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Softees Acrylic Paints

Mayco acrylic paints

SECTION 1: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Mayco’s Softees can be used on ceramic bisque, wood, fabric, plaster, paper, and metal. They can also be applied to specially prepared glazed ware that has first been treated with Porcelain Mist Spray Sealer. All formulas are non-toxic.

 

Product Features, Attributes, and Application recommendations:

  • Shake plastic squeeze bottles well to thoroughly mix the contents.
  • Before application, wipe down the ware using a damp sponge. Do not over wet the piece with water.
  • Apply to properly fired bisque.
  • Use a synthetic brush for basic application, either Base Coat brush or a soft hair brush is ideal.
  • One coat is usually enough for an opaque coverage, however two thin coats will give a nice smooth even finish.
  • Allow to dry thoroughly.
  • Clean brushes in warm water and AC-525 Brush Cleaner.
  • Acrylics are self-sealing, however, a sealer is recommended for easier cleaning.

SECTION 2: PRODUCT APPLICATION VARIATIONS AND FAQ’S

Special Notes:

  • For best results apply Softees® with a synthetic brush. A non-fired base coat brush or soft hair brush are ideal for this application as either will give a smooth finish that is free of brush marks. Softees can be applied with a sponge or brush.
  • It is better to apply two thin coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid ridges, brush marks and rough textures. A thin coat does not mean that you thin the colour to apply it to the ware, it simply means to use less color in the brush. This allows you to brush out the colour and obtain a perfectly smooth and solid colour before it dries.
  • If a colour should become excessively thick with use, thin with AC-304 Media. This will thin the product without diluting the colour. If the product is thinned too much, it will not cover the surface of the ware without repeated applications.
  • The application of Softees Acrylic Stains is generally the foundation of a stained piece, therefore, it is important to apply the colour as evenly and as smoothly as possible. If colour is applied improperly, the finish will be marred by excessive brush marks, ridges and textures. Antiquing, blending or rouging with translucent stains will only magnify these imperfections. Air bubbles that develop during the application of the acrylic need to be corrected at this time. These small imperfections can reappear later and cause the base coat to lift or peel. Some corrections can be made by lightly sanding the base coat using fine sandpaper. Wipe off residue with a clean damp sponge and apply a second smooth coat of the colour. For a professional look when staining pieces, be sure to complete the backs and bottoms.
  • Softees Acrylic Stains do not require a sealer, as they are self-sealing. Whether you seal or not depends on the technique and the materials used on the piece. Sealing does make the ware more soil resistant, therefore, easier to clean. Sealers, either brush-on or spray types are available. When antiquing, a sealer will make the Translucent Stain easier to wipe back and remove.
  • Place the colours to be used on a tile that has been covered with a piece of aluminium foil. Softees Acrylic stains should not be washed down the drain and a foil palette allows the unused product to be disposed of easily.
  • Be careful to clean the snap lid before replacing, as dried product can accumulate around the lid. Acrylic stains should not be allowed to dry in a brush, as this will ruin the bristles. Rinse the brush often during use and when finished, wash the brush with AC-525 Brush Cleaner and warm water to insure a clean brush.
  • Softee Acrylic Stains are a non-fired product, therefore will not be suitable for any project that is to be used for food or drink use.
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Dry Brushing with Softees Acrylic Stains:
Dry brushing is a technique where just enough colour is left in the brush to tint the piece in gradual layers. This method of application is done with a stiff brush. Work the brush into the colour, and then wipe the excess colour onto a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or brown paper bag until the bristles feel almost dry. Work the brush back and forth several times. When little colour remains in the brush, it is ready to use for dry brushing. The brush is worked in a soft back and forth motion until an evenly blended coat of colour is achieved. In dry brushing, the colour is slowly deposited, building up in layers. Some people describe this motion as “tickling,” “dusting” or “dancing” the colour onto the surface. A heavier pressure of the brush will distribute more colour onto the ware. A gradual building up of colour is the desired effect. As you paint, the brush may or may not be cleaned in between colours to give a better mixture of colours. If the brush is cleaned between colours, all moisture should be removed by squeezing the brush in a paper towel before again loading the brush with colour. It is better to let the brush dry completely, as the added moisture from the brush will affect the drybrushing technique. Allowing a couple of minutes of drying time to pass before the next colour is applied works best. Working too fast between colour applications can cause the previous colour to be lifted off the piece. The general technique for dry brushing can vary depending upon the base coat colour that is applied to the piece. Some techniques call for a dark colour, such as black or dark brown, to be applied first to the entire surface of the ware. Then dry brushing of various colours in sequence is done to achieve the final effect. Other techniques call for you to apply a dark hue and then slowly apply lighter shades of that hue. Either technique is acceptable as long as the desired effect is ultimately achieved.


SECTION 3: PRODUCT LABEL

LABEL DIRECTIONS

Shake well. Apply one or more coats to craft surface. Dry between coats. Thin and clean up with water. Use sealer for added durability. Do not spray apply without proper personal protective equipment.