Acrylic Skins Mosaic with Julie Davis
Turn dried acrylic paint into a kaleidoscopic mosaic! Known as “skins”, dried acrylic paint is a fun, flexible material that can be cut into shapes and arranged to create mosaic beautiful designs. Learn how to use mediums and add-ins for gorgeous transparent and textured effects—this demo is perfect...
Instructions
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Tape a sheet of palette paper (coated side up) or a basic plastic sheet protector to hardboard panel, pulling it to make it as flat as possible.
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Squeeze polymer gloss medium directly from the bottle onto the sheet. Use a wide foam brush to smooth the medium, moving it to the sides and corners of the sheet until it is flat and even. Apply a few drops of acrylic color into the gloss medium and work loosely through using a foam brush or paint brush. For marbled effects, use a wide-toothed comb or a sharpened tool.
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Allow to dry for several hours, until the white polymer gloss medium appears clear. Sheet may be placed in front of a fan to speed up dry time. Once dry, pull away from the sheet protector. The paint has formed a sheet known as a "skin".
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Prepare a piece of glassware or a clear acrylic sheet by cleaning with glass cleaner to remove any dust or fingerprints.
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Using scissors, cut skin into squares or shapes of any kind. Cut each piece as needed or, if preferred, cut entire sheet at once.
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Apply a small drop of clear glue to the skin piece and position it on the glass as desired. Leaving a space approximately 1/8", apply another piece next to it. Continue to place pieces, leaving a similar gap between, until design is complete.
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Using a 1" foam brush, spread polymer gloss medium over entire design, making sure to fill spaces between skin pieces. Allow to dry.
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NOTE: acrylic skin mosaics are not waterproof or food safe. Designs should be applied to the back side. Clean acrylic skins by wiping with a damp cloth and do not use detergents or cleaning solutions, as they may damage the acrylic surface. Keep acrylic skin pieces away from small children, as they may present a choking hazard.