Perfect Pigment Tips & Techniques Uses and ideas from the creative art department of USArtQuest, Inc.

Perfect Pigment is made using the highest quality materials and standards known in the acrylic paint industry. There are no fillers or extenders added, allowing each pigment color to display its natural transparent or opaque intensity. Experts in the field of mica and artist materials, USAQ pearl and metallic pigments are made using mica platelets coated with a veil of titatanium dioxide. This causes the pigment particle to have both a reflective and refractive quality, while producing a luminious result as a paint. The beauty of using mica is that it is non-toxic and will not oxidize. Using Perfect Pigments Tips & Techniques Here are a few techniques I use to slow the drying time of acrylic paint. Tips: 1. Only put out exactly what will be used in a 15 minute to 1/2 hour time, applying more as needed as you work - to the same puddle. 2. Occasionally lightly spritz the palette of colors with water - before a 'skin' appears. 3. Use a heavily waxed palette (Studio Paper) so that the moisture from the paint is not absorbed into the surface. Using Studio Paper allows the liquid acrylic to 'bead', rather then 'spread'. The beading has a smaller air surface, slowing the drying of the paint beneath. 4. When there's time between working, place a second sheet of waxed paper over the top of the moist acrylics. (Wax paper is a quick alternative, but not waxed heavily enough to prevent air from permeating through, thus drying the paint.) 5. Use Perfect Glaze - Clear to slow the drying time. Even a drop or two will double or triple your working time, yet not change the consistency of the paint. (Also use the glaze to transform any color into a glazing acrylic.) 6. Use a retarding medium to slow the drying time. Do not use too much or the paint may remain tacky. I personally prefer using clear glaze because it can ALSO be used to make glaze. Retarding medium, while a good medium for slowing drying time, can only be used for that purpose.   This page may be reproduced with permission from USArtQuest, Inc. Italicized products are available from USArtQuest, Inc. and your local retailer, or www.usartquest.com