Watch Your Scotchgard

Previously, I had been suggesting the use of strong water repellents like Scotchgard to seal paint. It is a convenient alternative to traditional sealants. However, I have recently noticed several problems. The waterproofer is much more corrosive than it initially appears to be. Unless sprayed liberally over most acrylic paints, no adverse effects are apparent. Also be careful of the following:

• It discolors. Some mild yellowing is visible, especially with lighter colors.
• Bleeding- it also causes oil-based inks to bleed through any layers over it.
• And again, corrosion. It can dissove thin coats of paint and eat through lightweight materials such as tissue paper.

This is, of course, just what I've gathered from personal experience. I have done no experimenting and cannot decisively determine precise effects.

Of Colors and Acrylic Paint

Most of the time, there's nothing wrong with bright colors. They're meant to be light and cheerful, but at other times, bright colors need to avoided or at least used conservatively. So suppose you've already laid down a layer of acrylic paint, hoping that when it dries the color will be not quite as blatantly loud and lacking in subtlety. Suppose, as frequently happens, that this does not occur.

What is this? Barney? The Incredible Hulk? Eww.

Instead of applying another coat (one of the lovely advantages of acrylic), try a light wash. Dilute a dark, neutral color, such as brown or black, and brush it over the offending brightness. This will give the surface a nice, aged, toned-down look. Unfortunately, the effect is not always strong enough. In this case, you will need another coat- but remember to blend first this time.

Second coat over the weak wash. Still wet, but much better.