Acrylic Skins Mosaic with Julie Davis

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.

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.

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".

Prepare a piece of glassware or a clear acrylic sheet by cleaning with glass cleaner to remove any dust or fingerprints.

Using scissors, cut skin into squares or shapes of any kind. Cut each piece as needed or, if preferred, cut entire sheet at once.

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.

Using a 1" foam brush, spread polymer gloss medium over entire design, making sure to fill spaces between skin pieces. Allow to dry.

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.