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Zinc Stearate As Substitute For Talc?

Captain Ahab

By Captain Ahab
in Repair Q&A

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Captain Ahab NOS (New Old Stock)

Captain Ahab

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Does anybody have any thoughts on the suitability of zinc stearate as a substitute for talc as used in replacing fountain pen sacs?

 

It seems to me that it would make sense, since it is used as a lubricant and mold release agent in some manufacturing processes, including rubber products, is hydrophobic, and available in pure form.

 

I'm having trouble locating a source of pure talc where I live, and have noted recent discussions of talc as a carcinogen. On the other hand, zinc stearate is readily available online as "fanning powder", a product magicians use to lubricate playing cards.

 

Obviously it is also not something you would want to inhale regularly, but it would seem to have fewer disadvantages than talc. Does anybody here have experience in working with zinc stearate?

 

Thanks to all for sharing their knowledge in these forums. I've learned a lot in the few months since I joined.

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

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OldGriz Donor Pen

OldGriz

Posted
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Talc is available from virtually all pharmacies.... that is where I purchased my first large jar... just tell them you want medical grade talc... they might have to order it in.. but is it cheap and you will get enough to last a lifetime...

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Marlow Extremely Rare

Marlow

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I had to tour about 4 pharmacies here in the UK before finding a tub of talc totally free of anything other than talc. But find it I did and now I have about 10,000 pens worth! Will hopefully last me til Christmas at least! :lol:

"Every job is good if you do your best and work hard.

A man who works hard stinks only to the ones that have

nothing to do but smell."

Laura Ingalls Wilder

 

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EP Tech Near Mint

EP Tech

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I have used zinc stearate in another industry...it can build,it's not as free-flowing as talc and is a known carcinogen. Best off with talc.

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professionaldilettante Collectors Item

professionaldilettante

Posted
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Does anybody have any thoughts on the suitability of zinc stearate as a substitute for talc as used in replacing fountain pen sacs?

 

It seems to me that it would make sense, since it is used as a lubricant and mold release agent in some manufacturing processes, including rubber products, is hydrophobic, and available in pure form.

 

I'm having trouble locating a source of pure talc where I live, and have noted recent discussions of talc as a carcinogen. On the other hand, zinc stearate is readily available online as "fanning powder", a product magicians use to lubricate playing cards.

 

Obviously it is also not something you would want to inhale regularly, but it would seem to have fewer disadvantages than talc. Does anybody here have experience in working with zinc stearate?

 

Thanks to all for sharing their knowledge in these forums. I've learned a lot in the few months since I joined.

Talc is linked to carcinogens only for the fact that it rarely is contaminated with asbestos. And everyone knows about what that does to a person with enough time. I would just stick with the time tested talc and leave it be.

The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.

Blaise Pascal

fpn_1336709688__pen_01.jpg

Tell me about any of your new pens and help with fountain pen quality control research!

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Captain Ahab NOS (New Old Stock)

Captain Ahab

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I have used zinc stearate in another industry...it can build,it's not as free-flowing as talc and is a known carcinogen. Best off with talc.

 

 

Useful information. That's what I was looking for. Many thanks!

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

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brewerjeff Mint

brewerjeff

Posted
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I recall reading one expert who indicated using Talc or graphite. I assumed he ment the gray-black powder used as lubricant in locks.

Comment?

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professionaldilettante Collectors Item

professionaldilettante

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Talc is white. Graphite is gray. You use graphite in locks because it is a dry lubricant that won't attract gunk and foul the mechanism. Not something you'd use in fp's. Each powder has its uses, but graphite and zinc stearate have nothing to do around fp's.

The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.

Blaise Pascal

fpn_1336709688__pen_01.jpg

Tell me about any of your new pens and help with fountain pen quality control research!

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paolino_paperino Extremely Rare

paolino_paperino

Posted
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Talc is white. Graphite is gray. You use graphite in locks because it is a dry lubricant that won't attract gunk and foul the mechanism. Not something you'd use in fp's. Each powder has its uses, but graphite and zinc stearate have nothing to do around fp's.

 

I have used graphite for sacs, when I was out of talc, and I know others do too. It's fit for the use, but it's messier than talc.

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FarmBoy Museum Piece

FarmBoy

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I was asked this today. This isn't complicated. Use talc.

San Francisco International Pen Show - The next “Funnest Pen Show” is on schedule for August 23-24-25, 2024.  Watch the show website for registration details. 
 

My PM box is usually full. Just email me: my last name at the google mail address.

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Sasha Royale Museum Piece

Sasha Royale

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I don't know whether it would be significant in this situation, but

Zinc is much "harder" than Talc. The granules would be more abrasive.

Talc is non-reactive in most situations, and not difficult to obtain.

Auf freiem Grund mit freiem Volke stehn.
Zum Augenblicke dürft ich sagen:
Verweile doch, du bist so schön !

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jptech Mint

jptech

Posted
Posted

not to seem pedantic, but zinc stearate is used in the manufacture of rubbers and other such polymers as a release agent to prevent sticking.

 

Is there any long-term effect of using it as a dry lubricant for rubber sacs? Has anyone seen any?

 

I understand it might vulcanize the sac if heat and sulfur were applied, but I'm not dropping my pen in a geyser!

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