No, direct mixing of FolkArt Pouring Medium with FolkArt Pouring Paint is not necessary as FolkArt Pouring Paints are already premixed with the necessary amount of Pouring Medium and no mixing is required. NOTE: FolkArt Pouring Paint (paint that does not need to be mixed with Pouring Medium) can, however, be used as one of the desired colors when creating a fluid art project along with FolkArt Acrylic Paints (that do need to be mixed with Pouring Medium.)
Thinning FolkArt Pouring Medium is not necessary, as it is manufactured to the perfect consistency to create a variety of marbled effects using either the Direct Pour Method, the Dirty Pour Method, or the Flip Cup Method.
No, shaking FolkArt Pouring Medium may only introduce air bubbles into the product. It is best not to shake before using.
No, FolkArt Pouring Medium should be used on indoor surfaces only, as it is not designed to be permanent outdoor without an outdoor sealer or varnish applied. When decorating an outdoor surface with FolkArt Pouring Medium mixed with FolkArt acrylic paints, the completed project should be varnished with an outdoor varnish such as FolkArt Outdoor Sealers available in Matte, Satin or Gloss finishes.
Begin by pouring equal amounts of FolkArt Pouring Medium and a FolkArt Acrylic Paint color into a small cup or container. Mix by gently stirring using a plastic spoon or wood Popsicle stick until thoroughly mixed. Continue for each desired color.
FolkArt Pouring Medium when mixed with FolkArt Acrylic Paints will dry to the touch within 24 hours, however, it will take approximately 48 hours before it is cured to the surface.
Although the mixture of FolkArt Pouring Medium and FolkArt Acrylic Paints begins to set up soon after marbling and may be dry to the touch within approximately 1 hour, the project surface may not be completely dried until 24 hours after the pour. Variables such as the type of surface being marbled, the thickness of paint application and the humidity of the work area will all affect the individual drying time of each marbled project.
Because FolkArt Pouring Medium and FolkArt Acrylic Paints are water-based products rather than solvent-based products, cleanup is easy using soap and water.
FolkArt Pouring Medium does not require a lot of surface prep. The main concern is to have the surface thoroughly cleaned well prior to painting. You may also find it easier to create a marbled effect over a surface that has been basecoated with FolkArt Acrylic Paint.
- Wood – If desired, sand smooth any rough areas prior to painting.
- Terra Cotta – Wipe to remove dust. If the terra cotta has been previously used, be sure to thoroughly clean in warm soapy water to remove all dirt deposits and allow to dry completely. If the terra cotta flower pot will be used with a live plant, seal interior prior to planting so water does not seep through possibly blistering exterior paint.
- Metal and Tinware– Metal that has been enameled or sealed should be washed in warm soapy water, dried and then wiped with rubbing alcohol to remove remaining grease or soap residue.
- Canvas – No prep required prior to painting on canvas.
- Papier Mache – Wipe over surface with dry paper towel to remove dust.
- Glass and Ceramics – Wash surface well in warm soapy water, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. Wipe over surface with rubbing alcohol to remove remaining soap or grease residue.
- Bisque or Unglazed Ceramics – Wipe to remove dust or loose dirt.
No, unfortunately, all projects created with FolkArt Pouring Medium are not dishwasher safe, nor should they be immersed in water. These marbled surfaces should be used for decorative purposes only.
Yes, projects created using FolkArt Pouring Medium mixed with FolkArt Acrylic Paints MUST be sealed. Project surfaces can be spray sealed using FolkArt Acrylic Lacquers (Matte, Satin, or Gloss Finishes) or brushed with FolkArt Artists’ Varnish (Satin or Gloss). NOTE: Before storing finished marbled projects, surfaces should be sealed to keep projects from sticking to one another.
Many surfaces can be decorated with FolkArt Pouring Medium, when premixed with FolkArt Acrylic paints, such as wood, papier mache, paper (for notecards), canvas, metal, and terra cotta. If attempting to marbleize a sealed surface such as glassware, glazed ceramics, or hard plastic, please note that the surface should be kept as a “decorative use only” surface as it will not be able to be washed. The same goes for marbleizing fabric surfaces such as a tote bag; FolkArt Pouring Medium is not washable on a fabric surface.
A variety of miscellaneous tools can be used to create marbled effects using FolkArt Pouring Medium and FolkArt Acrylic Paints. Tools to swirl paints such as: Popsicle sticks, wood skewers, an artist stylus, etc. are all helpful. Push pins, raised platforms, or tin cans or bottles can all be used as risers to keep the project surface off of the work table and allow excess paint to drip freely. And lastly, tools to use on the work surface such as cardboard box lids, or aluminum pans can be used on the work surface to catch excess paint drips.
FolkArt Pouring Medium is specifically formulated as a fluid paint medium designed to be used with fluid art techniques.