer)
powder along the lingual tooth surfaces to the middle of the palate.
4. Apply several drops of monomer (liquid) until the polymer has been absorbed by monomer.
5. Repeat this monomer/polymer application in thin layers until it is about 3-4mm thick. Then spray a very
light film of polymer on it so that the acrylic will not run down the vault of the palate. Turn the model
to the other side and follow the same steps until both sides have been acryliced to 3-4mm thick.
NOTE: This whole process should be done quickly, (about 3-4 minutes) to avoid porosity in the acrylic.
6. Place model in heated pressure pot and add 20 pounds of air. Cure acrylic for 10-15 minutes.
Helpful Hints:
The basic method for using the pressure pot involves a small amount of heated water in the bottom of the
pot; enough to touch the bottom of the model platform. Do not submerge the model in the warm water
in the pot. Rather, place model on top of the model platform so it isn’t touching the water at all, and allow it
to cure for 10-15 minutes.
Pour or Premix Technique:
1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above. Next, mix 2 parts polymer to 1 part monomer in a medium resimix cup.
Always add powder to liquid, never the other way around.
2. Once the acrylic has reached a doughy, moldable consistency, form it over the model into desired shape.
Apply Vaseline (or similar coating) to hands to prevent acrylic from sticking to skin.
3. Follow step 6, increasing time in pressure pot to 15 minutes for bulkier appliances such as Activators
and Frankels.
Polishing Tips:
When pumicing, always use the low speed on your lathe. This will allow the rag wheel to fan out over a
larger area and will not warp the acrylic.
Follow pumice with a large muslin buff. Run a small amount of Tripoli on the buff then lightly run
appliance onto the buff covering the entire surface. This removes scratches left from the pumice, and
prepares the appliance for the final shine.
With another large muslin buff, apply a small amount of Fabulustre or Cream Polish to it and lightly run
appliance onto the wheel to achieve a high gloss.
For polishing metal work, apply Metal Polish to another buff. Then gently
scrub appliance with a hand brush and liquid soap solution. Remove any
wax from appliance by running hot water over it.
NOTE:
When pumicing and polishing, be sure to “cross-grain” appliance during
each step. Do not hold appliance in the same direction when pumicing
and polishing. This will help to eliminate pumice lines in appliance, which
can occur if appliance is always held at the same angle during pumicing
and polishing procedures.
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