Copyright © 2019 Burnham-
Meeting Reviews
January 2018 -
February 2017 -
April 2016 -
January 2016 -
October 2017 - Tony George
Apologies for the brief report this month as I was unable to attend the meeting.
Our club secretary said “The demo was very interesting, Tony and Di used a combination of paints and colours to texture and colour turned items, all very complicated. Apart from the spirit based colours this was easy for me to follow so I think I'll probably have a go at that.”
The details of the techniques used are shown below …
MARBLING
1 Mix Carrageenan
It takes about 2 to 3 tablespoons of powder per gallon depending on make and batch. Get 4 Litres of water and slowly sprinkle powder in whilst stirring. If you drop lumps in they are very hard to disperse. After 2 tablespoons check the viscosity, this can be done by dropping a pebble/marble in a glass tumbler full, it needs to take 2 to 3 seconds to sink to the bottom. If not thick enough add more powder, when it’s over 2 seconds leave it till the next day to thicken, if it’s too thick next day add water carefully when over 1 ½ seconds that will do. The mix can be used as many times but remembering it is organic so bacteria will build up after 3 to 4 days.
2 Alum (aluminium sulphate)
Take ½ teaspoon full of alum powder and mix in ½ a cup of water. This is then painted on the wood and left to dry. The more porous the wood the better it works. For the base colour spirit stains can be used but they need to be diluted with thinners or they will clog up the pores of the wood stopping the alum absorbing later.
Paints
Most acrylic paints can be used including iridescent but require diluting down to about single cream viscosity. Either use water or flow medium
Method
Lay paints on carrageenan with small spoon or syringe close to the surface. After placing all colours on slowly drag a tooth pick, paint brush handle, etc. through the colours to give required effect, try not to go too deep in the carrageenan as if folded in it will nullify the paints.
As you push the wood in a flat surface will give a mirror paint effect on the wood but a h/f will drag down the side giving a different effect. After dipping run the wood under a steady stream of water until all carrageenan is removed leaving just paint pattern and leave to dry.
The paint in the bucket can be stirred in the mix and will not compromise any future dips.
Finishing Gloss
When the wood is dry, -
Finishing Oil
If using an oil finish this can be applied straight on the paint but do not over work it or you could smudge the paints underneath.
INKS
Inks can also be used on carrageenan mix but can be problematic sinking into mix and can contaminate the mix with inks.
MARBLING WITH SPIRITY STAINS
Using a bucket of tap water left for 2 days to disperse chlorine contamination or better still rain water. Using pipettes drip Yellow first onto water surface gently until a thin film covers the surface then add other colours, take note that different colours all react differently on top of each other when all colours are added they cannot be moved about with a stick but you can gently blow them with a straw for effect. Again using a porous wood NO PRIMER OR ALUM can be dipped straight in. Remove and leave to dry ready for finishing.
With spirit stains you will need to use water based finish not cellulose. Oil finish can be used but care has to be taken not to overwork the oil or you will disturb colours.
Thanks to Tony and Di for what sounds like a very interesting meeting covering a topic which we don’t often see at the club. Examples of their work can be viewed on their website www.anthonygeorge.net
David Langan