Hi there everyone! I am working on some dolls and I use air dry paints. I always wash and prime the kit before painting. When I’m doing my mottling layers, I notice they go on watery/beading up. I’m not sure what’s going on. I thin my paints with flow medium and a few drops of distilled water. I’ve also tried adding a little retarder. I’m wondering if I over thinned my paints? Maybe the paint is soaking up in the sponge? Maybe it’s the vinyl? I’m not sure. One doll the first layer I did after priming was mottle and the other I did a layer or 2 of flesh 08 after the primer. They are Bountiful Baby kits. Has anyone else had this problem? This was using Golden and waterborne paints.
Thanks,
Julie
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The paint is too thin. You may have to use a thicker, lighter color to get the same result.
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I use air dry…ultimate fusion. They sell anti bead and it helps a lot alos
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Ok so I need to make it thicker? How?
Try adding more paint to the mix
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Mine do this too sometimes and I just add more paint to it. Or varnish…I add that sometimes too.
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Dilute it less.
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I almost just add medium to mu mix, but if you have the flow medium, it’s more liquid already. Do not add water or retarder. Try with a damp sponge. Always do the mottling over a few layers of paint, it will help too. Gently tap the mottling with the side of the sponge before it dries.
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I can use the golden fluid paints with just flow medium in the mix? I always thought you had to add water because of how pigmented they are. I definitely add water to it when I’m doing washes. I may try the mottling with just the flow medium and paint. Do you have a ratio you use? Like 1 drop of paint to two drops of flow medium for example?
I use water in my washes. I don’t know the ratio with this medium as I use the matt medium. In fact, I don’t really have a ratio, I just go with testing the color on a paper towel. I always use more concentrated colors for mottling.
The only time I have beading is if I do the mottling first, without a few layers first, or if it’s been a while since I have put the last layer (between 2 sessions).
Try to test a few different methods on a test piece, you will find what works best for you.
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As stated, the flow medium is already watery so it thins the paints pretty well. The reason some add a little water is because painting with all flow medium over several layers can lead to a slightly tacky feeling baby and definite sheen. Not a problem in that those 2 things can be matted at the end but it is unwelcome for many. I always kept a jar of Liquitex ULTRA matte gel here because it is super thick and matte. You can add just a little brush full of it to your paint mix (with the flow medium) to thicken the paint and give it a bit more tooth so it goes on better and less likely to dry tacky. The other option as mentioned is you can add a couple drops of quality air dry varnish that does not peel to your paint mix first layer that is beading and that usually solves it. Or purchase something like the Anti-bead which will also work. Remember, all brands of air dry products are interchangeable because they are all made from the same things.
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Thanks Angie! So when I use flow medium, I don’t need to add the water? When I’m doing washes, what should I use? Washes I usually use water and I know too much water can weaken the binders. For washes, should I just use water and ultra matte gel?
You can do any combination that works for you. Play with your mixes. I like a combination of all 3.
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