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
