The Basics – Getting Started with Scumble Glaze
Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble is a translucent, glaze-like, medium and extender used to increase the open time of paint. Formulated with advanced chemistry – Scumble is non-toxic, low VOC, and eco-friendly!
Scumble is a tintable medium used to create custom color glazes. Create traditional glaze effects on sealed or prepared painted surfaces. Great for a variety of interior projects such as: furniture, cabinetry, decorative arts, and walls.
Basic Technique Application – Custom Scumble Glaze with Paint.
Scumble can be tinted with a variety of pigment sources including universal tint systems, water-based paints, and mineral pigments. For this tutorial we will be tinting Scumble with chalky style paint to create a custom glaze color.
Supply List
- Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble
- Artisan Enhancements™ 37mm Micro Brush (When choosing a brush – For lighter and more precision applications use a Flat, Micro, or 2″ Chip brush. For heavier glaze applications use a round brush. For hints of glaze accent and details use smaller 1/2″ chip brush, stencil/detail brushes)
- Mixing Cup
- Clean mixing tool (such as a wooden tongue depressor)
- Measuring Spoons
- Various colors of your favorite chalky style paint
- Sea Sponge or lint free shop rag for blending
- Artisan Enhancements™ Sealers
- Brushes for sealing
STEP ONE
Surface Preparation
Surfaces should be free of cleaner residue, dust, dirt, and debris. Surfaces should be dry before Scumble application. If painting/staining/layering before application, make sure the basecoat of paint/stain/layers are completely dry before application of Scumble. For best results let surfaces dry overnight before Scumble application. Note: Raw, stone, and untreated surfaces may need to be sealed with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat prior to Scumble application. These types of surfaces absorb too much of the medium resulting in shortened working times on the surface. Additionally, some paint formulas re-open readily with the reintroduction of moisture which can lead to muddy and inconsistent glaze applications. If you’re concerned about the paint re-opening, seal the painted surface with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat prior to Scumble application.
STEP TWO
Stir Scumble Medium
Stir the Scumble. Stir from the bottom up before every use – Do not shake. Shaking creates air bubbles in the Scumble medium which can be transferred to the surface causing undesired results. If bubbles appear while stirring, allow the bubbles to completely settle before application.
STEP THREE
Mix Scumble Glaze with Paint
Create the custom Scumble glaze. To tint Scumble with paint: Start with a 3:1 ratio (3-parts Scumble to 1-part paint). In a mixing cup, measure out the desired amount of Scumble. For this tutorial we are using tablespoons. Therefore, measure out 3 tablespoons of Scumble into the mixing cup. Add 1 tablespoon of paint to the Scumble. Stir mixture thoroughly to combine. Test on a sample piece. If desired, add more Scumble for lighter glazes or more paint for darker glazes. Keep testing and mixing until desired color and translucency is achieved.
STEP FOUR
Apply Scumble Glaze
When applying Scumble glazes, color depth depends on the length of time Scumble sits on the painted surface and amount of excess glaze removed. Before application, test on a sample piece to determine length of time to achieve the desired finish. Using a brush, apply the tinted Scumble mixture to the surface. For lighter glaze techniques, such as antiquing, “clouding”, and “water colored” effects, use a flat brush to work the glaze into the surface. For heavier all over glaze effects, use a round brush to cover more surface area during the application. For accents and hints of antiquing use smaller detail brushes to work the glaze into details.
Note: Stir tinted Scumble mixture before, during, and after each application. Scumble glaze mixtures thicken over time with air exposure. The thicker consistency will not affect the finish. If a thinner mixture is preferred, just add a bit more Scumble to the existing mixture.
STEP FIVE
Let the glaze set
Wait for the glaze to set. After application, Scumble tinted glazes need to sit on the surface to allow pigments of the paint to settle into the surface. Wait approximately 2-5 minutes for glaze to set. For lighter hints and wash effects, allow glaze to set for 2-3 minutes. For darker more pronounced glaze effects allow glaze to set for 4-5 minutes.
STEP SIX
Wipe back the glaze
Using a clean, lightly moistened sea sponge or a lint/dye free cloth, wipe back the excess Scumble glaze from the surface. When wiping back the glaze, try to use light pressure removing only the excess glaze from the surface. Too much pressure runs the risk of accidently wet-distressing the painted surface or removing all the glaze. If too much glaze is removed. Allow the surface to dry for a couple of hours, then repeat step 4-6. Allow the Scumble glaze surface to dry completely before adding additional layers or sealing. For optimal results allow the surface to dry overnight.
Note: If adding more layers of glaze, a thin layer of Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat may be needed to protect the first Scumble glazed layer from re opening with moisture. Allow layers to dry overnight before applying additional layers or sealer. Dry times between layers may be extended due to number of coats/layers, humidity, and cooler temperatures. For this basic technique no additional layers will be added. Proceed to sealing.
STEP SEVEN
Seal
Seal with Artisan Enhancements™ sealers Clear Topcoat or Clear Finish (See Sealer Tip sheet for proper sealer application). Scumble must be sealed to keep from re-opening when exposed to moisture.
Bonus Tip: 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.
Thanks for following along <3
To learn more about Scumble visit your local Artisan Enhancements retailer, review tip sheets, and visit FAQ section.