Softees® Acrylics
- Details
- Last Updated: Thursday, 26 June 2014 17:23
A water based unique formulation that is smooth and creamy - perfect for base coating, brushwork and dry brushing. Opaque coverage can be achieved in one coat; two thin coats are recommended. Softees® Acrylics are non-toxic. Softees® are highly pigmented acrylic paints that can be used on ceramic bisque, wood, fabric, plaster, paper, and metal. Softees® are more concentrated (less water) than most conventional acrylic craft paints, so it takes fewer coats to get deep, opaque, rich color.
Available Sizes
- 2 oz squeeze bottles
- 8 oz squeeze bottle (white & black only)
Application Recommendations
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Shake well to thoroughly mix the contents.
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Apply to ceramic bisque or craft surface of choice. If using on bisque, lightly wipe the bisque surface with a damp sponge to remove dust or dirt.
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Use a synthetic brush for basic application: a base coat brush or a soft hair brush is ideal.
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Apply two thin coats for best results.
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Allow to dry thoroughly.
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Clean brushes in warm water and AC-525 Brush Cleaner.
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While Softees® are self-sealing you may want to use a sealer to provide extra protection for the decorated surface.
Helpful Hints
- For best results apply Softees® with a synthetic brush. Softees can be applied with a sponge or brush.
- It is better to apply two thin coats (lightly loaded brush) rather than one heavy coat (heavily loaded brush) as you will avoid creating ridges, brush marks and rough textures.
- Use of an additional sealer protects the project's decorated surface from dirt, oils from handling, etc. Either brush-on or spray sealers will do the job.
Dry Brushing with Softees Acrylic Stains
Dry brushing is a technique where very lightly loaded brushstrokes are used to tint a piece in gradual layers. A stiff synthetic brush is best for this technique.
Loading the Brush: work the brush into the color, and then wipe the excess color onto a paper towel until the bristles feel almost dry. Work the brush back and forth several times on the paper towel until little color remains in the brush.
The brush is worked in a soft back and forth motion until an evenly blended coat of color is achieved. In dry brushing, the color is slowly deposited, building up in layers. Some people describe this motion as “tickling,” “dusting” or “dancing” the color onto the surface. A heavier pressure of the brush will distribute more color onto the ware. A gradual building up of color is the desired effect. As you paint, the brush may or may not be cleaned in between colors to give a better mixture of colors. If the brush is cleaned between colors, all moisture should be removed by squeezing the brush in a paper towel before again loading the brush with color. It is better to let the brush dry completely, as the added moisture from the brush will affect the drybrushing technique. Allowing a couple of minutes of drying time to pass before the next color is applied works best. Working too fast between color applications can cause the previous color to be lifted off the piece. The general technique for dry brushing can vary depending upon the base coat color that is applied to the piece. Some techniques call for a dark color, such as black or dark brown, to be applied first to the entire surface of the ware. Then dry brushing of various colors in sequence is done to achieve the final effect. Other techniques call for you to apply a dark hue and then slowly apply lighter shades of that hue. Either technique is acceptable as long as the desired effect is ultimately achieved.
Product Label
Shake well. Apply one or more coats to craft surface. Dry between coats. Thin and clean up with water. Use sealer for added durability. Do not spray apply without proper personal protective equipment.