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Acrylic Gloss Varnish Medium
Author: Tyra L. Smith

Ohh did I just hear you say you want your watercolors to work and look like acrylics??? Ok, we can do that too. You need a medium called "Acrylic Gloss varnish/medium"... (which comes in four finishes: High Gloss, Gloss, Satin, Matte) Mix a drop or two of the gloss varnish medium with your watercolors - wallah - acrylic paints. The gloss varnish medium is also great as a sealant on top of your artwork I use it a lot as a sealant on my cigar boxes. Or if you are into collage/decoupage, the gloss varnish medium is a great "adhesive and sealant" all in one. (use it like a glue) You can also use the gloss varnish medium to mix dry pigments into (pearl ex, powdered pearls and faerie dust) to create a paint. If you mix the powdered pigments with the gloss varnish medium, no need for either gum arabic or a spray sealant. The acrylic gloss varnish mediums (all of them are clear) are very inexpensive, very versatile and quite useful as an addition to your supplies. I use the Liquitex brand of the acrylic gloss varnish mediums, and I got mine at Michael's, but you could also get them from any art supply store or craft store that carries acrylic paints.

If you want a slightly shimmery/sparkly seal over something, try mixing a little ultra fine glitter into the gloss varnish medium prior to painting it over your surface. Georgeous.

Gloss varnish medium can also be used to create image transfers. Use a photocopy or tear/cut a picture from a magazine. Now brush on several thin layers of the gloss varnish medium (letting each layer dry before applying another layer) and let the coated piece dry overnight so it is thoroughly dry. Soak it in water and gently begin to rub off the web paper. The image will be transfered to the gel medium and will be awesomely cool looking once you get all the wet paper off. Another very useful product to have on your shelf

Copyright 2002 Tyra Smith Cloud9@netnet.net
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