Being used as adhesive, binder or waterproofing. Heat to soften and dilute with kerosene if required as a waterproof paint on cement mortar or rust proofing of metal zinc sheets. Metal etching with ferric chloride or acid use bitumen as resist. Paint on to end grain logs and wood prevent end splitting while the rest of the wood air dry gradually. Fillers like calcium carbonate, plaster can be added to harden bitumen for fixing knife handles or metal chasing in jewellery designing. Etching resist in acid or ferric chloride bath. In bending metal tube melt pitch and pour into tube as form support to prevent wall collapse. When cool bend to desired shape. Remove pitch by heating and flow out.
Suggested formulation for harder pitch:
- Soft Pitch – 4lbs;
- Rosin – 1.5lbs;
- Soywax/Palm Wax – 0.5lbs
When melted, add 8lbs hot sand. Mix well and pour into chasing bowl for metal embossing.
