Minimal Surfaces With Metal Shapes and Soap Bubbles

You can make pretty surprising surfaces when you dip closed shapes into a soap solution. There is a lot of math/science behind the surfaces that are formed, but it's easy to enjoy the shapes without any knowledge at all.

Photos don't do the shapes justice, you'll have to see them with your own eyes. Go make a few and experiment.

Step 1 You will Need...

You will need the following items:

Nails (or paper clips or coat hanger bits. I picked nails because they were handy)
A small torch or soldering iron.
Solder
Flux
Soapy Water and string for dipping the shape.

Standard warnings: Fire is HOT, Flux is corrosive, lead-free solder is better than leaded solder. I can guarantee you will burn your fingers picking up a shape before it is cool, because even though I've done this stuff a lot, I still am too impatient.

Comments

[Valche]

Maybe there's a way of creating some solution that will cling like a soap solution will, but will harden into something you could take out?

[papa-g]

I never thought of that. It might work with a molten plastic, but it would require some special properties - good surface tension, quick hardening, adherance to metal surfaces, etc. I'm not sure if there is such a substance. Anyone in the field have an answer?

[Kilix]

Years ago in the U.S. there was a plastic dip sold in Hoibby/Craft stores but for unknown reasons, was removed from the market. It is still sold in Europe but not salable to the U.S. If you can't, try another company.

My request for info as to purchase or to make received several answers, one of which from PMNobodyInParticular suggested one possible way to make and the following possible sources: Vitriflore, Tauchlack, Formafilm, Whimsy Dip, Fantasy Film, Resiflor, Fun Film, Dippity Glas, Joli Plastics...

So farhave not found an answer. If you get one, let me know; I'll do the same.

Kilix

[austin]

harbor freight oh yea.