just paint Published by Golden Artist Colors, Inc. / Issue 13 Testing for Your Application Sarah Sands the initial starting condition of a surface, “Test for your application.” So runs or even a desired result you can judge the common coda that ends many of our other trials against. emails and closes our conversations. At A second feature is record keeping. the most fundamental level, it simply Keeping accurate records is essential so means trying out a new material or tech- tests can be repeated, solutions recreated, nique in a way that closely mimics how or to help us understand your procedures you hope to use it. Other times it requires should you need to contact us. being something of sleuth and a forensic Common items might include: scientist of the fine arts. In the pages that ■ A timeline and accurate description follow we will examine some of the basic of each step in an application concepts behind testing and explain how ■ Precise list of materials, including any it can help plan your procedures, solve relevant batch codes (see illustration on Batch codes are located either on the bottom problems, and increase your knowledge. right) or purchase dates of a container or printed along the side of Perhaps the first question is why we ■ Ratios used in mixtures the product’s bar code. would ask you to test in the first place. ■ Environmental conditions at the need to be extremely focused with a great After all, don’t we already generate Tech time of testing deal of precision? ■ Sheets for almost everything we make? Size of the pieces ■ What are the known variables or And doesn’t our crack Tech Support team ■ Personal observations properties you intend to test? stand ready to answer any question you All too often the essential variable Make sure to write these out, being as might have? The truth is, no matter how will be a small detail the artist has over- exhaustive and thorough as possible. thoroughly GOLDEN’s Technical looked or dismissed, so be as thorough as Conversely, are there ones that need to be Support and Labs put materials through possible. Along with written notes, other minimized or ruled out? For example, you their paces and develop best practices, documentation such as photographs, might find you need to control the unique situations inevitably arise and retained wet samples of the products, and temperature or have a surface be perfectly possible combinations of materials and physical examples of any problems or test level. These and other questions are techniques constantly expand beyond the results, can all be crucial. And of course, essential to setting the limits and scope of horizon of what we safely know. In those make sure to label everything accurately the test. A common mistake is to rush instances it is important to have the ability and keep all these materials together and through this stage. Don’t. Taking time at to examine choices and weigh stored safely for future reference. By this level will save significant effort later consequences. There is also an element of which point you must be thinking we are on and your results will only be useful if education and ownership at play here. simply out of our minds. “We want you to the tests leading up to them have been By becoming involved with your materials do what?” Even remembering to floss well thought out and planned. Still unsure at this level you gain more control over one’s teeth might be an easier task. But of the best way to proceed? Feeling your processes and a greater command don’t give up yet! Doing even a small absolutely convinced your original hunch of your materials. amount of the above will still put you well that we were completely bonkers is con- Certain basic features run throughout ahead of the curve. firmed? Contact us – we would be more any type of testing and it is important to The third task is to design the actual than happy to help you with your plans. establish these at the outset. One of the tests themselves. Before starting, decide Inevitably the moment will come most essential is the concept of a on your goal and parameters: when you will need to create some ‘control.’ Put simply, a control is a stan- ■ What do you hope to achieve surfaces to paint on. Fortunately they do dard or primary condition used for meas- by the end? not have to be fancy or elaborate and urements and comparisons; for example, ■ Is the undertaking meant to be usually simple, well-prepared panels or an unmodified state of a material, open-ended and exploratory or does it canvases will do (see our Tech Sheet on Issue 13 page 1 © 2005 Golden Artist Colors, Inc. “Preparing Painting Supports”). However, dependable solutions. However, they will Or perhaps your questions are simply there are times when these will also need still play an invaluable role in uncovering about the materials themselves. What is to reproduce the qualities or procedures problems, narrowing down possible the difference between these two medi- you are testing as accurately as possible. In solutions, and providing new insights. ums? How long will it take for a ½" layer either case, before starting, create a check- of Molding Paste to dry? Regardless of list of materials and each step you will Some Basic Tests the type of question, whenever trying a need to take. And plan ahead for any In our contact with artists certain new process or product it is important to supplies. It is often critical to use the same topics are constantly repeated. What familiarize yourself with the properties of materials and follow the same procedures follows are some of the most common the materials. And taking the time to cre- for each piece in order to limit any and useful tests for tackling these issues, ate practice panels will not only allow you variables as much as possible. In addition, grouped under the following broad to uncover unforeseen problems or unex- having access to the exact products used headings: General Materials and pected results, it will help make sure in a problem area – ideally from the same Applications, Adhesion, Varnishing, everything meets your expectations before container or batch – can be invaluable for New Media, and Troubleshooting. launching into an often irreversible troubleshooting. Scale is another factor process. They will also form an invaluable not to overlook. Can you get the informa- General Materials and Applications reference for future use. tion you need at the scale you are work- Wondering if you can roller-apply a gel on These panels can take many forms, ing? Testing something on a 12" square top of a finished mural? Curious how a depending on the materials and panel, for example, might not give you the texture will look on a piece of furniture? applications you are exploring. A useful information you need for planning a Ready to apply an isolation coat for the starting point might be creating a board mural. Lastly, when tests get complicated first time to a painting? displaying the basic qualities for each or take a lot of time it is easy to lose track Stop for a minute and ask yourself: medium and gel you use; or what us lab of the process, so remember to check off How important is this piece to me? folks have officially dubbed a ‘Product each item only after it is completed. Do I know what can go wrong? Do I Review Board.’ To do this, start with a In the end, keep in mind the very real need to be confident about the results properly prepared substrate painted with limits of reliability. Unless willing to or do I thrive on the unexpected and alternating black and white bands, placing undertake extremely controlled and experimental? Deciding on the level of a sample of each gel or medium you use thorough testing, over a long period and risk you are comfortable with is crucial so it extends over both the black and under various conditions, the tests will not at these moments. white areas (see picture). This will allow always guarantee perfect results or you to better gauge the degree of A portion of a Product Review Board showing the alternating black and white bands with samples of GOLDEN Mediums and Gels, both by themselves and mixed with color. Issue 13 page 2 © 2005 Golden Artist Colors, Inc. transparency once it’s dry. Take note of its thickness, rheology, leveling, and hardness when fully cured, etc. Next to this, place a sample of the same product mixed 10:1 with a color. Remember to label each pair carefully. As you acquire new products you can add to this board or start a new b c a one. In the end you will have a useful, quick reference for the basic properties of each material. Another simple and practical guide is Cross Hatch Adhesion Test showing GOLDEN White Gesso mixed 3:1 with GAC 200 on an automotive primer. Area on right (a) was tested after 24 hrs, the left (b) after 48 hrs, and the middle (c) after 72 hrs. to create a card for each color you use. Results show greatly improved adhesion over time and why you need to take this into account. Using a palette knife, apply the color full-strength to show its mass tone, and done with a very straightforward and into five equal sections and in the first then scrape the paint over the surface to simple procedure called the Cross Hatch section apply the paint ‘as-is.’ This will be reveal the undertone.