Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Material Facts: Liquidex Matte Medium

Fact:

Alot of people use this media for mainly a glossy finish on a painting or a glue on a collage. Well, I found a new way how to use this.

For example if by any chance that you are doing a project that deals with plaster, you have already sanded it with sand paper, and you are not to crazy about the dints and little pits, it turns out that you can use it to basically make it even.

What I mean is that if you apply many coats of the matte medium (depending on what project you are working on), once it dries comepletely, then it will eventually rise up and builds layers. Not only that, your project won't get wet afterwards.

There is one tiny detail that you must know. Your brush strokes HAVE to be even. In other words, not blotches of left over medium sticking out and there are no sides that has bigger layers over the others.

As far as determining the amount of matte medium, try getting brush really thick with it and gently go over your project without pressing. If you press, then you will be gathering the media instead of applying it.

IT IS TOTALLY SAFE TO USE ON PLASTER!!!!!! If you have a project that is plaster and you are not really satisified with it being uneven, then go for the matte medium. One more thing, if your project is not plaster, I strongly suggest reading the instructions, look for other peoples results, and ask around for advice.

I have officially gave it the new nickname "An artists best friend". That's how totally awsome this stuff is.


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If you're doing a mixed media art project with smeery material and is afraid of the smeers, then read this.

As I said before, this is used alot of times for a more professional aspect of glue and a glossy finish; however, it also gives out a good finished product a well deserve protection on your canvas if you used smeery art materials, like charcoal sticks.

Once the matte medium dries, your product will only not smeer; but also, your hands will be clean because the matte medium secured the art material from being on your hands.

Well, I hope this helps anyone.


Sunday, February 1, 2009

Material Fact: Plaster Bandages

Fact:



If you are using plaster bandages for any project, you must know that it dries really really FAST! I am talking about within 3 minutes type of fast. That is a good thing and a bad thing.



The good thing about it is that you do not have to wait long for it to dry. As for the bad thing about it drying that fast is if you wish to add more layers on top of your project, then do so in a fast pace. When it dries, you CANNOT add anymore layers afterwards.



So, for smooth results, gentlely by rapidly rub the tiny squares. If you are doing a mask, DO NOT APPLY ON THE FACE! Instead, use a stryofoam head (if it is straight) for your volenteer. They are great supporters. For easy removal, add plastic wrap on the face part so it can easily be removed and so you can use it for yourself.

This is total good news what I am about to tell you. If by any chance you have any rough spots on your project from not making the tiny squares smooth, you CAN sand it with sandpaper. However, YOU MUST GENTLY RUB IT!

Trust me, you will be amazed!

One more thing, unless you like really expensive plumbing bills, DO NOT POUR DOWN THE DRAIN!!!!!!!

This is just a friendly little tip about a particular type of art material if you ever wanted to know about plaster bandages.