How to Turn Milk to Stone

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Measure a cup of nonfat milk into a pan (could make butter from raw whole-milk

   Avoid excess foaming from overheating.
   
   Or, warm it in a bowl in a microwave simmering (start lower and add more time, up to about two minutes, as necessary depending on your microwave)., What is happening is that the acid in the vinegar (5% ascetic acid) is reacting with substances in the milk. ,, Or, stir in thoroughly for consistent coloring. ,, Strain the liquid twice or more if needed (Use enough vinegar, or this would be edible cheese and whey, using just a few drops of non-toxic acidic materials). , casein
   - ca·sein (kā'sēn'
   
   -sē-ĭn) n.
   
   A white, tasteless, odorless protein precipitated from cow's milk that is the basis of cheese "and is used to make plastics, adhesives, paints, and foods"., Squeeze gently. ,, This plastic is thermoset, not thermal, ie: will not dissolve due to heating. , It could be dried in the basic shape of jewelry and finished later.Dye the plastic surface by dipping or streaking it with dyes or dye could have been added in the making the wet casein plastic(s) and streak two or more colors, etc.: color throughout, in streaks or only absorbed into the dried stone.Work the material when dry:
   It tends to warp while drying.
   
   It is brittle, does not bend once dry.Re-shape and finish milk-stone: carving, etching, cutting, sanding, drilling, polishing, etc. to make your item.Make milk-stone crafts and products: buttons, jewelry, home, bathroom or office accessories. , This is a porous material so, it goes more than surface deep.
   
   This strengthens it, gives resistance to scratching and longer wear. , If it is contacted, wash off affected area, ie: flush eyes for fifteen (15) minutes if splashed or contact is in eyes.
   
   If swallowed contact your medical authority for what to do, such as the Center for Poison Control for information. ,
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   Step 2: then use the whey for this project) to experiment with and warm it until it is simmering; stir to avoid scorching; allow a little foaming around the edges.

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   Step 3: Pour in 1 tablespoon of vinegar using measuring spoon

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   Step 4: stir and wait for the reaction.

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   Step 5: Add foil strips or other decorative material to the batch while stirring it.

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   Step 6: Add dye

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   Step 7: for streaking it in the wet casein plastic (stone) or can dye surface later.

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   Step 8: Cool it carefully to be comfortable to the touch: Avoid touching or splashing the material or container while it is hot.

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   Step 9: Strain slowly to separate the coagulated

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    Step 10: curdled-milk/casein out of the liquid (milk-whey)

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    Step 11: using a colander (do not press into colander) or such.

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    Step 12: Dump the soggy casein onto paper or smooth kitchen toweling

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    Step 13: or such (not terry cloth).

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    Step 14: Fold towel and blot excess liquid.

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    Step 15: Unfold

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    Step 16: unwrap and place the curd on an appropriate paper/wax paper and place it to dry -- perhaps cover it with an open weave cloth to keep out dust and debris.

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    Step 17: Allow the plastic (casein) to dry for a few days.

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    Step 18: Shape/Mold it by drying in some kind of form

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    Step 19: such as a bottle cap

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    Step 20: for its basic shape or dry it in sheets

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    Step 21: rod form or in other forms.

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    Step 22: Harden the plastic (optional) when dry by immersing it in formaldehyde and re-drying it.

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    Step 23: Caution: Use adequate ventilation as formaldehyde is a known carcinogenic substance; so do not breath its vapors

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    Step 24: protect your skin

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    Step 25: and eyes

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    Step 26: Finished.

Detailed Guide

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