TIPS & TRICKS

Think you’ve finished a Social Artworking step incorrectly? Well, since each Social Artworking canvas is unique, there’s no right or wrong way to complete them! But, if you’re determined to get your painting back on track, simply follow the below helpful tips:

ERASE METHOD: Have an undesirable brushstroke, drip or mixed a different color than what you were previously working with? If the Social Artworking paint is still wet or semi-wet, take a paper towel and dip it in water. Scrub paper towel over undesired paint until it fades as much as possible. Beware of drips from paper towel. Next, paint over this area if needed with the color that was there previously, or if undesired paint is lifted, try the step again.

BRUSH CONTROL: One common problem that can occur is having too much paint on your brush. It’s hard to paint small details and the brush may become out of control.

TOO WIDE: When brushstrokes are too fat, either use the Erase Method and start again, or paint over each side of the fat brush stroke to make it skinnier and more appealing.

When painting details, be sure to apply less paint to the brush. Remember, more paint does not necessarily mean more fluidity when painting.

Gain More Control of Your Brush:
Try adding less paint and some water to the brush to cover more surface area with a smoother result.

Change Brushes:
If you feel more comfortable using a different brush than the number instructed, feel free to change to the one you like. However, your canvas might seem a bit more unique compared to the Social Artworking design you purchased.

SPILLS: Spills are bound to happen. Just remain calm, clean up the mess and quickly move on.  Use DecoMagic if needed to remove any stains!

Be careful where you place your brush not in yours or someone else’s drinking glass!
Don’t load too much paint on your brush to aid drying time

Fans or hair dryers will help speed the drying time of Social Artworking acrylics on canvas.

Transferring your Social Artworking Pattern:

Pattern looks a bit off-center after you’ve transferred it? No worries. A simple pencil eraser will remove the graphite transfer.

To successfully transfer your Social Artworking pattern, be sure to:

• Position and adhere the design on the canvas with several pieces of easy-release tape across the canvas top only.
• Slide the transfer/graphite paper under the pattern, graphite side down, and trace over design lines.
• Carefully lift pattern and graphite to check for complete transfer. This makes it easy to realign the design, if you miss something.
• When transferring a pattern, always check to make sure you have it positioned evenly before tracing over the lines.

Mixing Colors:

• When mixing colors, be sure to mix enough to do the instructed steps. This will save time and avoid color differences on project design.
• If color becomes too muddy on the palette, it is better to discard the paint and do a new mix than to try to “fix” it by adding additional paint. Just get a new, clean palette and remix your Social Artworking acrylics for fresh, bright paints.
• If you slip causing uneven design edges in detail work, dampen a cotton swab with water. Squeeze out excess moisture in a paper towel. Use dampened cotton swab to remove unwanted area while paint is still wet.
• If paint has dried before you notice a mistake, apply base coat color or other desired color over unwanted area.
• Let an area dry and that area can be easily painted over. That’s right; any area can be painted over once the paint is completely dry.
• Wet colors mix and blend on canvas and become “muddy”–or they change color from the desired effect to a not-so-desirable effect. If the instructions call for you to allow the previous step to dry, it’s a good idea to follow them.
• If color starts to become too muddy on your Social Artworking canvas, let paint dry before adding additional paint or painting over.

You Can Do This!

Don’t get discouraged if your piece does not look exactly like the original picture- your own Social Artworking painter’s touch is what makes your painting unique and gives it personality!

If you fall behind the rest of your painting group, don’t panic- everyone works at their own pace, and you can always purchase your own Social Artworking pattern pack to complete your piece at home.

Remember to have fun- stress will make painting harder!
Allow your painting to dry completely before applying sealer or varnish.