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.
Does Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble need to be sealed?
Yes. Once fully dry, we recommend sealing all Scumble applications with Artisan Enhancements™ sealers. If the Scumble technique is left unsealed it can re-open and re-activate if exposed to moisture. Note: Wax maybe used over surfaces with Scumble Glazes. To add an additional layer of wax, first seal the surface with one thin coat of Clear Topcoat sealer. After 72 hours of dry-time, additional colored waxes can be layered over the Clear Topcoat sealed surface. Follow wax manufacturer’s instructions for wax applications.
Why is my basecoat of paint lifting while applying Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble glaze?
Scumble is a translucent water-based effect medium. Scumble was developed to be worked and manipulated into the surface. Due to the performance properties and application method, occasionally (depending on the formula of the basecoat of paint) Scumble can re-wet and re-open painted layers readily with the reintroduction of moisture leading to muddy and inconsistent glaze applications. For best results, if painting before application, 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 glaze to see how the basecoat and tinted glazes respond.
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™ 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.