Finishing gloss question

[MeagTaylorDesign]

I make story stones, which are just images on stones and I use them/sell them as teaching aides and quiet play toys for kids.

When I started out, I was using them only for my children and my sunday school class, and I used mod podge. But when there was some interest in my friends/family purchasing these from me (and suggesting I open a little etsy shop), I looked into something a little more durable, non-streaking, and thicker.

I couldn't find a spray that gave the look I wanted, someone at Michaels recommended Triple Thick. It's great for what I need....

And then today, I just got a convo from a customer, that when she opened the package, 4 of the stones had stuck together, and she pulled them apart and they are damaged. Which sounds like the glaze didn't dry, but they were drying for a week and completely dry *I think* (they definitely felt like they were dry.....)

But then, the 3rd or 4th sale I ever made here, another customer had the same issue except ALL of the stones (12) were damaged, and the glaze was a mess inside the whole package. The glaze says it dries in 24 hours, I allowed 48 and it seemed fine. But after reading somethings online, it looks like it can take a lot longer. Hence my 7 day drying time.

But what I *think* might have happened (this second time) is melting in shipment. Today I'm reading it's not heat tolerant, but I cannot find what temp is dangerous, or anyone with any issues shipping a product with this on it. In winter, no less. I'm freaking out about summer and high heat.

These are glass stones, so I wrap the package in bubble wrap, which may cause the stones to sweat. No idea. Just guessing. Looking at other options today, I'm terrified of resin..... I have to "paint" something on top of glass stones, it has to be non-toxic, and be able to ship well.

I had this batch of stones drying in my very cold basement, could that be the issue? Hoping to find someone who has experience with glaze or resin and could give me a recommendation? Or if anyone has used Triple Thick - I'd love to keep using it, but I can't risk this happening again. What am I doing wrong??

[SugarSidewalk]

From what I know about Triple Thick if there is any heat or humidity, the glazed items are going to get tacky and stick together.

I would probably make a set, put them in the muslin or cotton bag that you send them in and then put them on a shelf in your home for a week. Check to see if they stick together every couple days.

If they do it's possible you won't be able to use it & need to find an alternative. I know people love it because its so shiny and quick & low odor. That said, you need a sealant that is going to stay hard despite heat or friction caused by the other stones touching each other.

I use 2 part resin in my jewelry -- but also use it to seal tile coasters. It is a lot more work but they don't stick together even during the hot & humid weather. Colores Resin is low odor and works well.

Hopefully others might chip in here with some alternatives :)

[PressedFlowerJewelry]

If you do use two part resin allow a good two or three weeks to harden, or they will stick together. I've had that happen with earrings I let touch before the resin had thoroughly hardened.