Golden Paint/Draw Grounds

Absorbent Ground

GOLDEN Absorbent Ground can be used to create a porous, paper-like surface on many different substrates. It is uniquely formulated for a high level of absorbency when dry. Applied over gessoed canvas, Absorbent Ground allows for wash and staining effects on a stable acrylic film as an alternative to staining raw canvas. Watercolors may also be used, although they will retain their water sensitivity.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

GOLDEN Absorbent Ground, designed for stain and watercolor-type applications, is light stable, permanent and flexible. While it has a gesso-like consistency, it is not intended as a gesso alternative. It must be applied over a porous and "toothy" surface, such as GOLDEN Gesso to ensure adequate adhesion due to the type and level of solids in the product. Once properly sealed, it is a permanent acrylic film that does not need to be kept under glass, however, the surface is quite delicate and additional protection is recommended. A properly applied isolation coat and GOLDEN Varnishes (Polymer & MSA) will protect the artwork from environmental factors such as sunlight and dust. For information about our recommended varnishing procedure please see our Varnish Application literature:

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

Painting in an impasto style over GOLDEN Absorbent Ground is not recommended, unless the surface is properly sealed (see sealing surface section).

PRODUCT APPLICATION

Surface Preparation

Apply onto gessoed canvas, hardboard, wood or other surface. For more complete guidelines on preparing painting supports see the Tech Sheet on Preparing Painting Supports.

Absorbent Ground Application

Absorbent Ground can be applied with a brush, roller or squeegee. No thinning is necessary, although for increased leveling or ease of application, up to 25% water may be added. Apply in thin layers, since thicker applications may crack as the film dries. Use multiple coats for increased absorbency (5-6 coats gives a highly absorbent surface). If a thicker single application is desired, or if applying to a highly textured surface, blending any amount of GOLDEN Light Molding Paste into the Absorbent Ground will decrease the chance of cracking while maintaining considerable absorbency. The greater the percentage of addition, the more flexibility the film will have and the thicker it will become. Testing for your application is always recommended. If a very thick and textured absorbent surface is desired, consider using Light Molding Paste alone. Allow Absorbent Ground to dry thoroughly before paint application.

Acrylic Stains

Almost all GOLDEN Acrylic paints can be used for staining and wash techniques on Absorbent Ground. GOLDEN High Flow Acrylics are the proper viscosity for staining and therefore, offer the most intense stains. Heavy Body, Matte, High Load, and Fluid Acrylics will all need to be thinned with water to make washes suitable to stain with. Fluid Acrylics are the best choice out of this group, since they are the thinnest to start with and require less water to thin to a wash consistency. Stains must be thin enough to be readily absorbed by the surface. For additional staining effects, dampening the surface with water before applying paint will increase absorbency. Very small amounts of GOLDEN Acrylic Flow Release may be added to the stain or water to create additional effects. If doing so, carefully follow the directions for Acrylic Flow Release, as overuse can cause problems with water sensitivity. Clean tools with soap and water.

Experimental

The following applications and techniques have not been fully tested and should be considered experimental. GOLDEN offers them for artists exploring these materials in innovative ways and for those who are interested in new possibilities and unique effects. Some of these ideas come from successful applications done by artists and GOLDEN welcomes any additions artists might have. To contact GOLDEN with your suggestions please call or email Technical Support at 1-607-847-6154 or techsupport@goldenpaints. com.

Because they are experimental, artists should fully test any procedure before using on anything important in order to work through any unforeseen problems and to make sure it meets their needs and expectations.

Watercolors

Watercolor paints work well when applied over GOLDEN Absorbent Ground and will retain all of their attributes, such as water solubility. The completed artwork can be mounted behind glass like traditional watercolor artwork, or sealed with an acrylic isolation coat and varnished. Care must be taken when applying the isolation coat as brushing over the watercolors will produce streaking. For best results the isolation coat should be lightly spray-applied and gradually built up until a non-porous film has been developed. An indication that this has been achieved is uniform gloss throughout the artwork. For more information please see our Varnish Literature:

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

GOLDEN Absorbent Ground can also be used on watercolor paper to block out unwanted marks or mistakes. Apply the properly diluted ground evenly to the desired area in thin layers until the area is sufficiently covered. Allow the coats to completely dry, and paint over in desired manner.

Oil Paint

While we do not recommend applying full-bodied oil paint directly onto GOLDEN Absorbent Ground, application of thin washes or glazes of oil paint is possible. When doing so, make sure to protect the substrate from oil penetration by applying a minimum of 4 coats of GOLDEN Acrylic Gesso directly to the support, or an initial sizing of 2 coats GAC 100 followed by 2 or more coats Acrylic Gesso. For more information see our Tech Sheet on Preparing Painting Supports

Always allow oil paints to fully cure before varnishing. Most authorities will recommend waiting 6 to 12 months, although check with the manufacturer of your paints for specific guidelines. Once cured, DO NOT apply an acrylic isolation coat. Instead, apply GOLDEN MSA Varnish w/UVLS or its aerosol version, GOLDEN Archival Varnish, directly to the painting. Always use at least one coat of Gloss varnish to completely seal the surface before switching to a Satin or Matte sheen if desired. Failure to do so may cause the final varnish to have a cloudy or frosted effect. NOTE: Due to the absorbent nature of the ground, complete removal of the varnish will be difficult.

Different Media Applications

Application of products such as inks, pastels, chalks, etc. is acceptable on Absorbent Ground. However, when attempting to seal the work, changes in the colors and surface qualities can occur and may constitute unacceptable changes for many artists. ALWAYS TEST ON TRIAL PIECES OR INCONSPICUOUS AREAS BEFORE FINAL USE ON ARTWORK.Water sensitive materials can also streak if an isolation coat is brushed over them. For this reason, GOLDEN recommends spraying very light layers of Airbrush Transparent Extender to initially seal the surface, working with low pressure, and then switching to a GAC 500/Airbrush Transparent Extender mix to progressively build up a thicker film.