In yesterday’s blog, I raved about all the different ways to use shimmer paint. In my haste, I completely forgot to tell you ways that will transform your shimmer paint experience. Today, I’m fixing that by sharing my shimmer paint top tips.
What are Shimmer Paints?
Before we get into the tips, let me explain what shimmer paints are. They are non-toxic, permanent, acid-free, archival, odorless, washable, quick-drying, and water-based all-purpose pigment inks (API) made by Tsukineko. Stampin’ Up! sells them in a 15ml bottle. In short, they are teeny, tiny bottles full of wonderful shimmery, glitzy goodness.
Frost White and Champagne Mist have been staples for a long time. From time to time, there are other colors available in the Stampin’ Up! range but Right now there are only two. I recommend checking the clearance rack as retired shimmer paints appear there from time to time.
Now that is out of the way, it’s time for the shimmer paint top tips.
Top tips
- Shake the bottle really well before you use it. Each bottle contains a small ball bearing to help blend the ink and pigments properly. Do this every time. It also creates a little pool of ink in the lid that is the perfect size for your sponge dauber.
- Shimmer Paint can be applied with paint brushes, sponges, sponge daubers, sponge brayer, water painters, palette knives, and even the empty Wink of Stella brush. Clean these with warm soapy water after you’ve used them. (To thoroughly clean your sponges, daubers and sponge brayer roller spray them with a bit of pre-wash spray and throw them into a lingerie washing bag and wash them with your towels or dark clothes. Then hang the Lingerie bag up to dry. Works a treat!)
- Set aside a sponge dauber just for each shimmer paint color, to ensure you don’t cross-contaminate your ink pads.
- These metallic paints are opaque so are more visible on darker card stock.
- Shimmer paints are a favorite among Quilters and fabric painters, just remember to heat set your paint when you stamp on fabrics. Let the paint air dry then place a sheet of baking paper over the stamped image and iron for approximately 15-30 seconds (longer if the humidity is high). Be sure to use a heat setting that is appropriate for your fabric. You don’t want to burn your good work.
- Use this paint on any porous surface: wood, MDF, paper, leather, fabric, unglazed pottery or ceramics, and the list goes on. I strongly recommend that you heat set this ink with your heat tool if are stamping on wood. (Pinecones, seed pods, and gum nuts look fabulous painted with shimmer paint.)
- Start with only using a small amount, too much can completely ruin your project. Remember you can always add more but you can’t take it away. “Less is more!” applies here!
- This product air drys quickly, even on glossy white, vellum, and window sheets (acetate) so don’t delay stamping and Work Fast!
- To remove the paint from your rubber or photopolymer stamps, wipe off the excess with a baby or makeup remover wipe (This is one of the only times I will suggest this!). When you have removed the paint, clean your stamp thoroughly with your Stampin’ Mist to condition your stamps and remove any residue from the wipes.
- If you’re anything like me it is inevitable that you will get this paint on your hands. The good news is it washes off quite easily with soap and warm (not hot) water. For those little splotches on your clothes or apron, a little pre-wash spray and cold machine wash get those messy spots out. (Okay, so I’m a little messy!)
There you have it – my Shimmer Paint Top Tips. Do you have any other tips for using shimmer paint? Be sure to add them to the comments below.
Until next time… happy creating!
Chrissy
