Special equipment

Acrylic-Based Pigments, Continued Special equipment Acrylic paint storage Acrylic finishing Special equipment to create special effects may consist of scraping tools, paper towels or sponges, and toothbrushes or mouth atomizers. SCRAPING TOOLS: Scraping tools remove pigment. Scraping tools leave distinct marks and can expose the linen texture of canvas or the weave of paper. Scraping tools include palette knives, razor blades, pins, nails, and saw blades. You can use any object to scrap away paint from a substrate providing you do not damage the surface of the substrate. PAPER TOWELS and SPONGES: Paper towels and sponges push pigment around and leave an imprint in the remaining pigment. TOOTHBRUSHES and ATOMIZERS: Toothbrushes or stiff bristled brushes and atomizers leave a splattered or mottled effect on the painting surface. Prepare sufficient acrylic paint for one painting session. Acrylic paints dry too quickly to leave for any period of time. An acrylic painting does not require a finish coat of varnish or shellac but, a finish coat will provide some measure of protection and even out irregular surface reflections. If you want to apply a finish coat to an acrylic painting, use an acrylic medium in gloss, semigloss, or matt. Do not use a petroleum- based acrylic varnish because petroleum derivatives may discolor and soften acrylic paint. Exercises in acrylic paints Painters in acrylic should frequently exercise painting techniques. Acrylic paint is not only one of the most versatile mediums but also one of the trickiest. Try underpainting and overpainting in acrylics. Paint a flat and graded wash. Practice wet and dry brush blending techniques. Learn to feel the difference in texture and surface effects between oils and acrylics. 1-55