Various ways to thin or reduce acrylic paints

Thinning acrylic paint with Pledge floor care?

If you have visited any of the modeling forums, you probably heard about model hobbyist using Future floor shine to thin acrylic paints for airbrushing or creating washed to highlight intricate details.  In fact, it does work as Future is nothing more than an aqueous clear acrylic suspension.  The problem is that it has been hard to find.  The Future name was discontinued in 2008 and was replaced with Pledge Floor care featuring future.  You can read more about it here.

I have used the Pledge floor care many times with good effect with craft acrylics in an airbrush.  The Pledge even works as a decent clear coat as well but I would suggest a follow up lacquer coating to seal it. 

The main benefit of the Pledge floor care is the acrylic resin content.  You can dilute it down without jeopardizing the paint film integrity.  If you reall want a cheap way to fluidize an acrylic paint, Windex serve quite well in moderation.  Typically, you would not want to use more than 50% of the volume.  It is also usefull for cleaning up acrylic paint from surfaces prior to drying.

Novaplex 235

 

If you are looking for more traditional art materials, Novaplex 235 is the choice if you do not want to brake the bank.  This is one of several mediums that Nova Color Paints offers.  They are a manufacturer/ distributor for artist quality acrylic mural paints.  I pick up the 32 ounce jar featured in the photo for just $11.75 plus shipping.

Mid Century Decor Pieces Make Great Gifts

Mid Century Decor for Christmas



As the holiday season is quickly approaching,  many are already looking for gifts for the people special to them.  Mid Century decor makes a great gift for anyone of your friends or family who can appreciate modern decor.  A lot of what is considered mid century or modern consist mostly of geometric forms and simple lines.  These traits make it easy to blend with almost any room or office. Like the 7 squares seen in the photo above.  It's elegance and simplicity are accented by the random round hemispheres.

Take this leaf spray for instance.  It mimics natural form but the warmth of the copper leaves paired with the satin gleam of the braze welded branch make for a handsome decor for the den or bedroom.

Another mid century art piece done from cut nails.  It features basic geometric form much like the 7 squares sculpture but Quadrant is more dimensional.  It can cast shadows with certain light angles appearing larger than it really is. 
This is just a sampling of what I have to offer.  Check out my Etsy shop to see several other nail wall art, table top sculptures, candle holders, and coat hangers.



 

Brazed Nail Candle Holder

 



I just completed a brazed nail sculpture candle holder.  It is inspired by mid century metal wall art with square cut masonry nails.  This sculpture holds three tealight or votive candles.  The brazed joints offer an aesthetic contrast.  The whole sculpture is wire brushed to bring it to a nice satin shine.

To add distinctive character, the support bar is pitted steel, that had the rust removed, producing a textured surface.  This gives the candle holder an almost industrial look.  I plan on exploiting this technique more in the future. 



Recent work "Intrigue"

This work I called "Intrigue" because of how the creative process was so natural and organic.  In that lies the irony.  A geometric, inorganic, and synthetic abstraction came into existence in a purely organic way.  Initially, I had a 6 inch ring made from 1/4' square steel bar.  I had just previously sold my large art nouveau floral panel and needed to fill my wall with something.  It had to have substantial size but weigh next to nothing.  Seeing that, and the fact I had rough almost 8 feet of 1/4" square bar, I proceeded.  I started with rectangular frame and contemplated using the ring.  The ring needed to draw the focus and be at least somewhat central.  The intersecting lines coming in at a right angle where a last minute shot in the dark.  It work out in the end.  The hemispherical pipe cap fit perfectly between the line and the fame.  It was if it was made only for this sculpture.  The torch perforated sheet metal add to the reflective properties and cast interesting shadows.  All this was brought together by braze welding the steel with bronze filler rod.  This creates an aesthetic contrast with the grey steel.

Post modern geometric wall art

I recently made a post modern geometric wall art from left over scraps.  What I came up with was something of simple design yet quite sophisticated.  The base coat is flat black oil based paint.  The larger triangle has dry brushed silver accent paint in a diagonal direction.  The front triangle features the most dramatic finish.  The finish consist of several costs of different colors layered on with plastic shopping bags as the painting tool.   

Key Holders are here

Key holders are here!  These novel and unique key holders make great gifts for the holidays.  The retro, mid-century inspired key holder featured above is a good example.  Reactangular shapeds connected by golden curvy lines give this piece a unique style.  Whats more, the rectangles themselves have remarkable depth.  They feature a multilayers paint job consisting of a peridot metallic green basecoat.  To brighten it up a gold transparent glaze is applied to add warmth while allowing the base coat to show through.  Here is a closer look at the glaze affect:

The photo does not do it justice.  It is far more satisfying in person.

This is a smaller key holder yet it is still quite effectively modern.  The vibrant purple gel paint over a silver base coat makes for a nice accent to the dominating silver ring and the black frame. The selection of colors and simplicity of design will ensure that this key holder will fit in to any decor.

Dry brush painting on rusted metal

This is my latest sculpture I have been working on. It is a welded steel aculpture of a upcycled robot that I put together from odds and ends I had around.  After many days of deciding on the finish, I came up with the idea of rust patina.  I do not see alot of robots with rust patinas so I thought it was overdue.  I have done this before with with another rusted composition. It worked out well enough.  I used a spoon of salt in 1/4 cup of vinegar then mixed with 3% hydrogen peroxide and spray the steel.  It works instantly but needs numerous applications to get a complete cover.

Having the robot rusted I felt there was something more needed.  Then it dawned on me, I need to put a distressed paint to give the impression of age and weathering.  That, indeed, will give our robot friend a characteristic and distinctive look.  Considering the roughness of the adhering rust, I realized using an almost dry brush to apply paint could easily lend itself to a fairly convincing distressed look.



The key here is to apply a paint that is not too thin that it runs into nooks and crannies but not so thick that it shows brush strokes.  When You have the right fluidity, you apply with an almost dry brush and leave some areas uncovered.  This took only about 45 minutes but the finished results look like it took 45 years.

Abstract clock gets a facelift

A couple of years ago I completed a wild Memphis style abstract metal art clock.  Well, last week, while cleaning, my wife knocked it off the wall and it broke into 3 pieces.  Since I had no choice but to repair it, I decided some changes where needed.  I changed the color of the bowl from red violet to dashing purple. The brass star was replaced with a metallic turquiose perforated panel.  I reapplied the black paint with metallic saphire accent.  The clock is available at this listing in my Etsy shop!

Geometric garden art

Here is a recently sculpture I completed.  It is  3D Geometric traingle sculpture made from 16 gauge steel triangles welded together.

It was designed to be able to rest in a variety of positions to cast a variety of unique shadows.  With its tough oil based enamel finish and several coats of clear, it is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. If you wish to see this alongside other great garden sculptures please visit my squidoo lense about metal art for the garden!

Industrial chic assemblage

This sculpture I just completed is an assemblage of random bits of scrap steel I have gathered over recent months.  The metal has come from, a garage door opener, paper shredder, chain, and various hardware items.  This Industrial Chic Metal Wall Art Assemblage measures 13 inches long by 9 inches in width.  It stands one inch from the wall to cast interesting shadows on the wall.

Best Reviewer's Best of Top Reviews 2012

Best Reviewer's Best of Top Reviews 2012

Just finsihed a Top regarding the way to finish metal art.

Cutting straight cuts in metal with angle grinder

Sometimes you need as close to perfect straight cut in metal but you might not have the money or facilities for a large metal brake.  Well, believe it or not, you can make reasonably straight cuts with an angle grinder.  With this relatively simple and expensive tool, you can make reasonably square cuts for making fixtures or metal furniture frames. 

Abstract self portrait

Ok so it might not like exactly like me but it is an abstract generalization.  None the less, it would be a fun, festive, and funky addition to your decor.  This abstract metal face wall art is painted in bold metallic colors and glossy lacquers to make a statement on your wall. Check it out in my Etsy shop today!

Dancing dude candle holder

Just completed my latest work of art.  It is a dancing, partying blue dude with wild hair.  Oh did I mention he is also a metal candle holder?  You can view more information in this Etsy listing that I just uploaded moments ago.

You can remove dried acrylic paint from your favorite shirt!!

In the photo above is a pair of shorts that I wear and it has dried yellow acrylic paint on it.  I am here to inform you that if you have a garment that has met a simular fate, all hope is not lost.  In fact, in about nine out ten times, you will be able to rub that stain with rubbing alcohol.  In case that does not work, and you want to break out the heavy artillary, then by all means check out an article I wrote  about 5 liquids that can remove dried acrylic paint.  Otherwise, check out how I rubbed out the paint with 91% isopropyl alcohol.

No the shorts did not fade, that was just a little different lighting during photography.  When the wet spot  dried, you could not tell there EVER was paint there.

Ultramarine pigment

Ultramarine blue is a versatile pigment with an extensive history.  In modern times it is made by taking pure kaolin clay, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and sulfur and roasting it in a kiln.  The pigment is lightfast, and stable to air and alkaline environments.  It is useful in coloring mediums such as  linseed oil, acrylic emulsion, milk paint, plaster, cement. and soap. 

It is very intense blue and only a little is needed for coloring.  I used it quite a bit in soap making and I frequent start with ultramarine blue when mixing up paint for my art

Bolt man returns, A new look on upcycled nuts and bolts

I made and sold the first bolt man candle holder.  I liked it so much I decided to make it again.  This time I used a 1/4 inch thick square plate as a base.  And to top it all off, he is now pearl lime green!  Ready for summer!  The new and improved boltman is available in my Etsy shop.

How I paint metal art

I recently wrote and uploaded an article titled "Applying multiple layers of paint for effect"  where I discuss how I take advantage of the properties of translucent and transparent paints to create rich color schemes with depth.  The paints I used were Createx pearlescent as basecoats and Krylon Xmetals  for topcoats. 
The above artwork "Dimensional Memphis style metal wall art" came out real nice using this technique.

Upcycled Industrial chic metal art

It never ceases to amaze me how a few random pieces of metal scraps, washers, bolts and fasteners can end up being a sophisticated decor item.  Take this abstract work called angular stance.  It demands attention by its leaning stance.  Its wire brushed and lacquered natural finish is guaranteed to blend with any decor.

Or perhaps, you are looking for something completely off the wall.  Look at this elegant but heavy candle holder called Contemplation.  Decidingly geometric, minimalistic, and industrial, this piece exudes a sense of deep thought and concentration.

Another photo showing "Contemplation" with two tealight candles lit.

Beautiful Brazed nail wall panel

This is a recent addition to my Etsy Shop a dimensional 3D brazed nail sculpture

mounted on a steel panel painted deep transparent red.  My family adores it and my daughter

says it looks Chinese.  I do kind of see a definite Asian design element here.  You

can find out more about this artwork here  and see purchasing options as well.



Floral Metal Panels

One thing I really enjoy welding is floral panels.  The pictured above is a panel I just completed with a hand painted butterfly accent and listed in my Etsy shop.  Upon closer examination you can see the painstaken attention to detail on the butterfly.

The frame and the flowers where airbrushed with Createx pearlescent paints but the butterfly is hand painted with metallic paints, some of the colors are custom blends with mica powders added to enhance the color or shine.  It is 20 inches in length and 6.75 inches wide.

Followup to sticks and discs & another garden sculpture

This is the completed work of sticks and discs with its nice red oil based finish.  For more details please visit this link to find out the dimensions, how it was painted and purchasing options.

This work called Geometric Shapes Garden Sculpture is something whimsicle I came up with.  I had some 1/4" rod and I started by making circles around a fixture I made from Schedule 40 4 inch pipe.  Just for giggles and grins I thought I would make a couple rectangles and a triangle.  The base was an assemblage of scrap materials I was trying to find a use for.

My latest upcycled metal art-retro sticks and discs

Going retro with some found scrap metal

My latest work is a retro George Rickey inspired mid century assemblage.  It is essentially sticks and disc arranged in a seemingly random and vertical form welded together and on a heavy steel base.  The two photos above represent the scultpure after I cleaned the burrs and spatter off with a Dremel since my angle grinder could not reach these areas.

Here is the piece with some Rustoleum white primer.  I will be painting it Apple red with plenty of gloss so stay tuned!  I will have this item ready in my etsy shop sometime this weekend!  I will post updates!







Steampunk found object gear tree!

Here is a nice piece I made up in one evening.  It is an abstract steampunk gear tree.  The gears where obtained from a defunt paper shredder and the rod from a boxspring matress.  The best part IMHO is the very cool metallic blue green paint I mixed up myself.  How about a closeup of the base I made from a bigger 2.5 inche gear and a washer!



If you would like to purchase this item you may check out its listing in my Etsy shop.

Createx airbrush paints

Just wanted to inform those that might be looking for information on Createx paint and well as links, and a voting poll,  you might want to visit The Createx Airbrush Paint lens on squidoo .  It taks about the three basic createx paint types, where to buy them, and where to find great deals on other airbrush supplies.

Wind surfer

My latest addition to my Etsyshop.  It is an abstract wind surfer sculpture made from nuts, bolts, and scrap metal.  It stands 10 inches tall, and 8.5 inched tall.  I am starting to get more into figurative art. Please visit and enjoy!

Ambient Music squidoo lens

Just want to inform you of myAmbient Music Squidoo Lens  .  I discuss how this music plays a key role in my creative process.  It creates imaginary sound scapes where I drift into new dimensions of preception.

Decorative floral wall panel

I recently finished this masterpiece being inspired to dream about springtime.  It is a 9"X 15" welded steel wall art panel airbrush painted in metallic acrylic paints.  This panel is listed here in my Etsy shop.

Createx Airbrush paint

Createx airbrush paint is a quality air brush paint that can be used on meny surfaces. They come in a variety of vivid colors and finishes and most of them are ready to spray from the bottle through an airbrush.  For smaller tip airbrushes some thinning may be required.

Pearlized paints

One of the most dazzling line of Createx paint is Pearlized paint. These paints are semitransparent and add a pearlized look to a finish. This is especially usefull is custom paint jobs and decorative.

Iridescent colors

Iridescent colors are simular to the pearlized but with and added hue shift when moved in the light. It gives the impression of depth of most colors.

Opaque Colors

These are the flat ordinary colors. They do not have fluorescence, metallic shine, or pearlescent qualities. They are usually base colors for the other color types.      

 

For more information or where to purchase these paints please check out this squidoo lens about createx paints .