One of the things I get more questions about is paste and gel mediums. What are they? How do they work? Are they the same as gesso? In my class Field Guide (Which will return in 2013 if you missed it) I discussed them in detail. Today here on my blog I want to give a “gel and paste 101” and really show you how simple they are.
First of all, here’s what you need to know:
GLOSSY gel mediums can act as a sealant, adhesive, and most importantly once dry they resist
MATTE gel mediums can work for collage work, adhesive, sealant, for transfers, etc.
Gesso you should think of as primer, or thin white paint. There’s no magical properties, it isn’t special as far as I can tell. 🙂
PASTE (texture mediums, molding paste, modeling paste, etc) is generally matte finish, and adds texture to your project. It is what I like to refer to as crafty peanut butter. Thick, stands on it’s own, holds shape, GREAT with stencils
ALL of them can be used with acrylic paint, ink, mist, etc to add color or create custom colors.
Apply alone, with your finger, use tools to add texture, on canvas, home decor, mixed media canvases… seriously just play and stop thinking about the right way or how-to. I picked some up one day years ago thought “sounds cool” and have loved molding paste ever since.
Here are some faves as mentioned in the video:
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and that’s pretty much all there is to say about that! Shown below: aqua colored molding paste spritzed with pink mist while still wet
If you have questions you’d like to ask me about mist – please feel free in the comment section below or email me directly. I hope this shed some light on some of my absolute staple products!
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I always have good intentions of playing with gels and pastes but never seem to get around to it. I think the key is the word play. I should just make backgrounds when I’m in the mood and then they’ll be ready when I have a project. Thanks for the inspiration.
I really like the look of the paste colored and then spritzed with the pink! Jen has a good idea, just make some backgrounds one day to use on other projects later. After all – it’s camp right? We should be playing! I have loads of gesso and mediums and I think I may have some of this modeling paste in my vast array of supplies… otherwise I know where to go look for some!
Thanx so much for the video and the inspiration 🙂
Thanks so much for the awesome tutorial. I have some gel medium that I’ve never used because I wasn’t sure what to do with it & didn’t want to just use it like a mod podge. Now I want to go get some molding paste. Oooh, I have lots of fun ideas to try out now 🙂
I truly enjoyed this tutorial. Now that I have finished with the bridal shower decorations I get to scrap and play. Let the fun begin.
Fabulous tutorial, May! Thanks.
Oh great tutorial! And re: Tona’s comment, can any of these be used as a mod podge type supply for topping off/protecting something? (I think I have seen gesso suggested, but not sure)
OH YUMMY! I recently got some goo to play with. Now I know where I can start. What fun May…thanks.
I loved your video, but I almost want an even more basic introduction to this stuff. The part about paste was good, but I’m still confused about the gels. But thanks for the inspiration!
I’d be happy to do another gel medium video. Last week I did one doing image transfers, perhaps a “gel medium and why i love it’ video is in order…
Loved this tutorial, actually put off watching till after I had bought some pastes and stuff and had a couple of play sessions today and more planned for tomorrow!! Having a great time experimenting!
Thanks for this May!