I dried the varnish on the acrylic painted pebbles for a week, and thoroughly dried between layers. I put the stones (like that pictured above) around a flowerbed. But when damp, the pebbles turn white (not just cloudy) like they have been painted in thick white glue. This has gone on for some months. I took them back inside and let them dry out and they went clear again quickly. I have used Mod Podge on terracotta hangning ornaments outside and they have been fine for ten years. So, is the stuff just not suitable for anything that stays damp? It is recommended for flower pots and things. Have I just made an elementary mistake? I did a lot of pebbles and recommended MP to others, so it's frustrating.
What a shame @Fire, I see the Americans use it a lot. I think rather than have your hard work being ruined,I would invest in a small tin of exterior gloss,and keep the other one for any clay projects you may have, that wont be subjected to the weather. Ive had some rocks outside for years with the exterior clear varnish. The Modge Podge seems to react strangely. Ive found that I cant use "Gouache" paint on stones as the coat of varnish lifts it off. Sometimes its a bit trial and error. Ive recently bought metallic Pens,(Chinese of course) Ive painted a small pebble thisafternoon with them,so fingers will be crossed that it doesnt all come off!😊
The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
Thanks @Valley Gardener - yes, I will try exterior clear varnish. On small projects, clear nail polish seems to work ok. I would like to figure out what the problem is with the Mod Podge was they recommend it for exactly this project. At least the whiteness disappears when dry.
Can I ask what tool you used to make your mandala? I have seen toothpicks and the bottom of cotton buds recommended.
@Fire. I have a selection of "dotting tools" the ends of chopsticks,and new pencils,using the rubber end. If you can lay your hands on those little squeezy paints (Poundland and The Works) they are a great addition,especially the gold. Dont use cotton buds,too much fluff comes off them. A friend of mine used to do huge oil paintings using toothpicks!
The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
@Fire I have used clear acrylic varnish successfully for protecting outdoor terracotta pots form frost and water damage. Have to remember to leave each coat a day to dry and harden and never do more than 3 coats or it goes milky.
Only ever used Mod Podge and PVA glue for a base coat and even as a glue before doing some other stuff such as découpage, stencilling etc then finish with varnish.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
@Fire. This is my selection of dotting tools,you can see you can improvise! Plus the little squeezy bottles,well worth getting.
This is the small pebble I did thisafternoon. The cat was done with the new metallic pens,so will see what happens when its varnished. But they should be very handy for the cards I paint.
This is a card Ive done for a cousin,who was a bus mechanic. Some metallic on the bumper etc,but thats acrylic paint.
The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
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Thankyou @Pat E,I didnt know when to stop!
Ive had some rocks outside for years with the exterior clear varnish.
The Modge Podge seems to react strangely.
Ive found that I cant use "Gouache" paint on stones as the coat of varnish lifts it off. Sometimes its a bit trial and error. Ive recently bought metallic Pens,(Chinese of course)
Ive painted a small pebble thisafternoon with them,so fingers will be crossed that it doesnt all come off!😊
Dont use cotton buds,too much fluff comes off them.
A friend of mine used to do huge oil paintings using toothpicks!
Only ever used Mod Podge and PVA glue for a base coat and even as a glue before doing some other stuff such as découpage, stencilling etc then finish with varnish.
This is the small pebble I did thisafternoon. The cat was done with the new metallic pens,so will see what happens when its varnished. But they should be very handy for the cards I paint.
This is a card Ive done for a cousin,who was a bus mechanic. Some metallic on the bumper etc,but thats acrylic paint.