Now that I've got this gel stuff...

[Timmy C]

How does one apply acrylic gel medium onto a surface? Brush? Hand? Spatula?

PS: I bought the slo-dri version from liquitex.

[Tony Bunch]

Hi Tim,
brush it on in thin layers........see how it goes......you will have a little time to texture it.....use you research material to help you decide how you want the gel to become..."water"
experiment on a small flat surface first....
12 hours or so till all of the gel turns to clear...
...the more you layer the gel, the longer it will take to dry....
good luck!
Tony

[Kym Knight]

Just one hint Timmy, if you use your hands, do not run them through your hair without washing them first.

[Ron Smith]

...

[Devin]

I use a spatula for the bulk of the work, use a brush from stippling the surface for white caps, wakes, etc.

Remember, though, the more you work it, the more air bubbles you get in it. This won't be a problem if you're painting the water afterwards, but some people like to leave it clear, and those bubbles will show after it dries.

-Devin

[Timmy C]

Oh, and if I get some of this stuff on my hands, can I wash it off with water?

[Kym Knight]

Timmy asks:

Oh, and if I get some of this stuff on my hands, can I wash it off with water?

Yeah mate, it washes off while it's still wet, but once it starts to dry you'll have to peel it off like a second skin.
I tried using different tools to apply the stuff but found that using my hands worked the best. Spreading my fingers and lightly touching the wet gel with my fingertips, lifting and raising, creates a good rendition of choppy seas. You'll have to do this quite a few times until it sets enough to stay in position. See picture
[img]http://www.warshipmodels.com/~users/Kym_Knight/seas.JPG[/img]

Ron Smith wrote:

Is that the voice of a bad experience?

Unfornatuly yes!, though not my hair but my beard. I was concentrating on what to do next and stupidly scratched myself, DOH!!!