Lindy's Mica Powders

[LorraineBK]

Has anyone used the Mica Powders to paint? What Lindy's products do you use for painting if not the Mica powders? I haven't seen any instruction as to how much water to mica powder is needed to make a paint. I would probably just add a little until I thought it was the right consistency.

[stampyra]

When using mica to paint, I eyeball it. If you're using water & you use too much water you can just let it set for a bit. I do my colors in those inexpensive circular paint pallets with lids. If I have leftovers, I just snap on the lid & spritz it with water when I want to use it again. I have an eyedropper bottle to add water to the mica when it's dry. If you're using the mica without a binder in it, be sure to add some. You can get gum arabic in powder or liquid form. That you want to use a four to one ratio, with mica being the four parts. I know several of Lindy's have binder in them.
I've also seen people use the sprays & daubers to paint with. Just open the bottles & stick in a brush. The colors look awesome. JIL

[LorraineBK]

Thanks so much for the information. It tells me everything I need to know to get started.

[Louisa May]

I use Lindy's mica powders frequently. I use them with gel medium, mod podge, and sometimes PVA glue. Mixed with these the mica powders need no binder. I add the mixative until I have the color I want. I mix small amounts increasing as needed in an empty plastic egg container, or a plastic easel.

[LorraineBK]

When you say gel medium are you referring to the gum arabic (not powder form)?

[Louisa May]

I was referring to acrylic gel mediums like the ones you see here: http://www.dickblick.com/products/liquitex-gel-mediums/ These are Liquitex brand, but Golden makes great ones too, and there are other brands as well. At the Dick Blick site you can see definitions of gel mediums and the effects, like glossy, textured, matte, different mediums produce. If you find the mixture too thick when you mix them with mica powder, you can add water to thin the liquid. Powdered and liquid gum arabic work also. But it's easier to find gel mediums and Mod Podge on sale.

[LorraineBK]

Thanks. I happen to already have gum arabic gel. The info on Dick Blick is very helpful. Thanks again.