Artists Tips

Here are some tips and links from other artists that will make your critter creation easier!

All Pieces:

Paint:

1.     Acrylics by Golden, Windsor-Newton, Daler-Rowney, Pebeo, Lascaux, Liquitex or others as listed by "type of piece" work well. Please use an outdoor acrylic. 

2.     No Latex Wall Paint.

3.     Only use paints with a High Colorfast Rating that will not fade or yellow in sunlight.

4.     Paint in a place without dust particles or debris; allow piece to dry in the same type of place.

Do Not Use 

1.     Designs not suited for outdoor display, i.e. anything which fades from sun exposure, or can be damaged by wind, rain, etc.

2.     Photographs, glitter glue and other items susceptible to the elements.

3.     Images that are religious, political, or sexual in nature, or have controversial messages, insignia, corporate logos, advertising.

4.     Fragile or delicate designs which are not "kid friendly" or could be easily damaged by the public.

5.     Designs that could injure children i.e. sharp glass, raw edged.

Aluminum, Powder-Coated Butterflies

Butterflies arrive powder-coated white, stands will be powder-coated black

Preparation (critical to paint and finishing adhesion)

1.     Scrub with Light-Duty Sponge Scrubber, O-Cel-O type  (use green scrub side of sponge)

2.     Or lightly sand the entire art piece (edges included) with a fine grit sandpaper (150 grit)

          a.    Over-sanding may result in complications 

          b.    Gently sand only until surface appears dull, shine is eliminated

3.    Wash with mild dish soap/dry thoroughly; wipe clean with damp cloth or tack cloth; wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue

4.     Get every imperfection off before you move on to decorating

5.     If desired, prime with matte spray varnish to eliminate slick surface, however, paint will stick without varnish - allow to cure at least ½ hour before painting

Paint types 

1.     Most paints will work on the aluminum, powder-coated surface

2.     Automotive - you must use a primer of the same brand as your base paint(s), AND must be a lacquer (Plasti-Kote, available at any automotive store)

3.     Decorator - Enamel-type exterior paint only (Valspar, available at Home Depot or Fleet Farm)

4.     Rustoleum

5.     NO Envirotex Lite Pour-On Epoxy (discolors in sunlight)

Fiberglass/Resin Critters

Preparation (critical to paint and finishing adhesion) 

1.     Wash surface and check for defects, chips, holes

2.     Lightly sand with 80 - 120 grit sandpaper (over-sanding may result in complications).  If you are adding to your form, sand until the base primer looks to be removed.

         a.    If primer is flaking or you sand too harshly, wipe with denatured alcohol and prime with KILZ (Home Depot, Wal-mart)

         b.    If small holes, fill with bondo-type product ("Body Putty"), automotive filler or epoxy 

3.     Under paint (not necessary if applying mosaic or glue to art piece)

         a.    Use one coat of gesso, or white acrylic paint, diluted to a cream consistency

4.     To dilute - use ¼ cup golden polymer gloss medium in one quart of water

Painting/Decorating 

1.     You may use any of those listed under "All Pieces". 

2.     Most oil paints, if you have experience with oils.  Remember most oils need a longer drying time.

3.     If adding/sculpting forms onto your art piece, use:

         a.    Epoxy putty

         b.    Magic Sculpt, Magic Smooth

Helpful Links:

Cowpainters - Vendor who creates the fiberglass critters

Golden Paints - Tips for Outdoor Fiberglass Animal Sculptures

Magic Sculpt - Some tips for using Magic Sculpt