In order to create special visual effects with our stage props and backdrops, we need to
use special colours. Just applying paint, even bright poster paint will not achieve the sort of effect that is possible. There are three ways to get effects - multicoating, transparent
patchwork, and interference colours.
Multicoating is when we mix our own colours, and make them thin enough so that the
colour underneath shows through. Mostly, ready-mixed paints are designed to cover over
whatever colour is already there, leaving a solid layer of a single colour. To make these
paints thin enough to let the colours show through from underneath, they would be too
runny to apply properly. However, when we have our own powders that make the colour
(called pigments), we can add just enough for the effect we want, and put on several
layers of different colours.
Transparent Patchwork is the process of painting clear (transparent) plastic sheet on
both sides to creat a patchwork effect. Heavily textured surfaces are especially suitable
because when painted from the outside with a stiff brush, all the low aresa are left
unpainted. You can then paint the inside all over with another colour, and it will show
through the clear plastic in an interesting pattern.
Interference Colours are called that because they interfere with other colours, so that
when we apply them over other colours, the colour underneath changes. Not only that,
interference colours react to light, and the colour we see depends on the way the light is
shining on the surface. They have an interesting history. In nature, a large number of
shells, fishes and birds have attractive pearl lustre colours which cannot be copied using
ordinary pigments and dyes. This lustre effect is obtained by multiple reflection of light
from thin layers, and early attempts to gain this effect by using fish scales were not very
successful. Later development involved the use of lead, mercury and arsenic and, while
achieving some pearl lustre effect, they were discontinued because they were so
poisonous the people making and using them got very sick. The powders you will be
using are perfectly safe, but like any powders, handle them carefully to avoid creating a
dust. To get maximum effect from these colours, it is best to create a pattern of different
colours as a base layer, and put them on a textured surface to allow the light to strike at
different angles.
This
close up of a picture frame shows the effects
possible using metallic
and specialty pigments.
Materials
The four main materials are:
Aqua Clear - a clear acrylic coating, can be used straight from the container, thinned up to
10% with water, or with powders mixed in with it. Use water to clean brushes.
Earth Tones - a series of colour powders for adding to casting plaster, or mixing with
Aqua Clear for paint effects or a paste to apply with a spatula.
Metallic Powders - a series of powders when, mixed with Aqua Clear, create the effect of
metals: gold, silver, bronze and pewter.
Specialty Powders - two powders, blue/green and blue/red for special mother-of-pearl
effect. Mixed with Aqua Clear, and applied with brush or foam.
You will also need a palette for mixing the powders, a brush (bristle, hair or foam), scraps
of paper and plastic to test your colours on, a container of clean water, mixing sticks, and
newspaper on the table to contain the mess.
Detailed
Instructions
