Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Here you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions and general tips for troubleshooting. If you are not able to find an answer to the question you have and you have read through the tipsheet(s) of the product that you are working with, then please feel free to reach out to us via our contact page.
You can browse this section by clicking each product category below.
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- Crackle Tex
- Effects and Mediums
- Leaf and Foil Size
- Scumble
- Sealers, Topcoats and Varnishes
- Textures and Plasters
- Transfer Gel
- Wood Stains
Are Nature’s Wood Stain™ interior and exterior use?
Yes! Nature’s Wood Stains™ are both interior and exterior use. Allow surfaces to fully cure before use. If using exterior, allow the stain to cure completely before exposure to the elements.
Are Nature’s Wood Stain™ non-toxic and low odor?
Yes! Nature’s Wood Stains™ are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, zero VOC, plant-based, and Bio-Sustainable.
Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be combined?
Technically…Yes! But it may take some experimentation to determine the desired effect, mixture, and dry time.Mix Fine Stone and VP Antico to achieve a heavier textured application. As the combination dries, a natural crack pattern can appear depending on the ratio of Fine Stone to VP Antico.
Another popular combination is Fine Stone and Pearl Plaster to achieve a shimmery stone finish!
Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be tinted?
YES! All Artisan Enhancements™ Plasters come as a tintable base. Our plasters can be tinted with a variety of pigment sources including universal tint systems, water-based paints, and mineral pigments. When tinting we recommend starting with a mix of 3-part plaster to 1-part tint. Add more tint or pigment source as needed to achieve the desired color.Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be used outdoors?
Yes! All Artisan Enhancements™ plasters can be used outdoors with proper prep, application, sealing, and care. Review product tip sheets to learn more about outdoor applications, sealing, and care.Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be used to create relief stencils?
YES! All Artisan Enhancements™ Plasters can be used to create relief or embossed stenciled techniques. To create a relief stencil, load a small amount of plaster to a roller, stencil brush, or edge of a Color Shaper/Palette Knife. Using desired tool, push the plaster through the stencil with light pressure. Lift the stencil to reveal a relief pattern!Can Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble be tinted to create custom glazes?
Yes! Scumble can be tinted with a variety of pigment sources including universal tint systems, water-based paints, and mineral pigments. To tint Scumble: Start with a 3:1 ratio (3-part Scumble to 1-part tint/paint/pigment). Add tint source to Scumble glaze medium. Stir mixture thoroughly to combine. Test on a sample piece. To learn more about tinting Scumble review the comprehensive Tip Sheet.
Can Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble be used as a slip coat for washes and painted effects?
Yes! Scumble can be used as a slip coat for blended and dry-brush techniques. However (depending on the formula of the basecoat of paint), occasionally Scumble can re-wet and re-open painted layers with the reintroduction of moisture leading to muddy and inconsistent glaze applications. For best results, make sure the basecoat of paint is completely dry before the application of Scumble. If you’re nervous about the paint re-opening, seal the painted surface with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat prior to the Scumble application. We always recommend doing a test piece of your Scumble technique to see how the basecoat responds.
To use Scumble as a slip coat before paint application, apply a thin coat of Scumble to a dry pre-painted (basecoat) and sealed surface. While Scumble is still wet, apply paint over the Scumble layer. Use a brush or sea sponge to blend, soften, and manipulate the paint. To learn more about Scumble techniques and dry times review the comprehensive Tip Sheet.
Can Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble be used as an extender?
Yes! Scumble can be used to extend open-times (to keep paint from drying out on larger surfaces) and as a leveler (to improve flow and help reduce brushstrokes) for water-based paints. Add 5% by volume Scumble to paint to extend. If using a Scumble + Paint mixture, allow the surface to dry overnight before recoating or sealing.
Can Artisan Enhancements™ Transfer Gel be used as a decoupage medium?
Yes! Transfer Gel can be used as a decoupage medium and varnish. For full decoupage application and dry time instructions, review the Transfer Gel Tip Sheet.