The Bubble Effect Technique
The Bubble Effect technique is one of those textures which gives the 'WOW' factor. If you want to create a texture effect which will have people looking and pointing, then this
certainly is one for the 'real texture freaks'.
Be warned this effect is the hardest out of all of my techniques to master, some people can get it with outstanding results, whereas others
really struggle. But it is important that you have patience with this
effect, that is the only advice I can offer which is of any help. Take
your time, experiment with the products you have available and just be
patient.
I have started a discussion because I know there will be questions and those who have done the technique before and would like to post their results, then HERE is the link to
the discussion.
Here is another explanation:
You will find attached to this discussion a PDF containing the step by step instructions on how to create this effect.
All I ask in return is that you promote my name and this Ning site, So thanks for your support!
Many people have treed and several have failed to achieve the bubbles. I am hoping with this explanation it will clear up any problems you have been having. I will also show you how you can achieve bubbles with less paint and layers. Basically there are 2 important things which will determine your success at achieving bubbles. The first is the type of paint and the second is how you apply it. Also forget the damn hairdryer folks, you need to whip out the heat gun! A hairdryer won't scorch that 'bee..arch' like a heat gun can! So get NASTY.
Type of paint
It is important to use outdoor water based house paint. It won't work successfully with normal artist acrylics, it just isn't thick enough. You will also have to let your house paint dry out a little. You need to put some in a plastic container and leave it to thicken. It needs to form a skin on it like milk which has been left out for a few days..eeewwwwwh. See example below:
Consistency needs to be of thickened tooth paste, if you can hold your brush upright in it, then your definitely set! OK, not that thick by pretty thick, you get my drift!
Application of Paint
This is critical to success! I have learned that it isn't about how thick you apply it, in fact it is how thin you apply it which determines success. The example below clearly demonstrates that one layer of thick house paint applied thinly, gives you bubbles. Pictures tell 1000 words. Just look how thin I have applied the paint, you can even see in sections it is almost right back to the paper's surface. Note: you don't need to build and build layers to achieve bubbles.
OK, so I mentioned I knew an easy way to achieve the bubbles without the layers. All you have to do is simply apply t-shirt transfer paper to your surface first. You just iron it on like you would a t-shirt. Then apply your artist acrylics, just one good layer. Heat it up using your heat gun and you should get bubbles. See example below. Look how thin the layer of acrylic paint is, and BAM...bubbles.
Tags: bubble, effect, technique
Views: 2357
- Attachments:
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Bubble Technique.pdf, 3.1 MB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steven Johnson on -
Okay Mo...
Fair enough...lol. I know what you mean about just going for it. I haven't tried it yet so I had to ask. Currently I'm without studio space so working traditionally is not possible, but it looks like that's going to change very soon.
When selling my art, I think I longevity is always an issue of concern for me. I want it to be quality lasting stuff. I think my anal retentive tendencies serve me really well in terms of keeping my focus on details and product quality, but I totally get the importance of experimentation and loosening up.
For me it's about finding a balance between experimentation and quality. I like knowing that whatever I put out there is gonna have staying power, but yeah, striving for that can make me feel like I might want to reserve that hospital room...
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Permalink Reply by Mo Mapes on -
I know exactly how you think- I am/was that way too and it made me NOT try different things. I was really worried about the house paint but I got to thinking that it is made to last on a house that is bombarded by the sun, wind, rain, etc. every day. If it can stand that for as long as it does I can't imagine it not having staying power on a canvas inside. Quality means a lot to me so I only use good paints in my paintings but I also want to have some FUN and I think this bubble thing will be just fine. I believe if you burn the paint you might be in a bit of trouble with longevity. But then again if you seal the piece with some acrylic coating at the final stage it's like encasing and protecting the piece. I always have trouble storing my stuff because I typically have things sticking out quite a ways. So they go on my walls. I was going to throw some away because I don't have room for storing but the gallery I'm with said to wait - they are just about finished with their website and say to let them put my weird stuff up on the site and it will probably sell in places like NY, CA, FL, the Southwest. Sometimes I wish I just painted flat things- it would be so much easier to store but I just can't seem to keep from going 3D.
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Permalink Reply by Steven Johnson on
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You know exactly how I think? Well congrats to ya.... I've been trying to figure that one out since forever. It's nice to know all I have to do is ask you...lol.
Just kidding of course... I know you didn't mean it literally...or did yoouuuuu....
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Permalink Reply by Mo Mapes on
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I meant that I was a lot more anal years back so I guess I know a bit about how your brain is working. I really am a person that is very technical and precise and I have to work at NOT being that way so I can expand my thinking and doing. But I'm sure you are much better at the details and quality of your work than I am now.
Sorry- my brain is fried from no food and no sleep and crazed clients today so I don't even know what I'm typing- so just ignore that person behind the curtain!! and yes- I was teasing a bit................................I'm rummy.............
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Permalink Reply by Danielle Evans on -
I think it depends on how thick or what kind of paint you are using sometimes the bubbles go quite hard. Varnish probably helps too.
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Permalink Reply by Diana on -
ooops I was looking for this thread this morning, and couldn't find it, so i posted my two latest bubble technique paintings in my Golden's Asphaltum Glaze thread!
Here are two small versions:
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Permalink Reply by Danielle Evans on
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Very nice, good balance of colour.
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Permalink Reply by Diana on
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Here's a new 12" x 12" bubble canvas using Gary's technique!
Bigger ones coming soon!
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Permalink Reply by JoyfulArtist on -
Thanks Gary...The first pdf was good...this is even better...You are such the TEACHER! Also, sooooo generous!
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Permalink Reply by judi earwaker on -
Love this look, Iplan to try it soon. Thanks Judi
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Permalink Reply by Dana Pruner on -
Alrighty, here's my 1st attempt at the bubbles. I can see that next time I need to use thicker coats of house paint as the bubs are small. This was a lot of fun to do!
A splash of blue:
Badge
Birthdays
Birthdays Today
Birthdays Tomorrow
Music
HERE ARE 2 LINKS to TWO of my youtube videos talking and demonstrating about this amazing product:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIc02QBihJQ&feature=share&list=UUM6N5AOYoyg6eAkbcDWpNFg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zAPZn5TEyM&list=UUM6N5AOYoyg6eAkbcDWpNFg&index=41
So once i have my image printed onto transparency film, I take my Ezscreen silk screen which has been coated in light sensitive emulsion (These sheets come pre-coated so they are ready to use). Place it onto a black board, then place the transparency image on top (this part needs to be done in a dark room with no direct sunlight). I take it outside and expose it for 1 minute and 40 seconds (but time varies depending on time of day and strength of sunlight). After i have exposed the image i place it into a tub of water for around 5 - 8 minutes. Then i rinse the screen out under fast running water until the unexposed area (the black) washes away. I then expose the screen to the sun for a further 20mins to completely harden the light sensitive emulsion.
And this is the completed screen ready for printing. I simply use an old credit card to spread the ink over the screen making sure i do one complete full stroke across the screen (holding the credit card at a 45 degree angle). I immediately wash the screen out under fast flowing water and pat dry. I use fabric screen printing ink which washes out in water (which makes the process easy).
I love this product, their website is http://ezscreenprint.com/ (for full instructions and details on how to purchase this awesome product).
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