There are several reasons why your AC might not be blowing cold air. It could be something as simple as a power surge, clogged air filters and registers, or an incorrectly set thermostat. Or, you might be facing issues like a refrigerant leak and frozen evaporator coil, which are difficult to troubleshoot without professional assistance.
Imagine this - you return home one hot summer evening to find the AC not cooling the space properly. This is a dreaded nightmare that I’ve encountered recently.
Now, you obviously won’t think twice before calling a professional for an emergency HVAC repair service. But based on my experience, it helps if you know the possible causes and inform the technician accordingly to speed up the process.
So, here I am with the 13 most common reasons your AC might not be blowing cold air.
13 Reasons Why Your AC Might Not Be Blowing Cold Air
1. Power Fluctuations
Electrical surges and power fluctuations may cause disruptions to the electrical circuit powering your AC unit. A power surge might have blown a fuse or caused the breaker to trip. So, try resetting the breaker and then switch on the air conditioner to check if the problem is solved.
2. Clogged Or Dirty Air Filter
Another common reason your AC might not be blowing cold air is a clogged filter, usually found inside the indoor air handler unit. The primary function of the air filter is to trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles and prevent them from entering the air conditioning system.
But if your air filter is dirty, it will obstruct the airflow, and your AC will have to work harder, increasing both energy bills and the chances of wear. That’s why I think replacing your air conditioning system’s air filter every three months (depending on the usage) is important. You may also clean the dirty air filter if it seems otherwise fine.
3. Low Refrigerant Or Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant (also known as Freon) is a chemical coolant that passes through the indoor and outdoor coils of the air conditioning system while changing from liquid to gaseous form. It produces cool air by absorbing the humidity and heat trapped inside your home and releasing it outside.
Now, while the refrigerant levels in air conditioning systems don’t diminish with time, you might come across a refrigerant leak. Consequently, the air conditioner won’t be blowing cold air due to the low refrigerant level.
Here are a few other signs indicative of refrigerant leaks:
AC takes a very long time to cool the space, resulting in your air conditioner running for longer hours
You hear a buzzing noise when the air conditioner is on
Warning
Do not try to repair a refrigerant leak on your own, as it’s an EPA-approved chemical substance that should only be handled by a certified expert. Get in touch with an HVAC professional instead, as they have the tools and expertise to deal with refrigerant leaks and replenish the coolant as needed.
4. Clogged Condenser Coil
Your air conditioner may not blow cold air if the condenser coil is dirty. Now, for the unversed, a condenser fan draws air from the outdoor unit through the condenser coil, removing the heat from your home in the process. But it often gets clogged due to dirt, debris, and other particulates over time, reducing the overall efficiency of the AC.
That’s why you should clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly with soap and water. You could also try brushing away the dirt or use a low-pressure hose to remove the dust from the coil.
Tip
Invest in a weatherproof cover for when your AC unit is not in use. This will help minimize the dirt in the coil in the near future. And ensure that the area around the outdoor condenser unit is trimmed, weeded, and devoid of overhead tree branches.
5. Undersized Air Conditioner
Air conditioners that are too small for a home will not cool the space efficiently. That’s why it’s important to consider the size of the room whenever you plan to invest in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
If you’re unsure about the measurements and size, seek assistance from an HVAC professional. They will help you find a system that suits your requirements.
6. The thermostat Is Not Set Correctly
Auto, heat, and cool - these are the three thermostat settings that may be why your AC system is not cooling the room efficiently. So, check to see if the thermostat is set to the right temperature.
After all, your central AC unit will not blow cold air if the room temperature rises above the control settings. For example, if the thermostat is set to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) and the air conditioner setting is at 28 degrees C (82 degrees F), you won’t feel a dip in temperature.
Reset the thermostat and keep the temperature setting of the air conditioner a few degrees lower than that of the thermostat. For instance, set it at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) if your home is anyway registering a temperature of 24 degrees C (78 degrees F).
7. Air Duct Leak
A leak in the air ducts is another common cause of the AC not blowing air to cool the entire room. The leakage will cause the cold air to filter out into the walls of your home before it can even reach the vent, disrupting the circulation of conditioned cold air.
Tip
Leaks in the air duct can be tricky to identify. So, I suggest using an incense stick to trace the airflow path. If you see that the air is being circulated throughout your home, it means that your central air conditioning system is working properly. But if the smoke flows in one direction, it might indicate a leaking duct system.
8. Evaporator Coil Issues
Every central air conditioning unit consists of an evaporator coil as an indoor component. It’s responsible for removing the humidity and heat from the air as the latter passes through it. But the evaporator coil may sometimes freeze when the refrigerant levels are too low. This happens because the compressor works too hard to blow cool air into the room.
That said, here are a few signs indicative of a frozen evaporator coil:
The most obvious is - AC not blowing cold air
Increase in energy bills
Frost or ice on the copper refrigerant tubing coming from the fan coil cabinet
The condensate airflow switch prevents the air from escaping the air duct when it’s unable to circulate. It’s usually located on the blower motor of the central air conditioner.
You should always check the position of the switch whenever you notice the room is not cooling properly. If the condensate airflow switch is in the downward position, it will block the conditioned air from circulating. And if it’s in the upward position, the cool air can escape.
10. Blocked Or Clogged Registers
Registers or vents are a part of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of the house. They help distribute cool air throughout your home, but if they get blocked, the airflow will be obstructed, similar to dirty air filters. This usually happens if furniture or other household items like potted plants are placed in front of the vents.
So, ensure you remove these items and clean the registers regularly to avoid such problems.
11. Ice Buildup
Ice buildup in your air conditioner is a sign that the refrigerant levels of the unit aren’t charged properly. And if the levels are too low, the compressor, evaporator coil, and other internal components of the AC system might freeze up and get damaged.
An easy way to diagnose a refrigerant leak is by testing the air conditioner using a refrigerant leak detector. But it’s better to let a professional HVAC technician tackle the problem.
12. Clogged Drain
The drainage system of your central air conditioning system comprises drain pipes to transport condensate from the indoor unit to the exterior. But a clogged drain will, of course, obstruct the condensate water flow, damaging the indoor unit as a result.
So, if you notice no cold air blowing or your air conditioner keeps shutting down, the problem might be a blocked drainpipe. In such a scenario, I’d suggest calling a certified professional to clear the blockage and clean the unit.
13. Dirty Air Compressor
Another crucial component of any AC system - the compressor, helps circulate air throughout the home. And like the air filters, it’s prone to getting dirty over time. If that’s not the case, gasses might be leaking from the joints where the piston is connected to the shaft. This will lead to the compressor freezing up, and it will eventually stop working.
You may also hear a loud pulsating noise coming from your outdoor compressor - signaling that there’s something wrong with it. Here again, the best thing to do is call a professional if you notice any sign of a compressor leak.
Final Words
Your HVAC system not properly cooling your home during the scorching summer months is something that can be avoided.
All you have to do is schedule a bi-annual maintenance service. This will help identify refrigerant leaks and keep your energy bills in check. Likewise, clean the air filters of your air conditioner unit regularly to prevent the chances of a clog.
While I hope this guide helps you find the right solution to your problem, there is no way to pinpoint a specific cause for your AC not blowing cold air without proper inspection. You’d need a professional HVAC technician to guide you through the right course of action.
Tulips are generally known to be the harbingers of spring, and gardeners love this plant. And we know how disappointing it could be if they do not grow well.
They are cheerful and sprightly plants that usually begin growing in March or April. The plant grows well in zones 3 to 9, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and can cover large stretches of land.
Tulips do not need a lot of taking care of. If you give them a favorable environment, they will be growing well. However, it is best to know about the conditions and the factors that could go wrong before you grow tulips.
Unsuitable temperatures, sudden changes in weather conditions, and pests are primary reasons they do not grow. We have discussed them in detail in the following section. This is followed by some tips to encourage the growth of these plants.
So, it is time to grab a cup of your favorite beverage and read on.
Although many gardeners will tell you it is a cakewalk to grow tulips, there are a number of factors that could lead to the bulbs dying or decaying. It is essential that you know all of the reasons, and then you can figure out what might have gone wrong in that case. Read on to know all about it.
Immature Bulbs
Immature bulbs are one of the significant reasons behind tulips not blooming. While gardeners make it look effortless to grow them, you will need a favorable environment. Make sure that the buds are firm while planting and throw out the soft or squishy ones. Also, all the bulbs need to have some amount of roots at the base.
Coming to the temperature, it is essential that the temperature does not fall below 4 degrees centigrade. Otherwise, there is a high chance that the buds will not survive.
Keep checking the bulbs for growth after a few days of planting them. If you see no growth at all, take some of the buds out to examine the roots. If you see that they have grown dark or are decaying, you can throw away the bulbs as they will not be growing.
Remember that some bulbs could just be immature and may take more time to grow. If you do not find any defects in the bulb, let it stay for a year before you throw them away. It may start growing after a few months.
Planting Time
Early planting of tulips can result in fungal diseases as these bulbs do not grow in very cold weather. It is difficult to determine the right time for this process and can be problematic in places with varying temperatures.
Warm weather can trigger growth and may be best for your plants. But when you plant the bulbs, it will need a cool environment to blossom initially. So, make sure that the weather has started cooling down before you plant the bulbs.
A good time to plant is when the leaves start falling from the trees. This is when they will get the right temperature and enough time to nurture. Remember that if you plant too late, the bulbs may not grow for an entire year and so it is essential that you time it carefully.
Finding The Right Depth
Every plant has a different depth in which they can comfortably blossom. In most cases, the right depth will be mentioned on the package itself. Follow those instructions carefully as the wrong depth may kill your bulbs or increase the time taken by it to grow.
If the bulbs are planted too deep, they will take a lot of time to reach the surface. On the other hand, if they are planted too high, then they might not receive proper insulation. Hence they will be exposed to heat and cold and may not grow further.
The average depth should be 2-3 times the length of a bulb. That should ensure proper germination and if you think the temperatures are going to fall, add a layer of mulch. Mulch will prevent the cold from directly reaching the soil and will keep your bulbs safe.
Location
Although tulips can flourish in large numbers while they are packed together, it is essential that they do not have to fight for resources. If you pack too many bulbs in a small space, some of them may die from the lack of light, water, and nutrients.
In case you understand that there are too many bulbs, divide them up after the flowering season is over and plant them in a different location. It is best to leave smaller buds in the ground, and they will begin growing in a few years.
Also, the plants should get enough sunlight. This is a key factor, and if the area is not exposed to direct sunlight, it is best to shift the location. That will ensure that they start developing faster.
Right Amount Of Sunlight
Sunlight is important, as we discussed in the previous section. However, different types of plants need different amounts of sunlight. Some plants germinate well in full sunlight, which means being exposed to direct rays for 6 hours every day. Others grow well in filtered sunlight and dappled shade. These can be planted in nurseries or under trees.
It is essential to know what your plant needs, and hence you can contact a nursery before beginning planting.
Water And Drainage
Well-aerated soil is the best kind of soil for tulips to develop. Water drains quickly through this kind of soil and allows the tulip to grow well. Check the soil before you plant the buds. To do this, dig a large hole and fill it with water.
If the water disappears in 10 minutes or less, it will work well with drought-tolerant plants. While if it takes up to an hour, it will work with bulbs, and you can plant your tulips in it.
However, if it takes more than an hour to drain, the soil is not suitable for tulips to grow. If you plant bulbs, they are susceptible to water-logging problems, which will lead to rot fungus.
Changing Temperatures
Changing temperatures may not work out well for bulbs. If the change is gradual, they adjust to it, but often it is very abrupt. Temperatures in spring can change very quickly, and there can be a difference of 30 degrees within 24 hours or so. This does not work well with bulbs, and smaller, tender bulbs can bloom late because of it.
But this can also be stunting the growth, and there are times when bulbs spring up post-winter. Once the snow fades away, they can grow out. Our suggestion is to cover the land with layers of leaves. This will protect the bulb from direct contact with snow and help in the insulation process.
Amount Of Fertilizer Needed
We should tell you that tulips can grow well even without any fertilizer. In fact, we prefer it that way. Take good care of all your plants in general, and you should not need any extra fertilizers.
But sometimes, it is specified on the packet that you need to add fertilizer once a year. Time it accordingly and ensure that you do not do this in the flowering season because the flowers might not be able to take it.
If you have added fertilizers and the bulbs have not bloomed, it is best not to add it further. Let them grow under the sun or shade with ample amounts of water.
Insects
Insects love to munch on bulbs and leaves, and hence these are your plant’s enemies. If you see bulbs disappearing within a night, you will know that there are animals or pests around. We found a great way to stop squirrels from digging holes. A framed wire mesh was created and placed around the place to prevent them from entering.
But there is no real solution for preventing other insects and animals. All you can do is change the location. You might find shaded areas under big trees to be the perfect place to grow tulips, but these could be the most infested places too. Make a note of it before planting.
Tips To Encourage Growth Of Tulips
At most times, when tulips do not bloom, they do not have the right climate or the environment to blossom. They adjust well to mountain temperatures where there are warm summers and cold winters. However, that will not be the weather condition in the plains. The trick is to grow them in an environment that is similar to that of mountains.
Also, it is important to remember that the soil needs to have good amounts of phosphorus for the tulips to keep growing every year. This is extremely important, and you should add phosphorus to your soil once every 12 months. That will keep the nutrient level on point and allow the blooms to grow.
Stay Away From Concrete Structures
Tulips need the cold weather to start blooming. The cold has to be moderate, and hence you plant bulbs in the fall season. Now, if you plant them very near concrete surfaces, driveways, foundations, then they generate warmth from these, and that could prevent growth. We have noticed that the flowers were not blooming well because of this.
Again, if the temperature is very cold, then you could grow them beside concrete structures.
Plant Old-Fashioned Tulips
Today there are a number of newer breeds of tulips that have been created. Hybrids are great to look at, but they are not likely to grow year after year. We would suggest that you shift to old-fashioned tulips, which are much more adjusting. They have always been blooming year after year and need the least amount of maintenance.
Do Not Pluck The Leaves
The leaves are the storehouses of energy, and hence they play an essential role in forming bulbs. It is absolutely vital that you do not chop off the leaves till they have withered. Tulips take a lot of nutrition from their leaves, and they have to be alive to provide it.
We would recommend snipping off blossoms which begin fading. This will save some of the energy which can otherwise be used to make seeds.
Final Words
It is best to plant tulip bulbs in mounds rather than directly in the flat soil. This will help the water drain better and will ensure that the roots are not affected by waterlogging. Also, the dry soil around will help them develop faster.
With this, we come to the end of this guide. We are sure that you have enough knowledge about how to go around planting bulbs and to ensure that they grow. If you are not too confident, you could try with a few bulbs and see if the environment is favorable. Once they show some signs of growth, go ahead, and plant new bulbs.
Gardening should be fun and rewarding, and you will be overjoyed to see your tulips blossom. Be patient and take these extra measures, and we are sure you will have a garden to boast about. And do remember to let us know how it turned out for you in the comment section below.
Until next time!
Back in the old days, oil paint was considered to be the medium used for creating the most remarkable of paintings.
And they indeed were!
To this day, it hasn’t changed. Oil paintings have stood the test of time and can be used to create some of the most beautiful paintings known to man.
So, it is no surprise if an artist wants to create a masterpiece using oil, as well as beginners wanting to try it out, we can only imagine the kind of excitement one gets when they are just first starting out with oil painting.
But we also can imagine the frustration that comes when searching for the right tools they will need for oil painting.
That is why, today, we are going to help ease the search by bringing forth only the necessary tools you will require for the initial stage.
If you are just starting out, you will only need to own a minimum amount of brushes. There’s really no need to get every size and shape all at once.
Save that hassle for the future. As you become better at painting, you will slowly and eventually learn all about using the right brushes for the right art.
Besides that, there is also no need to buy expensive ones immediately. Regular, affordable brushes will do for now.
And if you’re still wondering what kinds of brushes you should get, we recommend buying a few brushes of different sizes for the time being.
However, if you are already familiar with oil painting, you will know that brushes used for oil paints don’t usually last that long, especially when the brushes are of low quality and cheap.
Still, high-functioning brushes cost a lot too.
If you are caught in between and unable to make a decision, we recommend using fiber brushes.
These are not as expensive as high-end brushes, yet offer the same service as them. We also think that they are worth investing in because the quality is excellent and they last for a long time.
Solvents and spirits
When working with oil paints, cleaning brushes don’t come easy.
Unlike other paints that can be cleaned up pretty easily under running water, oil paints need solutions.
We recommend getting odorless mineral spirits that are of ‘artist’ quality and not just any type of spirit.
The reason is that the latter contains chemicals that can be harmful to your health, especially when you are exposed to the paints for long hours. Headaches and dizziness are prone to happen with such spirits.
Besides cleaning brushes pretty well, these artist-grade solvents also dilute thicker paints. Odorless mineral spirits allow you to manipulate the thickness of oil paints as you like.
But before you decide to get a bottle, make sure the solvent you’ll be using is right/compatible with the oil paint (this will likely be mentioned on the paint label).
Linseed Oil. You will hear this name very often. Linseed oil is similar to odorless mineral spirits and it also does the same work. It also extends the shelf-life of oil paints, and this helps save you some money from buying new oil paints every now and then.
However, the only difference is that linseed oil (or oil medium) is a much more gentle solvent to dilute oil paints without compromising their texture.
And since this is also an oil-based solvent, it will prolong the drying time of the paints. In this case, you have to get quick-drying mediums which we will talk about in a minute.
Pencils
When talking about oil painting, pencils seem unnecessary.
But at times, they are required for outlining guides and help out with minor details; especially when you’re a beginner, you will require to use a pencil.
They can be handy in other things too so it’s safe grabbing a couple of them to ease your way through.
Old Newspapers or Rags
Now, you may be wondering why we’re including newspaper as a tool for oil painting among other essential supplies.
The thing is, newspapers are a great medium for absorbing paint. You will need to clean your paint brushes more frequently if you have to change colors - and newspapers help.
A cloth works pretty well too, although you have to wash it when you’re done with painting.
But most of the time you will need to constantly change colors. So, we would recommend using old newspapers and rags. So when you’re done, you can just throw them away.
That’s not all, though. Newspapers are also handy when you have to protect the floor from paint spills and splashes.
Rather than spending money to buy a mat or taking the time out to clean the floor after each project, using newspapers is much more convenient and easy.
So grab a bundle of those old newspapers lying around the house and put them to good use!
Next, we have the palette. This one is a valuable tool to have in your studio because it prevents you from creating a mess.
We firmly believe that it is one of the most critical tools for a painter to own because it is:
Specifically made for artists to mix paints
Compliments and completes the artist
Organizes and prevents potential messes
Palettes come in different sizes and shapes. When choosing the right palette, you have to know how much paint you’ll be using most of the time so that this will give you an idea of the size you’ll require.
Although, we will suggest that you get a medium-sized palette if you’re starting out. You will have more than enough space to practice mixing your paints.
Also, look for one with a holder or a thumb hole. It will allow you to handle the palette comfortably without straining your hand during extended use.
If you’re still wondering what kind of palette will suit you best, you can try out one of our suggestions:
Canvas is undeniably the best painting surface for oil painting. It was preferred by the greats back in the old days, and it’s still preferred by artists now.
The reason? Canvas compliments oil paints in a different manner than no other painting surface can.
The most preferred canvases for oil painting are either linen or cotton.
Both deliver great results for oil painting. The only difference is that cotton canvas is easier to set up and cheaper too, while linen canvas is expensive and hard to set up but it provides better results.
Canvases come in different varieties and shapes. Take a look at the common ones below and see which one will go best with your needs:
Stretched canvas. This type of canvas is mostly used for paintings to be displayed. It got its name from its attribute. It has a certain extent of elasticity to make the fabric flexible for painting.
Canvas panel. This is a cheaper form of canvas and it is preferred by most artists who are practicing the art of oil painting.
However, the surface is not stretched but pasted on a straight board and this offers hard support while working. It works best for light-handed artists.
Canvas pads. A canvas pad contains multiple sheets of tearable canvases inside.
Of course, canvas sheets won’t last for long. But these are the best options for amateurs because they’re tearable and highly affordable, which makes them perfect for learning and making mistakes.
If you want to, you can get them in different sizes.
Canvas rolls. Just as the name suggests, this next canvas comes in long rolls.
Canvas rolls provide the artist the liberty to choose a preferred size for their painting.
Besides canvas, there are other oil paint surfaces you might like to keep in the studio. These also are good for oil painting:
Cartridge Paper/Watercolor Paper. Cartridge papers which are also known as drawing papers are more or less the same as regular papers, except for the thickness difference. These come at thicker sizes.
Watercolor papers, on the other hand, are thick but with more tooth and texture. And that allows the paper to hold the oil paints better in place.
Both of these papers have enough density which makes them convenient for oil painting.
Wood. Wood surface provides strong and sturdy support. And when it’s well prepped, it is set for portraying amazing paintings.
Since wood is highly durable and heavy, it’s perfect for permanent display at home.
MDF. Medium Density Fiberboards are made of crushed wood that’s mixed with other substances.
Simply put, an MDF is a condensed board that is very strong; almost unbreakable.
What makes this surface a good option for artists is that it is very cheap and extremely durable. Like regular wood, it only needs enough preparation beforehand to paint on it.
Glass. Glass is much more fragile than any other surface out there. But with glass, you get extraordinary results.
It truly depends on what you prime the glass with, how much paint you use, and your style of painting.
We recommend you give this option a try because you never know what surprises you might get out of it. Moreover, you can always clean up mistakes made on this surface.
Easel
Although they are not compulsory, easels are preferred by artists worldwide because of the benefits they receive from these tools. Such benefits are:
Accurate perspective
Unlike using a table, an easel holds up the painting so you can see it from all angles, hence, it enhances the perspective.
This helps the artist to create accurate paintings as originally desired.
Does not affect your posture
Most artists work on a piece for an extended period of time. This can really affect the spine if they paint on a table in which they have to bend for long hours.
With an easel, the painting is fixed up high and therefore, it improves the posture.
Speed things up
Because the posture is right and the perspective is on point, there will be no unnecessary delays on the work if you use an easel.
Prevents unwanted minor accidents/protects your painting
When using a table where you probably keep other things as well, there is a high chance that you might accidentally knock something over and that will ruin the whole painting.
But an easel is specifically made to hold only the painting, and nothing else. That is why there’s very little chance that the piece will get damaged on an easel.
An easel is also not an expensive tool. So investing in one can really help you in a lot of ways. Plus, they complete your professional studio!
Painting Apron
There is always a tendency that you’ll spill or splash some paint on your clothes while painting. And unlike acrylics or watercolors, oil paints are harder to get rid of.
So, what we would recommend is setting aside an apron to wear only for painting.
Another obvious thing to say is that aprons are handy if you have to dry your hands immediately for receiving a phone call, taking a sip of coffee or any minor thing of that sort.
It does not necessarily have to be expensive. A simple apron would do.
Gesso
Gesso is a liquid primer used for priming the surfaces you will be painting on.
If you had gone through the list of surfaces we’ve listed down, then it’s important to know that almost every one of them requires a primer.
What gesso does is make the surface firm to hold paints better. It adds enough tooth and texture on the surface to ensure great results. Without a primer, paints will appear to be patchy and uneven.
Gesso comes in different types: clear gesso, colored gesso, traditional white gesso, and black gesso. Choose the one that best suits your painting.
Quick-Drying Medium
When the paint is too runny, artists turn to mediums to thicken it. And that works wonders indeed! It causes the paint to dry out slowly and allows the artist to blend and mix colors pretty easily as well.
While oil paints that dry off slowly are more comfortable to mix, the disadvantage side of it is that you have to wait a long time for it to completely dry off before you can touch or do anything with it.
Here’s the reason behind it:
What causes oil paints to dry out is oxidation. Basically, what happens with oil paints is that when it gets in contact with air, a chemical reaction occurs and causes a decrease in electrons, hence, oil paints don’t evaporate like watercolors/acrylics; they harden and dry out slowly.
This is the reason why you’ll notice that blowing it dry takes a longer time than it does with water-based paints.
Note that it also depends on the environment’s temperature around you. Based on this, you’ll see that oil paints normally take from 1-2 or 4-5 days to dry out completely.
This can get really frustrating, especially when you need the painting to be ready immediately.
That is why there are quick-drying mediums out there.
While spirits also help in this process, however, they are not eco-friendly. But there are certain quick-drying mediums that are safe for the environment.
If you get one quick-drying medium and use it for oil paintings, you will see an immense difference in the drying time. Rather than taking days to dry, quick-drying mediums allow the piece to dry in a matter of hours.
Container or a jar to clean brushes
To be more organized and reduce mess, getting a medium-sized jar to clean your brushes will really help.
Keeping a jar beside you goes way beyond just staying organized. The solvents needed to thin and clean brushes will also be stored in it. Therefore, there is no need to change the liquid so frequently.
As time goes by, you will realize that even a small thing such as a jar can really help economize money and usage.
Choosing oil paints can get you stuck when it comes to the price.
We highly recommend that if you’re a beginner, you should start off with a set of oil paints that contains a range of different colors. It does not have to be overly expensive. Just good quality, affordable paints would do.
There is no harm in trying out different oil paints at different prices as well because from there, you will slowly learn which ones are the most satisfying to you and your style.
However, keep in mind that buying a set of really expensive paints while you’re practicing is not a very bright idea. Mistakes are still bound to happen, and using costly paints will just lead to disappointments later.
It is not hard to find good quality and affordable oil paints. Look for a set of ‘artist’ or ‘student’ grade oil paints if you are still mastering the art of oil painting. When you feel you are improving, that’s when you give ‘professional’ grade paints a try.
Conclusion On Oil Painting Supplies
Now, there are a lot of other materials you will require for setting up your very own oil painting studio. But if you are just beginning with the journey, these are mainly all the basic tools/supplies you will need, and you’ll be on your way.
As you progress, it will naturally come to you to figure out what other things you’ll be needing.
So we will leave you with that for now, and we hope to see you again sometime soon.
Digital revolution has changed the way art is created and consumed with rapid strides.
It has made the process of creating art appear seamless, and it's a gift that keeps getting better with time. If you’re a beginner, you can select the free programs while a professional can choose from the premium categories. You should analyze your desired goals and the budget to make a wise decision.
Whenever you get any of the software, there is going to be a lot of functions and processes that you need to learn. Moreover, you need to research carefully about the different features available in these programs to help you improve your skills and workflow.
Even a professional in the traditional medium, will have to learn the different skills which are specific to the digital field. When you are transitioning from the offline world to the digital platform, it can get challenging, but it is a steep learning curve that you’ll require some time to master.
The options that are given to you for drawing, painting, or working with photos are numerous as they emulate the natural effects to a great extent. As you select a software which is suitable for your level of creativity, you’ll grow out to design faster and be more confident as an artist.
Let’s start to discuss the best available software for digital art!
It is one of the oldest graphics programs that are available; you can say that it is as old as Photoshop. This software has been designed to work with vector graphics programs; to create freehand shapes, you have several shapes and line tools along with an impressive set of pens. This is just like any other vector graphics software which allows you to incorporate various illustrations into the more significant designs like pamphlets and posters.
CorelDRAW is one of the best software programs that is available because of the new tool- LiveSketch that they had released in the 2017 version. LiveSketch shows you a completely new direction for creating vector graphics as it quickly transforms your sketches into vectors.
You can also refine and modify the vector lines by redrawing them, just like what is done while sketching on a traditional medium. LiveSketch can also learn your sketching style due to the latest developments in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
The software has some great options for customization, but you might have to search through the menus, which are a drawback compared to other programs where it can be found easily.
Even for a beginner in digital art, Coral will be a good option as it provides some guides and tips which are built-in. You might not find any useful learning material in the form of books that can help you learn the process, but a few quick searches online can help you do the job. The Corel Learning Center also has a set of a tutorial which can help you improve your speed.
The CorelDRAW graphics suite runs only on Windows 7 or 8; it was previously put to rest for macOS in 2001. But in the 2022 release, Corel has announced an improved version of this graphic design program for macOS.
Corel has also released a slim down version- CorelDRAW.app, with this alternate version you can access the vector art application from any web browser. This version will help you create work and share your projects from anywhere.
The CorelDRAW.app is the major highlight of 2022, along with the launch of macOS, which has an interface that supports the different elements of MAC- touch bar and dark mode.
The other feature released by Corel is the stack of non-destructive effects. With this feature, you can use a series of effects on any of the objects, while you can also tweak these effects according to your choice.
Topping off the release is pixel workflow feature, which helps you to sharpen the blurred images for being used on the web. Illustrators who are managing several objects will find that their workflow has improved.
This change is due to the interface called Object Docker, which make the process of selecting assets more easy and quick. When this is paired with the text-search function, you can also search by criteria (e.g., line type and color fill) in the Objects menu.
It is a long-lived software which has undergone several developments since 1992, while the 2022 version is the latest one. In the earlier days, the computers were not very efficient due to which brushstroke lag was common during painting. But with speed improvements and new optimizations, Corel Painter is one of the best available options.
Painter is specially designed for artists who are fond of messy and loose brushwork while they try to emulate the same spark of traditional mediums on their digital canvas. Corel is an excellent software for artists who solely want to paint and draw on the digital forum.
Tools available
There is a massive number of 2.5D brushes which is available on Painter, which allow you to experiment happily for a long time. Whether you prefer an airbrush, a palette knife, watercolor, simple knife, or anything that you can think of in-between is offered by the new version.
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The Painter 2022 has more than 900 tools which have been preset, and they are open for customization. The brush libraries of Painter from the previous six versions have also been included by Corel which gives you more variety.
When you’re setting up a new piece, you can also configure the style and type of the surface depending on the appearance you want from a fine watercolor paper to a plain stretched canvas. Each of the surfaces available tends to react differently with your paint selection and brushes that you choose just like our traditional mediums.
There are several interface layout options, while the toolsets have been configured for different specific tasks from classical fine art to the simplified interface. You will also get many options for illustrations, even though Painter works solely in Pixels and they don’t deal with vector graphics.
The 2022 version of Corel Painter has several features and tools which were added after taking in suggestions from different artists. Yes, you heard it right that Corel is the company which does listen to the requests made by its users. The delay in response time and the User Interface sensitivity has also been fixed after many complaints were lodged.
The most celebrated of the new features is the Pinned Color Wheel. The color wheel can be positioned anywhere on the screen, which allows you for an instant look at the color options without having to swatch. You can now work in detail without having the circular brush icon from disturbing your view.
The software does have several features, brush sets, and settings, which might be a little difficult for a beginner to understand. The use of Coral Painter is quite common between visual development artists, character designers, and concept artists, and it's worth learning if you want to explore digital art.
Just like the other software of Corel, there is a right amount of tutorials available on Painter to learn the basics which can help you to start your work quickly. You can also find several free tutorials on YouTube.
For many different digital artists, it might be challenging to find a pure drawing program. The use of Autodesk Sketchbook Pro can solve the problem; it’s a drawing application which has been designed for the technical illustrator or an expert artist.
Features
You can create your canvases to the extent of up to 64 MPX(Memory Protection Extensions). The vital aspect of any drawing program is the layers which can be used to create drawings. With the layers tool, you can understand how the different layers work together in stages to make a complex drawing.
It also has a simple and user-friendly interface. One of the exciting features in this program is ‘Color Puck,’ which allows you to combine different colors to create new ones.
The way this program handles the full-screen mode is unique, with three buttons that help to improve your workflow. These buttons, which is present on the left side of the screen, allows you to select your color, layer, and brushes without having to switch between different tools.
It also comes with the cool on-screen ruler feature, which can be manipulated for rotation by using two fingers, and if you want to move the ruler from top to bottom or sideways then use a single finger.
The visual ruler is quite helpful while drawing lines in every direction. There is also an ellipse ruler, in which the shape and size can be changed. This feature comes handy, especially while drawing buildings and cityscapes as you don’t have to rotate your screen while you're creating your piece.
You can also create pencil drawings by using the trace stabilizer, which will help you make clean lines without much effort. This feature provides excellent relief even if your hand trembles, as the vibrations will not be reflected in the form of irregular lines.
The negative aspects of this program are the lack of filters which are otherwise found in Illustrator or Photoshop. There are also a few tutorials available online that can help you learn the basics, but with trial and error you'll be able to understand the entire functioning of this program.
As per your need, this program can be used in the pro version, mobile version, or even a free version.
Adobe Photoshop has been one of the most popular programs for digital art, with plenty of different features provided by other competitors who are trying to steal its crown. After almost 30 years of continually developing their tools, they offer services that are unparalleled to the services of the other programs.
When this program was started, they only had an image editing feature for photographers. However, it gradually grew to become a king among the other digital tools that are available. The other digital software doesn’t even try to replace Photoshop, but they instead focus on improving the interface for different fields of art (ex: landscape painting, comics, etc.).
The features of this program are updated quite frequently, along with a smooth user interface, and it comes with several features which are few of the reasons for its popularity. You can use it to create anything you want from comic book pages to concept thumbnails, or even your photo bashed pieces.
If you’re looking to make your career in animation, feature films, video games, or any other form of digital production, then knowing Photoshop does go a long way.
Features
When you get this software, you’ll be provided with a variety of brushes, plugins, layer styles, painting tools, and filters. For a beginner to get lost among all the technical aspects of this software might not be something new, as many tend to get overwhelmed. Even though the learning curve does appear steep, but once you get the basics right, then you can let your imagination fly with the sky being the limit.
It has grown to be an industry standard among creative artists, due to which you can find a large number of tutorials online. Adobe keeps releasing several up-to-date tutorials, and if you can follow them carefully, then you can go from a beginner to the advanced level.
Several concept artists have customized Photoshop’s brushes to create pieces of their own.
You can do everything on Photoshop from editing your RAW photographs to airbrushing original artwork, and you can also create some beautiful photorealistic paintings. Adobe also gives you the freedom to customize your interface completely. You can also remove the tools that you don’t use to help you focus on your current project, and you can also choose to hide your entire interface.
There is preset workspace which you can use, or you can customize your interface. For creating complex scenes, you can set up different grids and rulers, while you also have the option to paint over the 3D objects. And it also gives you the alternative to rotating your canvas when you want as it mimics the rotation of paper while drawing.
PSD files, which is the native file format of Photoshop, is an industry-standard, and it goes well with all other adobe programs. Which means that you can import your PSD files into almost every other software, for instance, both Krita and GIMP accept this format.
There are quite a few artists who tend to combine other painting software with Photoshop. It depends on the type of workflow you are selecting then; accordingly, you can choose your software. It is like you can do your lineart and concept art on Clip Studio Paint, and then you can get it to Photoshop for giving the final touch-ups and for coloring purposes.
Photoshop is very stable, and it’s part of the creative cloud suite of Adobe, it provides you a hassle-free experience when you’re trying to share your access and data for all other assets (brushes, colors, images, and styles) across the different devices.
Price
If you sign up for the Creative Cloud membership, then you can get a non-conditional, free trial version for seven days on Photoshop. You can get this same offer for the other software of Adobe too.
When you go to purchase Photoshop software, you’ll be given four plans. The Adobe software suite is the most expensive at $74.99 per month.
The Photographers package also includes the Lightroom CC, and it comes with a monthly fee of $9.99. If you’re looking out for a monthly plan, then you can get Photoshop for $29.99 per month.
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Clip Studio Paint has become the go-to-tool for comic creation and manga art. It has a Japanese origin, and it was created as specialist software for animation, illustration, and manga. It was initially named as Manga Studio, but the name was changed in 2013.
If you’re looking out for a traditional and natural feel which is wrapped up in a digital painting drawing app, then you should get this program. The advanced detection feature for pen pressure helps to make your pen-strokes appear natural.
The only notable difference between Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint is the brush tool. The brush tool in this program will help you to correct any of the minor mistakes which you make while drawing on your tablet. It helps to provide you with smooth linework.
Clip Studio is optimized to help its users to advance in the field of comic art, as it has several tools which speed up the process of creating comic strips. There is also a canvas layout tool, which will help you to set up the panels quick with a stack of predefined formats and perspective rulers.
The pen tool allows you to work in a flexible vector format, which indicates that your creations are capable of being scaled without any quality loss.
In the new versions, Clip Studio has come with an updated library consisting of posable models and 3D objects. It is going to be beneficial for the concept artists who take the help of different reference materials as it will help you to draw the poses quickly.
You have options to- select a 3D model, use the intuitive joint system to pose it, change the angle of the camera, make the character thin or fat, and select a gender. Once you complete drawing over the figure, you can use the shading of the same model’s figure for reference while lighting. Once you complete this, you can go ahead and delete the model.
It does not try to mimic the traditional mediums as it focuses on giving your work a crisp digital finish, even though you can use the brushes to create a blended texture.
You can get this program in two versions: PRO which is a standard one, and EX, which has advanced features and it’s more expensive.
The features for the EX and PRO version are almost the same except for a few of them which is generally required by concept artists or a digital painter. If you’re serious about manga and comic art, then you should give the EX version a try.
In the PRO version, you can use over 24 frames to quickly test the character movement without having to switch between different programs.
In this standard version, you’ll also get some basic animation features. When the focus is just on animation, then this is not the best option, but you can use it by combining with other programs.
The EX version will be sufficient when you’re trying to create different manga and comic books. If you’re looking for extra features, then this is the best version which is suitable for expert users. In this advanced version, you can save the manga and comic pages as an editable file in the form of a “book.” You can also save these pages in bulk for printing, which will save you a lot of effort and time.
When you get the EX version, the animation feature will also get updated, which gives you an option to create not just the standard 24 frames but an unlimited number of them. You also get different filters to create 3D effects.
Both these versions come with a 30-day trial, so you can check out which one is suitable for you. The PRO version comes with a price tag of $49, while the EX version will cost you $219.
It is one of the free and open-source painting applications, which is underestimated to a great extent. Krita is a digital painting program which was designed for pretty much all types of digital artists ranging from concept artists, cartoonists, and illustrators.
Krita was initially developed for image editing, but then it kept improving, and since 2009, it started to focus on digital painting. This program will not make a beginner feel overwhelmed as it does not have fancy tools or a horde of features. The purpose of Krita is painting, and as you keep using this program, you’ll be able to perceive how modestly it prioritizes this feature.
You can go online and check out the several tutorials available to understand the functioning of the different toolsets and the user interface on Krita. There are no official tutorials which were released by Krita, but they have made few detailed documentation online.
Features
The pop-up palette can be used to select your brushes, colors, and erasers. The other tools that you require for your work can be found in the right and left panels. As discussed earlier, Krita does support your PSD files so you can easily switch between Krita and Photoshop.
There is a ton of freebies which you can find online, such as brush packs that will help you to emulate almost every effect produced by the traditional medium- graphite, watercolors, etc. Krita offers around nine custom brush engines, which includes a Particle engine, Shape engine, and a Color Smudge engine.
There is also an option to use a brush stabilizer that will help to smoothen your lines flawlessly. The tool has a bonus as it helps you to import texture and brush packs, or you can also create and share your ones.
The fact that Krita is a free software helps to make it more special, as this can be the prime retort when we are not ready to burn down some cash to learn digital painting.
The best thing about using this Krita is that you can customize your interface intuitively, by setting up the panels and dockers in a way that it improves your workflow.
If you’re looking out for a program which is a complete powerhouse of digital painting, then you can get ArtRage. It has a high demand among the illustrators and digital painters.
Unlike the other programs ArtRage has leveled up its game, and they have removed the side panels which obscures the view of the user and the complicated user interface. This modification will help you to focus more on the canvas.
Features
The intuitive interface allows you to select your color and tools easily. At the bottom of the screen on your left, you’ll get a semi-circular brush picker, while on the bottom right of the screen you'll find the color picker. It ensures that you can focus on the painting without getting disturbed by the various menus popping up on your screen.
Once you have selected your brush and the colors, the user interface disappears automatically. But, this happens when you have changed the settings as you get the option to display or hide your panels and to create custom presets.
The brush presets option is pretty cool as your time is not wasted in adjusting them. You can get your favorite variants by settings the tools right as you change the paint thickness, brush shape, and other similar properties.
The tools in ArtRage don’t just look like they are emulating the traditional media, but they also act like them, such as:
You can shade softly with pencils.
Watercolors can be washed away with water.
To build thick texture strokes, you can use oil.
The painting tools respond according to the texture of the canvas that you’re selecting.
One of the exciting features is that of ‘real color blending’; you can choose from the various modes of the palette knife or use interactive real media tools to blend your color and paint textures. Moreover, you can also edit your texts, and an option for an eraser is there too.
If you're a beginner in the field of digital painting, then ArtRage will be a good option. With a little effort and practice in this program, you can improve your skills to a significant extent.
Price
Try out the demo version to understand the essential functions of ArtRage, and you can use it for an unlimited amount of time. However, the demo does not let you save any of your work.
ArtRage also has an affordable price range, for a beginner you can go for ArtRage Lite, which will cost you $29.90. It has all the painting features that you will also find in the full version ($79.90, including the future updates). Getting this software will save you a ton of money as you can have it for life.
GIMP is another free and open-source program which was built as an alternative to Photoshop. It is a cheaper option when you’re looking for software for digital image editing.
It was designed in a way that it could completely replace Photoshop. You can use it for digital painting, but this software was optimized for photo editing, graphic design, text effects, and other features that you can think of in-between.
Even though GIMP has released several versions over the past years, but the user interface is still confusing and frustrating for a beginner as it’s kept unrefined. With most of the open-source programs, the software developers tend to focus less on the user interface and more on the functionality.
In the recent versions of GIMP, a ‘Single Window’ mode has been included which has made the UI more clear-sighted for the user.
Unlike other free programs if you’re looking at different tools for digital art, then you’ll find them in GIMP. The default functioning of GIMP is a good option when you want a freebie with the same functionality as Photoshop.
Many professionals do not opt for GIMP, but it does have a few advantages: with a little knowledge in software development you can create your plugins and extensions for the system, and it's quite useful for your pixel-based image work. However, even if you can’t develop plugins, it’s not going to be an issue as the default setup is pretty good enough for your artwork.
Several users have made tutorials that will help a beginner to learn everything that is required about GIMP. There is not enough support from a GIMP team to get a reply to all your issues, but there is enough content on the internet to help you find practical solutions.
It is a simple painting Japanese software which is used for crafting various digital artworks, and Paint Tool SAI is a popular choice among the manga and comic artists.
The program has a simple user interface along with user-friendly tools, which is why after its release in 2008, it had a high demand in the market. SAI has been updated only a few times, and it’s a small program with fewer features that runs only on Windows.
Features
The color tool in this program is quite impressive, as you can choose from a range of different colors. While selecting your colors, you’re also presented with different hues to help you get the right shade of color. You can also switch the saturation levels of the colors, which allows you to adjust the darkness or lightness to create colorful artworks.
It also comes with a super cool feature in which you can shift from one tool to another, by converting your brushes into erases, and vice-versa.
It will be simple for you to understand the features in SAI if you have previously used Photoshop. Or else there are several tutorials to help you become a Pro with constant effort for a few weeks. The functions of this program are pretty detailed, which makes it an excellent program for sketching purposes.
SAI also has a different system of brushes, which allows you to import different textures to merge with your brush style and to create new brushes. There are a few drawbacks of this program- glitches while you preview .gifs using the explorer window, large file sizes can make the program slow down, and a limit of 256 layers for new projects.
Many people use SAI to get the watercolor effects as the blending mode is similar to our traditional watercolor medium. However, this program is also notably used for lineart purposes and to create anime with its highest demand in Japan.
Price
You’ll enjoy using SAI if you’re an anime lover and you like creating anime-style art or any other form of digital painting. SAI comes with a price tag of about $49, but you have to be a Windows user.
Rebelle by escape motions is a low-priced program which mimics the traditional media and painting techniques. Rebelle is known for its watercolor effects, which is influenced by the tooth of the paper, wetness, and thickness. Even if you learn the basics of watercolor painting on Rebelle, you’ll be able to implement the same thing in the real world while using the traditional media.
Features
The texture of the canvas in this program is excellent, and the toothiness of the paper affects the watercolor paint, which is evident when you’re using the dripping mode. Using this program will be mostly preferred by watercolor artists.
The feature of edge darkening and the ability to select the position of the grain, which is relative to the brush mark helps to make your artwork appear realistic.
The blow tool which is also known as the DropEngine, let’s you blow wet paint by creating dripping effects on the dry areas. However, the appearance of drips on paper is influenced by stencils, paper structure, water, and selections.
There is an Instadry tool for which you don’t have to paint in separate layers, and it prevents the paint from dripping due to the DropEngine feature.
The blending feature is also amazing, as you can use your fingers to blend the colors when you’re using a touchpad.
Unlike other programs in Rebelle 3, you can also wet the canvas before you start drawing by just selecting the ‘blue mode.’ Whereas, in ArtRage, you don’t have the option to soak the page before you start painting, but you’re allowed to paint (or blend) with water.
A watercolor artist will clearly understand the feature and language used in this program — for instance, the concept of hot or cold paper. The filters and color tools are also very sophisticated, as you can mix different colors and also select the proportion of each color that you want to combine.
If you’re interested in perspective drawing, then you can make good use of the perspective rulers in Rebelle. The ruler works quite similar to our real-world ruler, as you can drag it to change its directions, and pin it onto the page.
One of the features which had the highest demand among the Rebelle users is the reference image panel, which works as a visual guide when you’re painting. The watercolor brushes in Rebelle 3 have continued to improve with a significant focus on realism in this version as it can accurately mimic various types of behavior on the different surfaces of paper.
Price
For using Rebelle 3 you’ll need a great graphics card, and on the flip side, you also require a gaming computer. The new version is available for Windows and macOS with a price tag of $89.99.
It is a full-fledged painting tool along with a broad set of preconfigured realistic brushes that will help you to either paint creatively or experiment with them.
You can quickly create some fantastic masterpieces and its suitable for both advanced and beginner users. But, children love the Artweaver free version as it’s pretty simple and they get a chance to experiment with the different brushes that are available.
Features
You can either use the brushes as they are or choose to customize them and save the configuration as a new variant.
The Artweaver free version allows you to create different realistic digital paintings by just using a stylus, mouse, or by taking input from your touchscreen PC. You can create paintings by just tapping on the screen and by using different brush effects.
With minimal effort, you can make complex images, by using calligraphy pens, Conte brushes, airbrushes, along with a broad range of pens and patterns and the other familiar brushes.
The software is layer-based, so it allows you to build up your piece in layers by giving you the ability to change any of the prior selections that you had made.
It has an uncomplicated user interface, which you can adjust according to your needs, and the customized arrangements can be saved to help you improve your workflow.
Artweaver also allows people to work together as a team on the same project over the internet or LAN. Your work also gets recorded as events, and you can choose to save and replay them later. This feature helps you to understand the entire process of creation from the empty canvas to the final image, while you can showcase the event to other users to demonstrate your painting style.
There are few features which might not be available in the Artweaver free version, so you should compare the differences before getting one. Artweaver plus will cost you around $49, which also comes with free updates.
It is a digital drawing software, with over 9000 brushes that have been included. Black Ink comes with brush customization options which can get a little tricky for beginners to understand, but it's an excellent program for experienced artists.
In this program, you can customize and create any brush that you can imagine while saving and sharing them with the user community. Black Ink does not try to emulate the physical drawing tools and instead focuses on its digital strengths by using a controller-based brush system.
You can use every brush by combining it with the other innovative functions of this program, such as image-based color or gradients, for a variety of different uses. You can make your computer become a new source of inspiration for your work with the unique and complete creative tools.
The GPU-based rendering engine helps you to work in an enormous canvas without having a fear of freezing or lagging of the software during the process of creating art.
The user interface of Black Ink is responsive and clean, which helps to give you fresh user experience. It gives you instant access to color history, brushes, and visual brush preview.
All the different combinations that this program allows you to make reflects the power that generative art tends to hold, which all comes for $59.99.
Final Words
Explore the various options available for you, as it comes down to two factors- purpose and goal. Each software has certain positive and negative aspects related to it, but you have to weigh out the options cautiously. When you transition to the digital forefront and understand the ins, and out of this platform, you’ll be able to fulfill all your artistic dreams.
Colored pencils are an excellent medium to use. If you are a novice, this is the medium to begin your art journey with.
Unlike oil and watercolors, this will not smudge or roll down your canvas. It is almost like using a pen. The only difference is that they are colorful and smoother. You can use cotton or cloth to blend the colors, and an eraser can be used to rub it off.
So, yes, there is a space to correct your mistakes. These colors can be used for layering, and you will be able to create stunning pieces with well-blended shades.
Now we know how important inspiration is, and without the right motivation, it isn't easy to begin drawing. To help you out, we have listed 57 colored pencil drawing ideas.
Read on to know all about them.
Colored Pencil Drawing Ideas
Drawing Dory
This is an adorable picture of Dory from 'Finding Nemo,' the popular fish that everybody loves. Look how they have blended the different shades of blue to create the body. The background has been made slightly dull to have the fish standing out.
Spiderman
Have you been a spiderman fan for ages now? Yes, it involves an intricate design and many colors, but that is the beauty of it. Pay attention to how the color white has been used to show the reflection of light.
Baby Groot
This is an excellent example of a simple drawing that will look very creative. First, use a pencil to draw spiral lines and a U shaped head, and then go on to use brown and green to color it.
Girl With An Umbrella
This is indeed a very thoughtful drawing, and we love the artwork. The girl has been painted black while the colorful umbrella stands in contrast with it. This will not be very difficult and can be attempted by beginners.
Bright Patterned Yin Yang
Looking at it, you are reminded of Yin Yang, but it is entirely different. The complete design has floral patterns on it and is surrounded by a splash of vibrant colors.
Colored Yin-Yang
This is indeed a very creative version of the popular Yin Yang symbol. Painted in a multitude of colors, this stands out for the bright patterns on one side. You can refer to the patterns in the picture or create your own.
Colorful Balloons
This is one drawing that can be attempted by people of all ages. A set of balloons can be drawn and shaded in various ways. Use your imagination to be creative with the balloons. You can make them transparent and mix the colors to provide for a more realistic effect.
Best Friends
Are you an animal lover? Draw this unique friendship between an owl and a flamingo. The colors stand out and the artist has been very detailed. Notice the owl and his feathers and how beautifully they have been layered.
Hanging Frog
This is another work that animal lovers will like. A frog seems easy but look at how the picture has been colored. The green blends so well with the brown and red with subtle orange shades.
Colorful Eye
Do you want to make something unique? This is a great idea which can be incorporated in your drawings. You can see an eye which has been drawn to look real with multi colored feathers under it. The feathers below add to the aesthetic of this image.
Face
Cartoon fans will love this artwork but you will need to have some prior experience to draw this. The face has to be drawn first and then you can go on to color it. It has a lot of detailing and shades to show the curves.
Baby Ironman
We found this to be a very cute addition to this list. What if Ironman was a baby? Yes, you can draw this character easily and outline it with black. The shades are absolutely perfect but you need to be careful with it while coloring.
Eyes And Lips
This is a rather unique example of coloring. You can only see a pair of eyes and a fading nose below. The lips are drawn with great detailing but that is it. Pay attention to the details to get it right!
Maleficent
Are you a fan of Maleficent? You could draw this beautiful image using blue and black. Add red lips and they will stand out. We loved how they left the face blank and yet managed to make this beautiful piece of art look exactly like the character.
Chameleon
Up next is probably the most beautiful chameleon that we have ever seen. This involves a variety of colors, and it will need time and dedication to draw. But the result is going to be eye-catching for sure.
Colorful Girl
This is pretty innovative with the face of a girl who has colorful hair. Her hair is colored in shades of a rainbow with the shades melting and falling into the face. We loved the artist’s imagination here.
The Eye
This looks like a real eye from every angle. Drawn to perfection, this is the work of a professional. You must pay attention to the tiny details and those lines on the skin. We love the reflecting light in the eye.
Preying Bird
We have another fantastic creation right here which features this bird looking straight ahead. The blending of the colors is really good and we love how these blue and yellow shades have been paired with pink.
Animal Friends
If you are drawing for kids or to hang it in a kids room, this is a great idea. This fox and a rabbit are characters that many know about. Look at how the fur has been colored. It is the most important part of this drawing.
Girl With The Shades
Do you want to draw something modern? Here is a girl with beautiful red hair driving a car. Her shades reflect the driving wheel and we love her earrings.The lips are designed to catch your attention too.
Ruffled Hair
Hair is something which takes a lot of time to master. You can however begin practising with this. Take your time and see the strokes and shades carefully before trying to recreate it.
Playing With Colors
This is another fantastic and realistic drawing and it has the face of a woman with colors on it. There are splashes of red, yellow and green and it looks very aesthetically spread across.
Peacock
If you want to work with shades of blue and green, this peacock is a great idea. The scales are colored beautifully and every detail is clearly visible. If you decide to use this as an inspiration, look at the shadows too.
Apple
What about drawing a fruit in summer shades of red, orange and yellow. Yes, this is a very vibrant fruit that has been colored to look like a photograph. Please pay attention to the shadow underneath.
Unique hair
Do you want to look at something creative? Check the image out and look at the hair! You will find a strange array of things in it which together look aesthetic.
Realistic Drawing
This is another complex piece of drawing where the picture looks like a real snickers bar kept on a white sheet. It has innumerable details and is colored in the right shades to make it look real. You can practice with real objects for this type of drawing.
Bird Colored Pencil Drawing
If you want to focus more on the colors than the pencil drawing, this is a great source of inspiration. The artist has used blue and orange and has shaded the bird perfectly. You can see the eyes glistening and the feathers have been painted very distinctly.
Colorful Deer
Have you ever imagined a deer so beautiful? The artist has drawn a deer and then colored it with the shades of a rainbow. The color feels like water paint which is flowing down from the picture.
Human Face
Do you like drawing human faces? This could be an innovative way to go about it. The artist has not added any eye-balls to make it look spooky!
Bird Friends
If the jungle book was your favorite as a kid, you might love to draw something like this. The red and blue stands out to make this picture of the 2 friends impeccably beautiful.
Rose
What about a multi-colored rose? You can draw a typical rose and then color it using multiple colors. Blend them well to create this piece of beauty.
Seahorse
Next we have a gorgeous seahorse colored with blue and pink. The hues are subtle but when painted on a offwhite sheet of paper, stands out a lot. Look at the detailing and the precision with which it has been drawn.
Dripping Lips
This uses a very different color combination. The skin is painted in white and black while the lips stand out in bright red. You can see the liquid clearly on the lips because of this coloring effect.
Pack Of Feathers
Feathers are a great way to begin drawing. You can first use a pencil to draw it out and then fill in accordingly. This is a great inspiration for beginners.
Rainbow Feather
This is another feather option but this time, it has rainbow colors on it. You can use this as a reference and color a feather with your choice of colors.
Cupcakes
What could be sweeter than drawing a bunch of pretty cupcakes. This is pleasing to the eye as well as the heart. Color them in your favorite colors and add decorations on top to make them look palatable.
Realistic Baby
This is a brilliant piece of inspiration that you can use to create faces. We were amazed by the fine work and you will be needing a lot of practice to make this happen. The freckles and the texture of her skin is absolutely on point.
Demon Woman
Do you like mysteries? This is a picture of a mysterious demon woman looking straight ahead. She seems to be standing among flowers with a brightly colored background. The rainbow flowers bring out the beauty.
Girl In A Jacket
What about painting shadows in colors? Try this one out and explore human drawing using multiple colors. You can use paint too along with pencil colors to achieve the desired effect.
Cartoon
This is another great example of drawing hair. Look at the precision with which it has been drawn. Start with the lightest color and then move towards the deep ones. Make sure that the shadow is on point.
Pink Skull
This is a pretty awesome skull painted in pink and red. Who would have thought that you can make a skull look aesthetically pleasing with the right colors.
Grapes
If you like drawing,this is something you can work on. Drawing these grapes will help you perfect your shading skills. Pay attention to the light reflection on each of the grapes.
Set Of Books
This is a great idea for beginners. Use a sketch pen to make the black lines and then fill it up. It will not need much expertise with shading and you can get your kids to make it too.
Parrot On A Swing
If you are teaching your kids to draw, this will be a great starting inspiration. It is an image of a cute parrot on a swing which is fairly easy to color.
Colorful Hair
While we have spoken about different hair patterns before, this one has a beautiful color. Pay attention to how the blue shade has been used to enhance the image.
Line Drawing
Up next is a different kind of drawing made with colored pencils. You can use a colored pencil instead of a normal pencil to draw. Add shadows with the same color and you will come up with a unique piece.
Tribal Kid
How about painting a tribal kid with a head gear full of feathers? This image is very cute and uses pastel shades to enhance the head gear. Pay attention to the shadow under the eye which enhances his cheeks.
Dismayed Frog
This may just be a drawing of a frog but it is cartoonized and seems to be staring out of the paper. We loved the beautiful colors that have been used to make the image vibrant.
Rainbow String
Have you been a fan of those chewable sour rainbow candies? This is a beautiful work that looks a lot like that. You will not be needing a pencil and you can directly start working with colors.
Ironman
Are you an Ironman fan? Then this could be a great starting point. Yes, it will need a lot of dedication and you should take your time while coloring it. Look at the shadow around the neck and color accordingly.
Bunny With A Carrot
If you are designing a book for kids, this can be a great addition. This cute little rabbit has giant green eyes which are colored very well. The carrot stands in a contrasting color with its tongue out. It’s leaves match the color of the rabbit's eyes.
Blue Flower
We have another beginner's work for you where the steps to drawing a flower have been shown. You can follow it to ensure that the colors and shades are on point. The end result is a beautiful blue flower.
Orange flowers
Once you have learnt the art of coloring flowers, it is time to move onto more difficult ones. This involves a lot of shading and you can practise your skills with this.
Pokemon Mewtwo
If you are a pokemon fan, this is a fabulous idea and you will love it. Color your favorite pokemon using different shades. You can also use their real animated pictures for reference.
Onions
How real do these onions look? They are colored perfectly using the right strokes. Watch the strokes carefully and ensure that they are in one direction to achieve perfection.
Baby Bird And A Frog
Look at this cute little bird and a tiny frog on top. Use an art handmade paper and then color with pencils to achieve this effect. You can also paint the handmade paper in a mustard shade before you begin coloring.
Baby Hippo
This is another very adorable cartoon that kids will love to color. You can use this as an inspiration and get your kids to color in a similar pattern. Look at how the cheeks are red and so is the tummy and ears.
Final Word
We will give you a moment to absorb the giant list that you just went through. This stunning collection will provide you enough food for thought. But remember one thing about drawing, the more you practise, the more perfect you get.
The artists who drew the realistic images that were part of this list needed years of dedication and hard work to get to this point. Give it your best and we are sure that you will succeed.
Also, another great inspiration could be objects around you. Anything from a pair of pears to the blue sky and fluffy clouds could be a source of inspiration.
With this, we have come to an end. Use your resources well and cultivate this hobby and we are sure you will do very well.
Air conditioners are one of the highest power-consuming appliances, so many people shut off their machines frequently. But you can use a programmable thermostat to leave the air conditioner on all day while reducing energy expenditure.
If you are struggling with high energy bills, your first thought would be to use the air conditioner more efficiently. But it can be challenging to get a comfortable room temperature when you’re confused between leaving your air conditioner running and turning it off.
My guide looks at both scenarios and explains how you can save power while achieving the desired temperature. I have also described a few user-friendly ways to use an AC.
Decoding Popular Myths Surrounding An Air Conditioner
Before I address whether turning AC on and off vs. leaving it on is better, let’s discuss another common perception: leaving the air conditioner on throughout the day helps save energy.
Many people believe an air conditioning system uses less energy, leading to a lower electricity bill when you don’t turn it back on frequently. But this is not true because leaving the air conditioner running continuously is not an economical and efficient way of using it.
In such instances, the performance of the AC fluctuates all day to reach the desired temperature. Moreover, the air conditioning experiences excess wear and deteriorates faster, resulting in higher energy costs.
Can You Save Money By Turning The Air Conditioning System Off?
Air conditioning systems operate at the same speed, irrespective of the temperature setting. All that’s different is they run a few hours more to cool the room down to the set temperature.
When you leave the air conditioner on all day, it turns on and off periodically to maintain a consistent temperature. But if you use it during a specific time, it will run steadily for a few hours to cool the room.
In other words, you will get more energy savings if the air conditioner runs less. So, always turn off the air conditioners when leaving home to save more money on cooling costs. Most importantly, check the electricity rates for your neighborhood because some suppliers charge more during peak hours.
For example, leaving your air conditioner on in the evening, when most people come home from work, will lead to excess energy expenditure in some areas.
Should You Shut Off Air Conditioning Systems Often?
Many people fear that running the air conditioner at a stretch puts pressure on the unit, leading to wear and tear. But this is only true if you leave the AC running throughout the day. You should turn off the air conditioner after a couple of hours but don’t do it often.
In fact, switching the AC off can be good and help save electricity. HVAC professionals have told me that when the air conditioning runs for a shorter time at full speed, it’s more likely to deliver optimum output.
But machines switched on and off frequently are more prone to breaking down, as small components within the unit are suddenly set into motion or stopped. So, run the air conditioning system more constantly to reduce the chances of short cycling.
Should You Leave The Air Conditioner Running?
From the above points, it’s clear that leaving your AC on throughout the day is bad, so why do people do it anyway? This is because sticking to a fixed schedule while operating the HVAC system isn’t possible for most people, especially those who work a 9-5 job.
If you can’t turn on the AC during the day, there are fewer chances of your home having a comfortable temperature. Moreover, the humidity level can be high in places like Florida, and it might take hours for a hot house to cool down.
As a result, your interiors become more prone to mold and mildew, while delicate appliances can get damaged.
Possible Solutions To Save Money
Here are 2 techniques you can use to save extra energy without sacrificing comfort to get the most out of your air conditioning system.
1. Turn The Air Conditioner Up
You must alter the thermostat settings to save money and keep your home comfortable. I recommend increasing the thermostat temperature rather than turning it off altogether, especially when you head off to work.
The ideal temperature range would be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so the AC runs less, and you end up saving money. Moreover, it will turn on now and then to keep the temperature comfortable.
This solution is for people who need to leave their air conditioner running. And after coming home, you can use it at full blast for effective cooling. You should know even a slight variation in the thermostat temperature can increase efficiency by 5%.
Homeowners who adjust their thermostats at 7-10 degrees higher can lower cooling costs by 10%.
2. Programmable Thermostat
To get the most out of your air conditioning systems year after year, I recommend investing in programmable thermostats. With a programmable thermostat, there’s no need to change the temperature manually, as the thermostat automatically learns your schedule.
Most leading-edge programmable thermostats are completely customizable, and you can easily adjust the temperature for energy-efficient use.
Tip
A programmable thermostat can save you 10-15% on your monthly energy bills. The best part is that you can schedule programmable thermostats to start running before you get home, ensuring the room is at a comfortable temperature when you arrive.
Conclusions
Only think about leaving your air conditioner on all day when you have a programmable thermostat. Otherwise, it would be best to leave the AC running and turn it off after a few hours.
But whether you save more money depends on other factors like the air conditioner model, running time, the purpose of use, prevailing climate, etc. Also, make sure to call a professional maintenance service and clean all the components when the machine is subjected to heavy use.
And if in doubt, read my guide again, and you should have an efficient air conditioning system!
Watercolor painting is one of the most versatile art media that comes with a rich history. It’s fun, affordable, and can produce stunning pieces.
By applying the right technique of mixing paints with water, you can make your artwork sing on paper. The possibilities are endless to make the colors dance when it comes to watercolor paintings. You can capture everything on your canvas with watercolor, from watercolor portraits to stunning watercolor landscapes.
However, if you are a beginner, all the painting techniques can feel a bit daunting. What are the best watercolor paints?How to mix the colors? How much paint to use? How to paint with watercolor for beginners? All these questions can easily scare away the artist in you. That’s why we’re here to talk about everything that you need to know to get started with watercolor painting, from supplies to coloring techniques.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s get our sketchbooks ready!
How To Paint With Watercolor For Beginners
What Are The Supplies You’ll Need To Get Started?
When you’re about to embark on a new adventure into the world of art and watercolor painting, you need the right supplies in the backpack. Although it might seem tempting to dive right in, it won’t be a fun adventure without the basic supplies. So, we’ll discuss some of the most common equipment that every painter needs for watercolor paintings.
1. Watercolor Paints
What’s art without colors? As a painter, choosing the right colors can create all the difference in developing a masterpiece. When it comes to watercolor painting, the options are quite limitless. You have liquid colors, solid blocks of color pans, and tube colors. There are many types of watercolor paints to choose from and can get overwhelming if you’re a beginner.
However, it’s a good idea to choose some basic vibrant colors, and mix them to create your own color palette. A set of 12 or 24 colors of watercolor paint can be perfect for beginners. In that way, you’ll get different tones and shades for mixing colors while painting. As a beginner, don’t waste too much money purchasing expensive artist-grade color sets.
2. Watercolor Brushes
You get two options here - brushes with natural hair, like sable or squirrel, and high-quality synthetic coloring brushes. If you are a beginner, synthetic brushes might be a better option because they are much more affordable while professionals find the best watercolor brushes to be natural paint brushes. These brushes are available in different sizes and numbered accordingly. The higher the number, the bigger the brush.
You’ll need a few round brushes to lay down the basic watercolors on the paper while painting. The #6, #10, and #12 round brushes are usually enough for beginners. You can also purchase a few small pointy round brushes for painting delicate designs. As you get more acquainted with watercolor painting techniques, you can extend the brush collection.
3. Watercolor Paper
When it comes to watercolor, you need a special high-quality paper that’s quite thick and coarse and doesn’t absorb any color pigment. Handmade paper is usually the best choice for watercolor painting. It doesn’t break the paint by absorbing it and allows it to sit on the paper until it has completely dried.
What’s more, the flat surface makes it easier to paint with watercolor on this paper. In contrast, machine-made papers are more absorbent than handmade ones, so colors won’t flow on them naturally and lose depth. You might consider other techniques and papers too, see this guide on how to paint on yupo papers, an exemplary alternative of traditional paper for watercolor painting.
4. Watercolor Palette
Now that you know about the paints, brushes, and paper, it’s time to head on to the watercolor palette. An artist’s palette is essentially something that holds all the colors while you are painting, and you can find one in any art store.
Some palettes come with indentations for pouring and mixing colors, while others simply have a flat surface. You can also use old dinner plates to mix colors as watercolors mix quite well on such china plates that can be washed off easily after use.
5. Water And Paper Towels/Cloth
If you’re a beginner in watercolor painting, always remember to keep your workspace clean. Water, paper towels, and old cloth are essential in keeping your workstation pristine so that you don’t ruin the actual painting. Say you spill some water or wet paint; dry paper towels are there to save the day.
You’ll also need water to clean up the brushes and color pallets after you’re done working to avoid creating a mess. Hence, don’t underestimate the power of water and cloth in keeping your workstation and art supplies spotless.
6. Masking Tape
Remember those kindergarten days when our art teacher used to tell us to stay inside the borders while we painted with crayons? The story of beginners in watercolor painting is not so different. Staying inside the borders of your sketch can transform an art piece from ordinary to extraordinary.
While professional artists have years of experience under their belt to perfect the skill of staying inside the borders, you can always use some masking tape as a beginner. Simply tape the edges of the paper to avoid painting over the borders, and you’ll be good to go.
How To Set Up The Workspace?
Once you have all the necessary supplies for starting your watercolor journey, get ready to set up the workspace. You cannot possibly cram all the art supplies inside your study table or closet drawers. Every artist needs a separate workspace where they can paint their imagination on paper.
Professional artists have their personal art studios. But as a beginner, how about you stick to a work table? Find a workstation or desk that’s big enough to accommodate all your art supplies and allows you to set up a new watercolor painting project.
Also, make sure that you can easily clean off the desk surface if there’s any spill without damaging the material. Glass tables are always a good option for watercolor paintings because these are easy to clean, and the water cannot damage the glass surface.
You can also work on wooden tables, but excess spilling of water and paints can ruin the wooden surface. Hence, it’s always best to cover the desk surface with old newspapers or a paper towel before you start working on a watercolor project.
How To Mix Watercolor Paints?
The best thing about watercolors is that you don’t need to buy many colors to create different shades and tones. You can simply mix some basic colors to create a range of shades while painting.
Mixing the watercolors is quite straightforward, and all you need is a brush, some colors, and water. First, choose a color pigment and moisten the paint with some water using a brush and transfer it to your palette. Then, do the same thing with another color pigment and mix the two colors to create a new shade. Some basic color combinations include:
Red and blue make purple
Yellow and red make orange
Yellow and blue make green
Orange and blue make brown
Yellow, red, and blue make black
In most cases, you can use the three primary colors, yellow, blue, and red, to create a diverse color palette without buying any extravagant color sets.
Moreover, you can adjust the tone or shade of different colors using water. If you want a lighter tone, you need to add more water to the color. At the same time, if you want to add more depth and create a darker tone, limit the use of water. Hence, depending on how much water you use, you can control the tone of the colors while mixing them.
However, make sure to clean the brush with some water and soap every time you want to mix new colors. If the brush contains any other colors, you will end up getting a different shade that can ruin the entire color palette.
Watercolor Tips For Beginners
If you want to ace the watercolor painting game, it’s best to have some watercolor techniques for beginners up your sleeve. So, in this section, we have discussed some simple tips and tricks that can help you create a watercolor masterpiece as a beginner. Let’s take a look!
1. Draw The Picture
No matter what experts tell you, always draw the outlines of the picture or design to get a clear idea before you start painting. You can use a pencil or a waterproof ink pen to give a shape to your idea and get it on the paper.
After you’re done drawing your picture, start coloring away. Once you draw the picture, it becomes easier to stay within the boundaries of the pencil marks. If you use a water-resistant artist pencil, it’s possible to ensure that the pencil marks won’t wash away when you apply the watercolors.
2. Create A Color Chart
Creating a color chart or a color wheel using moistened paint is always an excellent idea for watercolor painting. Start labeling each color starting from the left side and moving vertically to create the color chart. Repeat the same process horizontally to create different color grids for your color chart.
Now, fill up the grids by mixing different colors on your palette to complete the entire color wheel or chart. Once you’ve created the chart, you can use it as a reference sample to better understand the different shades and tones to use while coloring.
3. Contouring Effect
While watercolor is technically a two-dimensional art medium, you can create three-dimensional effects if you know the right painting techniques. Contouring allows you to highlight an object and make it stand out from the background using simple watercolors and brush strokes.
First, paint your subject with a solid base color, and then imagine a light source that’s lighting up one side of your object while the other side stays dark. Add more of the same color to make one side of the subject look darker.
Now, carefully blend the difference between the light and dark shades by applying plain water with a clean brush. The more you blend the color, the more seamless the transition from the lighter to darker shade will be. Hence, the contouring technique helps you play with the aspects of light and shade using watercolors.
4. Wet Painting And Dry Painting
When it comes to creating extraordinary watercolor artworks, you can use two painting techniques - wet painting and dry painting. In wet painting, you first wet the paper completely with some plain water till it’s glistening, and then use a brush to apply the colors. Although you have less control over how the colors will act, the wet technique is quite effective in painting abstract backgrounds and portraits.
In contrast, the dry painting technique allows you to add more dimension and contrast to your artwork. You use moistened paints to color on dry watercolor paper and adjust the shades and tones by adding more water or color accordingly. It’s much easier to control the colors if you apply the dry technique.
Hence, you can choose any technique depending on what kind of watercolor painting you’re trying to develop.
5. Painting With Negative Space
The technique of working with negative space is almost exclusively used in watercolor paintings. It is quite similar to the contouring technique and works to create a visual contrast between light and dark color tones.
In this technique, you consider the viewer of your artwork as the light source. In that way, the side of your subject closer to the viewer appears lighter, while the side farthest from your viewer is darker.
For instance, you can create negative space while coloring flowers or trees. The side of the flower that’s opposite the viewer will be darker compared to the side facing the viewer. You can gradually fade the color by adding more water to make it lighter on one side and darker on the opposite side. To make the transition between the light and dark shades appear seamless, you can outline the particular areas to make them stand out in your painting.
6. Fixing A Mistake
As a beginner, you’re bound to make some mistakes along the way while learning different watercolor painting techniques. But no need to panic because fixing your mistakes with watercolors is quite easy compared to any other art medium.
Since it is a water-based art medium, you can simply remove or lift the colors using a dab of clean water. Suppose you make a mistake while coloring; wait for the colors to completely dry before you can remove them. Once the paint has dried up, use a wet brush to lift off or erase the paint.
Then, wipe off the area with a clean paper towel gently, and you can see the whole paint has been erased. Now, you can paint over the area with new colors without ruining your watercolor painting. No harm, no foul, and no damage done. However, it’s best to be careful while wiping off the paint so that you don’t lift off colors from any other area.
Choose A Watercolor Painting Project
Choosing the right painting projects is a cool way to kickstart your watercolor learning journey. As a beginner, you’d want to stick to simple subjects for your watercolor project instead of doing large portraits that require extensive skills and techniques.
Start with painting objects from your everyday life, such as your favorite sweet treats or fruits. They can be quite vibrant and colorful, which will make it a fun experience for you.
Moreover, if you’re a traveloholic and a nature lover, try to capture the different colors and essence of any favorite travel destination in your watercolor artwork. Also, animals having colorful furs make excellent subjects for beginners. If you have a furry friend, like a pet dog or a cat, they can be a great choice for your first watercolor project.
However, if you want to go down a bit of an unconventional road, try your hand at abstract painting. You can apply wet and dry painting techniques for making abstract watercolor artwork. Whatever watercolor projects you may choose, don’t forget to have some fun and explore your creative potential.
Practice Makes Perfect
There’s no easier way to get the job done except by taking your paintbrush and practicing. If you want to develop your painting skills and techniques, it’s always best to do some practical exercises. Make sure you work on every aspect of watercolor painting, from sketching and mixing colors to perfecting your brush techniques.
Experiment with colors and try painting different subjects. Don’t be scared to make mistakes because the more you practice, the fewer the mistakes. There are no shortcuts or rules, so don’t be shy to let your creative juices flow and connect wholeheartedly with the painting process through consistent practice.
Paint With Watercolor For Beginners Final Thoughts
With that, we come to the end of our article regarding painting with watercolors for beginners. After going through our guide, we hope you are a bit more confident about getting started with watercolor painting.
As we’ve said earlier, watercolors offer infinite possibilities, so don’t shy away from experimenting with different colors and textures. Try and expand your creative horizon while taking on new watercolor painting projects and keep on practicing. Sky doesn’t necessarily have to be the limit; it can just be the beginning.
And on that note, we’ll sign off. Stay creative, and we’ll see you next time!
Drawing blackout curtains throughout the day is one of the most popular ways to block heat from entering a space. Even placing box fans strategically, rotating your ceiling fan counterclockwise, and opening the door and windows are other options.
We’ve all been there: it’s 2 in the morning, and you’re tossing, turning, and unable to sleep because you’re soaked in sweat. Surviving the hot weather or climate becomes a real challenge if your bedroom doesn’t have proper ventilation.
Air conditionersare a clear-cut solution to this problem, but with them comes high utility bills. So, what does a budget-conscious individual do? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-tested hacks to cool a room.
18 Tips On How To Cool Down A Room Without AC
1. Curtains
One of the easiest ways to cool a room during summer is to draw curtains during the day and block the sun’s rays from entering your space. Leaving the curtains open will allow hot air to enter the room, but if the curtains are drawn until the sun sets, warm air will be replaced with cool air.
For windows that receive a lot of direct sunlight, using window blinds or dark-colored, blackout curtains will be the best bet. One of the reasons I suggest them over regular curtains is because of their thermal insulation properties but also sound insulation properties.
You can also go for an exterior window shutter, awnings, or towel that prevents the sun’s rays from reaching your windows.
2. Place Your Box Fans Strategically
Fans, anenergy-efficient alternative to AC units, are powerful appliances that circulate cool air in small and large spaces. In the absence of an AC, a box fan will come to your rescue, but you can not simply pull them out and switch them on.
To circulate the cold air in a space, place your box fan on a window such that it faces out of the window. This way, it will push hot air outdoors, making your room cool.
3. Adjust Your Ceiling Fan For Better Air Circulation
Don’t have a box fan? Perhaps, a ceiling fan will make your home cool on hot days. Although ceiling fans won’t lower the temperature of your space like AC units or window fans, they are still ideal for circulating cool air.
The blades of the ceiling fan produce a slightly cool breeze, which drains sweat from the skin, thereby cooling you down.
Here’s how you should use the ceiling fan to make the most out of it:
I. Turn Off Your Fan Before Leaving The Room
One mistake people often make is to leave the ceiling fan on when they aren’t in a room. However, running a ceiling fan in an empty room won’t make your space cooler as an AC would. Rather, it’s a waste of energy– you will only jack up your electric bill because ceiling fans only keep you cool, not the room.
II. Rotate It Counterclockwise
Not many know that ceiling fans come with two settings– you can either force the warm air downwards or create a breeze. During the summer months, make sure that the fan blades rotate counterclockwise. This way, air will be pushed downwards, producing the wind chill effect.
III. Run Your Air Conditioning Unit With A Ceiling Fan
Combining an air conditioner with a ceiling fan can make your room cooler and help you stay cool without mounting up electricity bills. Set your air conditioner 4 degrees higher and turn on the ceiling fan to help the body cool.
Another reason I prefer running my AC along with the ceiling fan is that it works as a dehumidifier, reducing the humidity of a room.
4. Refrain From Using Heat-Emitting Appliances
A few electronics or home appliances like clothes dryers, washing machines, stoves, ovens, and dishwashers produce a lot of heat when in use. Therefore, I suggest avoiding using them during the hottest part of the day, like afternoons.
Still, if you have to use them to complete your daily chores, close the room to prevent heat from spreading across your home. Also, try cooking or grilling your food by shutting the kitchen door.
Even computers emit a lot of heat, so switch them off whenever they aren’t in use. Also, if you use laptops, never keep them on your lap, as they raise the body temperature, making you feel hotter than it is.
An incandescent light bulb is another source of heat and one of the culprits behind heating a room. Keep these bulbs turned off as much as possible and allow cool air to invade the space.
Switching to electric light or LED light bulbs (light-emitting diodes) can make a world of difference to the overall temperature of your space. Energy-efficient bulbs like compact fluorescent lamps or LED lamps don’t generate as much heat as incandescent light bulbs, so they are environment-friendly, and worth the upgrade.
5. Open Windows And Doors At Night
Create a cross-breeze in the evening by opening the windows and doors of your room because by doing so, your space will be filled with cool air (night air). However, make sure to shut them before the sun rises, or hot air will enter the space.
6. Use Exhaust Fans To Dehumidify Your Space
Another thing I learned while searching for ways how to cool down a room without AC is using an exhaust fan to dry your space by sucking out warm and humid air. Installing them in your bathroom and kitchen will be the best bet to prevent warm air from traveling to the rest of your home. And you won’t need to waste money on buying a dehumidifier.
7. Install Window Fans On Open Windows
Have an open window? Install a window fan to cool down a room during a hot summer day. Window fans push out hot air and suck in cold air, thereby reducing the temperature of a room. Here I have mentioned a few practical ways to use window fans to cool your space:
I. Turn On A Window Fan When It Is Cold Outside
A window fan will only cool down a room when the outside temperature is lower than the inside temperature. Either you will have to do it early in the morning or late evening because these are the only times when the indoor temperature is higher than the outdoors.
Therefore, turning on the window fan at night or morning will bring in outdoor air and expel indoor air outside. A fitted sheet metal with open slots is used to mount these fans on the window, which seals around the corners. Therefore, closing and opening the window won’t be a problem.
Even after installing window fans, you must make sure the other parts of your home are closed during the daytime so that hot air cannot enter the space.
II. Create A Cross-Breeze Using More Than One Fan
To enhance the functionality of window fans, it’s best to use more than one in a space only then will it be possible to create a cross-breeze. However, it isn’t easy to do so, as placement matters a lot.
Here’s how you should place window fans strategically to cool down a room:
Place one or more fans on the coolest part of your space, i.e., the north side
Place the same number of fans on the opposite side, facing outward
Keep all the doors open to maximize or create airflow.
Tip
One thing to keep in mind is that the number of fans installed on windows should ideally be the same. Individuals with an odd number of fans at home must remember to install more fans for pulling in cold air than for pushing warmer air out.
III. Synergize With Your Home Design
Working with your home design is important when it comes to cooling any space without an AC.
For instance, if you live in a multi-story building, position outward-blowing fans on the floor where it’s warmer, like the upper floors. Meanwhile, you will have to place inward-blowing fans on the ground or lower floors. This way, it is easy to get rid of warm air rising to the top stories of your home.
8. Take A Cold Shower
On a hot day, nothing can beat the heat like a cold shower– so you might as do that to dissipate body heat. However, never should you shower with cold water after coming from a hot environment or a space with a higher temperature.
If you do so, you run the risk of suffering from a heart attack. So, it’s always a good idea to cool off your body temperature by sitting under a fan for some time and then heading over to the washroom for a shower.
Taking a shower with cold water will lower the core temperature of your body, keeping you cool throughout the day.
9. Place Ice Cubes In Front Of the Tower Fans
If your AC still isn’t installed and the sweltering heat is making your life difficult, place ice cubes in front of a tower fan. This is one of my tried-and-tested hacks to cool down a room that I learned a few years back.
With this trick, you can create a do-it-yourself (DIY) air conditioner that will keep your room temperature down without racking up your utility bills.
When a container or bucket full of ice is placed in front of a fan, it doesn’t only circulate air throughout the space; rather, it produces a misty breeze. Make sure to keep a plate underneath the bowl to prevent water droplets from falling on the floor or the carpet.
Another thing I will suggest is to freeze 2 to 3 water bottles and keep them in front of the fan to cool down a room. So, when the ice cubes or ice packs melt, you can enjoy a cool breeze without turning on the air conditioning unitor a cooler.
10. Hang A Wet Sheet In Front Of The Window
Hanging a wet sheet in front of the window will cool down a room instantly, especially late evening or at night. What makes it one of the most effective cooling solutions is that moisture from the cotton sheets cools the breeze that enters the space from the window.
Or you can hang a curtain and spray it with cold water to cool your space on hot evenings.
11. Add Exterior Shade
If any of your downstairs rooms receive plenty of direct sunlight, creating an exterior shade will prove helpful, especially outside rooms where you catch your forty winks in the afternoon.
Consider positioning a gazebo or outdoor parasol close to the windows to provide shade from the sun. This way, your room will be less hot and humid, and more comfortable in the afternoon.
Along with that, make sure to add window treatments like blinds and curtains, which will further reduce sun exposure. Even shade trees are a great way to prevent the sun’s rays from invading a space. Another benefit is that you can open the window whenever you want and let in some fresh air.
12. Make Use Of Your Pulse Points
A simple way to disperse body heat is to apply a cooling solution to your pulse points. Feet, behind the knee, groin, ankle, elbow, neck, and wrist are your body parts where your pulse points are located.
Take a damp cloth (preferably old clothing) or an ice pack and apply it to any of those areas to reduce your body temperature, so you don’t feel hot.
13. Sleep On The Floor
Most mattresses, especially if they are old, aren’t breathable, which makes it difficult for people to sleep well or get rest at night. Even if you manage to sleep peacefully, you’re most likely to wake up soaked in sweat or perspiration.
So, in summer, the best way to sleep undisturbed is to sleep on the floor. Sleeping on the floor is more comfortable than on the mattress because the floor is cold and dissipates your body heat quickly.
14. Use Whole-House Fans
For all those wondering how to cool down a room without AC, here’s the answer: install whole-house fans in your space. The vent is located in a corridor and when you turn a knob on this vent, the duct opens, and the fan starts moving. Later, it absorbs heat or pulls hot air out from the space, cooling your room.
15. Freeze A Hot Water Bottle Or Bag
Another simple hack to beat the extreme heat is to place a frozen hot water bag or bottle on the bed where your feet lie. Since hot water bags are a mixture of a plastic composite material with rubber, they won’t leave water stains on the sheet by sweating. Moreover, it will stay cold for a long period of time.
16. Add Some Plants To Your Room
The latest trend in interior design is to introduce plants to your living space. But another benefit of adding plants to your space is they help cool down a room without an AC.
Green plants absorb heat or warm air and circulate cool air throughout the space, making it cozy and comfortable. A few worthy additions to your space are Chinese evergreens, rubber plants, snake plants, and weeping figs.
However, make sure to consult an indoor plant specialist to learn which plants will be a safe addition to your space, especially if you have children and pets at home.
17. Keep In Mind ‘Less And Loose’ When Going To Sleep
Drifting off to sleep on hot summer nights without an air conditioning system running in your room is difficult. That’s when you should remember two words: less and loose.
What I mean by that is you should wear loose cotton pajamas when going to sleep because they are super breathable, and you will remain comfortable throughout the night. If you want, you can wear shorts rather than pants and pair them with a tank top.
18. Sleep In The Basement Of Your Home
When your air conditioner is on the fritz and the temperature outdoors is high, sleeping in the basement will allow you to sleep peacefully. Wondering why? Remember heat rises from the lowest to the highest levels, so the topmost floors of a building are hotter than the lower floors.
If you sleep in the basement of your home, you will probably stay cooler throughout the night.
Takeaway: Cooling Down A Room Without AC
Cooling down a room during a heat wave or sweltering summer months is a difficult task, but not an impossible one. With so many tricks at your disposal, now you need not brainstorm ideas on how to cool down a room without AC.
Of all the solutions, covering windows with thick blackout curtains will block the sun’s rays to a great extent. Even fans, especially tower fans, are more efficient in producing cooler air than other solutions.
And on summer evenings, you can open the windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter the space. Just remember to shut your windows early in the morning because your home will start warming when the sun rises.
To the uninitiated, it is little more than the sort of doodling we used to when we were kids, except maybe with a canvas and some brushes.
But, the job of professional painters is not an easy one. Getting the perfect stroke, the perfect hue, the perfect… well, words fail us! Oil painting, specifically, is incredibly tough, as the solvents are toxic and the paints take longer to dry.
So, what’s a budding artist to do? What if you wish to follow the footsteps of da Vinci, Michelangelo, or Salvador?
Well, while an internet article won’t magically make you as great as any of them, in today’s day and age, it’s one of the best places to start.
So, without further ado, let’s give you some invaluable tips to kickstart your oil painting journey!
Oil Painting Basics & How to Use Oil Paints
Safety
Well, you know what they say, safety first, and that is why safety makes the top of our list.
Oil paints come in many different mediums, and some of them, like turpentine, can emit fumes which might be toxic and could potentially be a health and safety hazard.
Apart from emitting toxic fumes, these mediums are also very flammable, so be careful while handling them. Make sure the rags you use have no traces of flammable oils like kerosene, and also that once the rag is used, it is disposed off or appropriately handled to prevent self-ignition.
Apart from fumes and combustion, oil paints can pose a threat to your skin. These paints contain hazardous chemicals which can seep into your skin, so make sure you wear some protective clothing which covers most of your body.
Take baby steps
A budding footballer should not hope to flick the ball around like Neymar; instead, he should learn to dribble first. Similarly, an aspiring painter shouldn’t invest too much money and time into painting on large canvases.
Start with a small canvas and try out your strokes and techniques. It will also help you get a feel for colors on your palette. Start by investing in an 8x10 canvas, and if that seems like too much of an investment, you can even try it on a piece of paper!
While it is widely believed that canvas was the surface of choice for the likes of Picasso and Van Gogh because it was the best surface in terms of quality, the real reason is very humbling!
Wood, its immediate alternative, was expensive, required a layer of primer and was cumbersome to transport, therefore, canvas was the surface of choice.
If you do decide to start your oil painting journey on canvas, keep the tooth and the texture of the canvas in mind before buying one.
The tooth refers to how well the canvas can grip the paint. Manufacturers can improve the tooth by adding a layer of primer. The texture refers to how consistent the canvas feels to touch and to paint on.
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After canvas, the most popular choice for a surface to paint on is wood. There are many types of wood to paint, with the most popular being birch, plywood, and mahogany. Most people believe that solid wood panels last longer than plywood panels.
Should you wish to begin your oil painting journey with wood panels, the best option is to go for birch plywood. It is very cost-effective and compromises little on quality when compared to other types of wood.
As and when you master your craft and start charging commissions, you should probably upgrade to maple or other wood panels.
Bear in mind that wood panels need to be primed with some sort of a primer, usually gesso, otherwise all your paint will be absorbed by the panel. The best practice is to prime both sides of the panel, front and back, to lock the moisture in.
Since cost is a key consideration while choosing a panel, some artists may wish to make a panel for themselves.
While the reasons for choosing to go down the DIY path are understandable, bear in mind that the results so obtained will not be as great as a piece of mahogany purchased from the store.
MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard, and HDF stands for High-Density Fiberboard.
These panels combine the features of both canvas and wood and are made from a combination of hard and soft woods.
Fiberboards should not be confused with other particle boards, which are prone to flaking and cracking. Fiberboards are very dense and rigid, thanks to the way they are made.
Coming back to cost again, fiberboards are a great in-the-middle solution to the canvas versus wood dilemma. Since these boards come at an affordable price point (just slightly more expensive than canvas), they are perfect for those not quite ready to shell out for a wood panel.
However, if you want to reduce the cost even further by making the panel yourself, we recommend you to not go down that route as the production of a fiberboard panel is a complex process requiring knowledge of industrial processes, not to mention acquiring some hard-to-find materials.
Palette
While it is very tempting to go to your local art store and buy their entire lineup of paints, it is not advisable to do so, especially for budding artists.
Setting your palette is more complicated than it seems and should be done with the utmost care, as it can influence your choice of colors and consequently, the painting itself.
Next, get contrasting colors. Budding artists are not very well-equipped to appreciate the hues, nuances, and applications of different shades of the same color. It also makes you appreciate the differences between light and dark colors.
Lastly, should you need more hues of a color, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create it yourself by mixing the colors you already have. This is an excellent way of reducing your expenditure and saving some money.
Okay, you now have a surface to paint on, and you now have paints to apply on the said surface, but how do you actually go about doing that?
Well, with a brush, of course!
However, if you have trouble differentiating one brush from another, don’t worry, we’ll help you. Let’s start with the different kinds of brushes, beginning with fibers.
Starting with one of the cheapest options on the market, synthetic brushes are slowly finding favor with budding artists, and for good reason.
Synthetic brushes, since they need not conform to Mother Nature’s constraints, come in a variety of shapes and textures, making them perfect for a multitude of specific applications, such as use with oil paints, acrylic paints, impasto, watercolors, etc.
Moreover, synthetic brushes also last longer when compared to natural brushes. Any drop in quality and/or performance is usually due to a mismatch between the brush’s intended application and its actual application.
Speaking of application, synthetic brushes offer another advantage over natural brushes. While you cannot use natural brushes between mediums (artists using natural brushes often have different ones for different mediums), synthetic brushes can easily be used between different mediums (oil, watercolor, etc.). You don’t have to worry about the bristles breaking down.
These brushes are often made from the fur of wild hogs and boar, and, as expected, the fiber and the brush and very thick and stiff.
However, the reason why we’ve mentioned synthetic brushes before bristle brushes is because they are very inconsistent.
This is because the bristles can be plucked from anywhere from the body, meaning that the point from which the fur was picked could be anywhere between incredibly soft or incredibly stiff.
While the quality of the bristles does depend from manufacturer to manufacturer, for the most part, the performance a bristle brush will offer will be spotty at best.
The only advantage a bristle brush has is price. These brushes are pretty cheap, which makes them an excellent choice for causal painters and amateur artists.
Kolinsky brushes are sourced from a Siberian weasel known as Kolinsky. These brushes are considered the best brushes for oil painting.
With reasonable care, maintenance and common sense, it is possible to make these brushes last a lifetime.
These brushes retain their stiffness, shape, and structure incredibly well, even when being used between different platforms. Unlike bristle brushes, which are prone to swelling when used with watercolors, Kolinsky brushes keep painting as nothing happened.
Look out for the shape of your brush as well. Brushes, apart from coming in a number of different sizes, also come in a variety of different shapes. Some of them are:
Bright
Pointed Round
Flat
Round
Detail Round
Angular Flat
Rake
Filbert
Fan
All these shapes have different effects and intended applications. Consult your local art store before buying one.
Having covered brush shapes, it’s now time to come to brush sizes.
As is the case with shoes, brushes come in a variety of sizes. However, like shoes, there is no uniform standard by which brushes can be measured, so a certain size of one brand may not be the same as another brand, so, choose wisely.
All of this can get very confusing for beginners; therefore, we recommend they get a ‘starter pack’ of brushes. These brushes are inexpensive, and the packs usually feature a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
While the quality of brushes you’ll get from a starter pack won’t be great, it doesn’t need to be. So, expect the hair of the brushes to fall out.
Lastly, if you’re concerned about the impact of your painting on the environment, then synthetic brushes are the best option as their production does not involve the use of animals or their fur.
Practice makes perfect
What, you thought we wouldn’t cover actual painting tips as well?
This point is obvious, nevertheless, worthy of restatement because most budding artists end up quitting because they fail to practice.
It’s best to set a time for practicing your craft, usually early morning or in the evening. Once a time has been set, try to stick to it as much as possible.
Paint the same subject as often as possible. This may seem monotonous, counter-intuitive and completely at odds with the general perception of creating art. However, art, like math, requires a lot of practice and perfection, which can only be acquired with repeated practice.
Moreover, painting the same subject, again and again, will relieve you of the pressure of having to choose colors, brushes, and type of stroke, as this kind of intuition will be second nature to you.
Once you’ve mastered a certain subject, don’t stick to it. Having gained mastery, switch your subject matter as often as possible. Try to paint as wide a variety of subjects as possible.
Doing so will widen your ambit, enhance your skills and also make you appreciate the nuances of paintings in general. And, isn’t art all about nuance?
Solvents
Having discussed potentially hazardous chemicals in the paints, it is now time to discuss whether solvents are a threat to artists’ health and whether they should bother themselves with solvents at all.
Solvents have very potent chemicals in them which could lead to unwarranted combustion, as they contain spirits, therefore, they must be handled very carefully.
Moreover, like the paints themselves, if the solvents come into contact with the skin, they can be incredibly detrimental to your health, especially your skin.
Solvents have two main applications, i.e., to thin paints and to clean brushes.
As oil paints tend to be very wet and do not dry as rapidly as other paints, laying down a base layer can become an incredibly difficult task, which is where a solvent can help you.
However, a classic mistake artists make is using a solvent for drying repeatedly; if you abuse the solvent, you will be left with a very thin painting. It’ll give the impression of a painting whose paint lacks substance.
For these reasons, it is advised to not use solvents for drying or thinning your paintings.
However, solvents can be used for cleaning your brushes.
As solvents are very effective at thinning paint, especially oil paint, they are excellent for getting rid of the paint that gets stuck between the hair of your brush, especially at the base.
Once you’re done washing your brushes, it is time for waste disposal. As discussed previously, solvents are incredibly potent and contain many harmful chemicals. If you were to flush the waste down your drain, it would contaminate the water supply of your city!
It’s unprofessional, unethical and could also be illegal, depending on where you live.
Therefore, take the waste to your local waste disposal unit. If there isn’t one, learn how to dispose of the waste properly, either by referring to other sources (such as the internet) or by contacting a waste management authority.
If for these reasons, solvent seems like a poor option, you could always wash your brushes with soap.
Get some warm water and some sort of liquid soap (dish soap works excellently). Pour some soap into your hand and swirl the tip of the brush with your other hand in the soap. This will ensure that the soap finds its way to the base of the brush. Lathe and rinse once the brush appears clean.
Paint Order
As a budding artist, it is very important for you to order your paints correctly through the layer. As you gain experience, you’ll get a pretty good idea of how to go about it, but for now, follow this thumb rule.
As you lay the base down, use thinner paint and oil. Begin by going over the canvas lightly with paint and turpentine. Then, using linseed oil along with turpentine, start applying more layers of paint. Make sure the ratio of linseed oil to turpentine is two parts to one.
As you progress through the layers, add more paint and also more oil. This is done to ensure that the thinner paint gets more time to dry and will prevent the paint from cracking.
And hey, speaking of oil…
Choose your oil
When choosing the medium in which you wish to dissolve your paint, oils are inevitably going to find a mention.
If you wish to use oils, it is best to learn about the different types of oils and decide which one is best by weighing the merits and demerits.
Cold pressed oils are considered archaic in the face of refined oils (more on that later). They dry slower than refined oils and usually leave a yellowish hue (looking at you, linseed).
But, as cold pressed oils were what the Old Masters used, many still swear by them, and hey, if they impart gloss to your painting, who are we to complain?
The difference between refined and cold pressed oil is that during manufacturing, as the name suggests, the impurities are removed from the oil, thus making it refined.
Artists these days prefer refined oil over cold pressed oil as it does not leave a yellowish tinge over your painting and dries much faster. However, the painting will not be as glossy as one made using cold pressed oil.
Coming to the final point of this guide, choosing your palette is mighty important as it can make or break your painting session.
The reason we mention palettes at all is that we are dealing with oil paints, which tend to react very differently to different palette surfaces, unlike acrylic surfaces.
It is recommended to find a glass palette for yourself for painting with oil paint. Glass does not absorb oil paints and is very easy to clean; hence, it is favored amongst professional painters.
If that proves to be too expensive, you could use something cheaper, like a cut-up piece of cardboard. Abstain from using simpler palettes like a piece of paper, as the probability of the paint seeping through the palette is incredibly high.
Conclusion
Oil painting is a very tricky business and even professionals at times have trouble with it.
Oil paints contain many chemicals and substances which make them flammable, abrasive and a potential health hazard. The same could also be said for the solvents used to thin the paints.
Health and safety issues aside, oil paints have very specialized applications and their own set of complications to deal with. Budding artists need to balance a ton of factors, such as brushes, palette lineup, cleaning procedure, etc. to get the perfect painting.
However, as daunting as the activity can be, it is also incredibly rewarding. Follow this guide to make the world of oil painting a little less complex and kickstart your painting career.
The foundational knowledge of art, and constant practice, will help you create a backbone to grow as an artist. Learning the fundamentals can be difficult and tedious in the beginning, but it will get better over time.
Knowing the fundamentals is essential before you start getting into the details of art education. The knowledge of the ground rules will help you set the foundation right, and you can mix and match to get outputs which are perfect. Practicing art fundamentals is the only way to get the best out of your artwork.
Each type of design that you are trying to create has several building blocks. You can break every complicated design, and then you will notice the essential elements that the artist is using.
The ability to create meaningful and robust artwork takes place only when you understand the fundamentals of art, and then you should focus on developing your technical expertise, and reflect your voice through your work.
Let’s look at the different fundamentals of art:
What Are The Fundamentals Of Art?
1. Anatomy
The study of anatomy might get intensive due to the sheer volume of information that is available. But, you will get a clearer picture of the relationships between different elements of the body and their proportions. It will help you draw some convincing characters and figures.
You need to understand the functioning of the joints to be able to highlight how the muscles and the bones will be moving. By improving your knowledge about surface forms and movement, you’ll be able to get the structure correct in the drawing of the human body. It also helps you learn intrinsic details like how shadows and highlights should be created when the bones and muscles are bent.
Every living being that you’re trying to draw whether it’s a creature or a human does have a skeleton. So, we advise you to master one area at a time because learning this basic concept can be challenging to internalize.
To have good knowledge about this fundamental topic is required for professional work, mainly if you belong to the field of entertainment art like cartooning, illustration, animation, or digital art as you will be required to draw different living creatures. It takes the right amount of skill and training to make something that is complex appear simple to the human eye.
Knowing about the anatomy is a building block to help you perfect different aspects of your drawing. For instance, it will help you understand how to design the sofa according to the proportion of the body or how to make the clothes fit perfectly on your character.
In art education, the study of anatomy has been a fundamental topic for decades. It helps you get the necessary interrelation of the human body correct, or else the characters can turn out to look rubbery and out of form. In the end, the study of the anatomy will help you create a sense of balance in your practice of art and sharpen your observations.
2. Value & Lighting
You will be covering every detail related to rendering in the study of value and lighting. Values can be the same, whether you have been using grayscale or color. If you gain a good understanding of value, then it will improve your knowledge of color selection. This reflects how the study of one complements the other.
However, if you're a novice to the art of value, then you need to regularly practice drawing and keep trying to render as much as you can. Start with still life art as it does not move and slowly progress into the portrait. Practicing to draw inanimate objects can help to deliver fruitful results. This can get a little stressful, but it will be highly educational.
The study of value is about understanding the concept of light and shadow in detail. The technical aspect of light should be given immense attention when you’re opting to go for technical rendering.
Shadows are created in the absence of light, which means that a part of the object is receiving more light than the rest. It seems to be simple in theory, but you need a lot of practice to get this right. Shading is important in creating a sense of light and vice versa.
The concept of Value deals with the darkness or lightness of a particular color. The brightness and contrast in different images help to determine how we see different objects and understand them.
The entire point of focusing on value is to help you create an illusion of light. If you understand the use of Value than you’ll be able to combine shadows (the area in which light is not reflecting), and highlights (the area where light is reflecting) to create an illusion of a light source.
While you’re drawing, you need to understand the different aspects of light and the way it reacts on surfaces. A piece of artwork that has a complete range of values is mostly successful — irrespective of the type of art that you’re trying to create. You should have a piece of extensive knowledge about representing both dark values (shades) and light values (tints).
Putting the art of value and lighting into practice will help you suggest the mood and enhance the story of an image.
3. Color Theory
It is the knowledge about the different principles which is in use for creating beautiful color combinations. It should be harmonious and pleasing to our senses. Create a common ground for you to learn the different ways in which colors can be related, coordinated, blended, arranged, and used.
Having the basic knowledge about color theory will help you learn why specific colors tend to work aesthetically while the rest do not. You will be able to learn the art of color mixing, color contrast, and creating some significant visual effects.
Learning the fundamentals of color theory will require to understand these three factors:
Color harmonies - This helps you to know how to create unity or balance between colors. When you combine colors to make a harmonious combination, it’s pleasing to the eye of your audience. Harmony is not about monotony or chaos, but being able to create a sense of equilibrium between the two.
When you’re developing on your ideas to create color harmony, there are many color issues that you have to consider- the nature of primary colors, the circular nature present in hue, along with the concept of complementary colors. Choose your color harmonies wisely to help improve the look of your painting, or it might get spoiled.
Color wheel - The wheel has 12 colors arranged with a certain sense of progression. It has three types of colors, namely primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primary colors (yellow, blue, and red) are known to be stable as other colors cannot be mixed to create them.
While secondary colors (orange, green, and purple) can be created by a balanced combination of the primary ones. And you need to use an unequal mixture of secondary and primary colors to create tertiary colors (red-orange, yellow-green, blue-purple, yellow-orange, and red-purple).
Color context - Understanding this aspect will help you learn how a particular color behaves in relation to other colors. It can connote positive feelings in a specific context, but it might portray negative emotions in another.
For instance, red appears brighter when placed against a black background, but tends to look dull against a white background. There are no rules for how a color will behave, but instead, it’s about trying different combinations to select the best effect.
You also need to understand what each color connotes, to help you select the right color according to the setting. Warm colors like yellow, red, and orange have attractive personalities. While, cool colors like green, blue, and purple are less active and more comforting.
4. Composition
Having composition in your work is about being able to order the artistic elements in a unified manner which will help to make the final result effective. This does not imply that your work should only be satisfying on an aesthetic level, but it should be fulfilling other additional goals too. For instance, it should be able to convey a social message or be politically provoking.
Composition helps to give your piece of art a precise layout and structure. It guides the eye of the audience to emphasize the focal point of your work. This provides a sense of achievement as the message is being conveyed through your work.
Even if you’re able to get the anatomy, form, lighting, perspective, and techniques in place, the entire drawing can run out of balance if the composition is not correct. If there is a weak composition then it can reduce or destroy the message and impact of even the most highly polished artwork. You cannot create any piece of art without a composition, because it will either be created by accident or in a conscious manner.
The composition is like the skeleton of a living being- we know that the body is being held by the bones even though we cannot see it. Similarly, in a piece of art, we know that an idea has given form to the work, and it will guide you to understand how each element should be placed.
There are some aspects in composition which should be focused on to help add value and grab the attention of the audience:
Unity - concentrate on this area as it will help ensure that all the subjects in your composition are unified as one. If your piece of art lacks unity, then the work will appear unappealing and fragmented.
Symmetry - it plays a significant role as the appeal of your painting depends on this. When you have a symmetrical painting it will create a balance, but an asymmetrical painting can appear awkward and unappealing.
Focal Point - when the viewer rests their eyes on this point, the message of your painting should be conveyed, and an emotional connection should be created.
Movement - creating a sense of motion in your work will help to keep the audience engaged. It also depends on how you position the figure and arrange the subject.
Light contrast - focusing on this aspect will help you provide depth to your work and create drama.
Proportion - it means being able to strike the right balance between size and quantity, which helps to enhance the originality of the object that you’re drawing.
If you’re able to get the fundamentals of composition in place, then you’ll be creating some realistic and appealing pieces of art. And if you don’t focus on this aspect than your work will end up losing the spark. This might be a little challenging initially, but when you keep creating art with a particular intention in mind, then the aspect of composition will get more transparent for you.
5. Form
Before the use of color became familiar it was the form that was considered the fundamental element in painting the parts of the human body. If you want to be able to create objects which appear three-dimensional or have length, breadth, and height then developing this skill is essential. When an artist starts recognizing different forms, they tend to see beyond the paper or the two-dimensional screen. This skill is quite simple to learn, but it is going to be challenging to master.
Form creates an illusion of volume in the art being created. But you can create the illusion of any form by learning the different ways in which light tends to react on a particular object. The ability to see various forms will enhance your skills as an artist. By getting a grip on this skill, you will learn to draw images that appear realistic.
Are you wondering how you can probably practice this skill?
Well, you first need to learn how to break down the different complicated forms into simpler forms like cones, spheres, cylinders, pyramids, wedges, and boxes. If you can learn to draw these basic shapes from every different angle, then you’ll gain the skills to reconstruct everything else. You’ll be able to draw any design without the requirement of having a reference material for it.
6. Perspective
Having even basic knowledge about perspective can help to improve your artistic skills. If you learn these tricks, then you will have a sense of reality in your art by creating an illusion of depth in your paintings, and you will learn to draw from various viewpoints. You’ll also understand the placement of lighting and shadows.
If you’re focusing on creating something with just a single tone, then having a simple perspective is enough. In which you need not worry about Value, color, tone, or shading/light. Perspective is the key element in your drawing, which gives a three-dimensional feel to even a flat image. It’s a system of representation in a way that distant objects will tend to appear closer and smaller in art.
The three types of perspectives are:
One-point perspective
Two-point perspective
Three-point perspective
7. Line
It is often argued that the Line is the most important element in art. It’s the design tool in which every piece and type of art relies upon. A line has tone, width, texture, and length. It can define different forms, divide a particular space, suggest a direction, and describe contour. Without the use of Line, you cannot afford to note shapes, suggest textures, or add depth.
The different types of line drawings are:
Center and Structural Lines - In animation these lines are commonly used to make sure that figures are balanced and symmetrical
Contour Line - This is used to create an outline for drawing to make the Form or edge of an object more defined.
Line Weight - This is used to show the line strength, or how dark or light the Line can appear on paper.
Orthogonal Line - You’ll find the use of this Line in perspective drawing. These are lines that tend to reach the vanishing point and meet there.
Horizon Line - The use of this Line is seen in landscapes in which the height of the observer’s eye is controlled.
Implied Line - This occurs when after a tiny break you tend to continue the Line, and it proceeds along the same direction.
Hatched and Cross Hatched Line - Found in drawings which consist of crossing parallel lines (cross-hatching) or parallel lines (hatching). It helps to create differences in darkness, lightness, and texture.
8. Edge
As you place two different strokes of color one next to the other, you tend to create a certain edge. It is referred to as the transition between two shades of color.
You might notice that there might be few soft edges, some are sharp, and some might be lost entirely as you don't know where one color ends and the other starts. Sharp edges are usually placed around the focal point of a painting, as they tend to demand attention while the soft edges highlight a sense of gradual transition.
Edges usually form when there is a change in plane, object or color; you need to understand the factors which tend to influence the way we see these edges which are movement, focus, light, and environment.
Final Words
Learning to make some beautiful pieces of art requires a good understanding of the fundamentals. Use this guide to help you focus on the basics, and keep trying to resolve every problem as you grow as an artist. Experiment and have fun with different sketches, colors, portrait, and paintings!
2D and 3D rendering can be an exciting task, as you can paint your wildest imaginations on digital screens. However, inspiration is often needed.
In fact, we believe that nothing in this world is created without inspiration be it any form of art. And with the internet in place, you can surf through millions of images at any point in time. But it can be a taxing process, and you may end up becoming more confused.
So, we decided to list the 77 epic knight concept art to inspire the concept artist in you. This involves 2D and 3D images, as well as paintings made with different art and design software.
This is a depiction of a knight who has been fighting a war. He has a ferocious expression on his face and a broken horn depicting bloody combat. In fact, there is blood visible on different parts of the armor, indicating that there has been a lot of struggle and bloodshed.
If you want to paint this, remember to use the shades of green, gray, and rust to bring out the feel.
If you are into making or weaving realistic images, then this concept art depicting Kratos may be a brilliant piece of inspiration. Kratos is known to be the God of war and personification of strength.
He was seen as a Spartan warrior, and the ferocious look on his face indicates the strength and determination he holds. So, if painting a warrior is on your mind, this is something to take note of.
Why should warriors always be thought of as part of ancient times! This is an entirely new kind of concept art where you see a futuristic woman leading the battle. There are soldiers around her, and all of them have futuristic garb on. The warrior seems to be using laser power to attack the enemies as you can see the blue light emerge from her weapon of choice.
Loki is known to be a quick manipulator who focuses on sabotage, deception, distraction, and stealth. In this image, you see a primed version of Loki, who has a high energy capacity. The armor looks dangerous, and the image seems unforgiving.
Here, the use of a shade of gray with hints of yellow and orange makes this concept art all the more attractive.
If you are keen on painting or creating dragons in Photoshop, then this is an excellent piece of inspiration. Here, you see a giant dragon flying with a warrior in front facing it. There is a lot of tension in the picture, which has been created in shades of purple and pink with hints of blue and green.
Here, you can see a depiction of Knight Artorias, also referred to as Artorias, the Abysswalker. He is the knight boss of Dark souls and is among the Four Knights of Lord Gwyn. This knight is always seen wearing distinct armor and will make for a brilliant piece of inspiration.
The Crusader is known to be a destructive being who crushes enemies with his sheer willpower and strength. He looks dangerous and often overwhelms the opponents with his brutal power and teamwork.
Meanwhile, the surrounding ambiance is cold and grim, making the mood just right for an oncoming battle.
This is an image of the cursed king wherein you can see the face of a warrior that looks harsh and steely. If you are looking to experiment with facial expressions and lighting, then this can be used as a reference point.
Also, do not forget to check out how the light falls on one side of the face while the other is in complete darkness.
Here, you will see a warrior in his true glory with a very grim war-like background. There are swords placed around the frame, which indicate dead bodies and a war that has been fought.
The dark background filled with black clouds and smoke speaks of dark times while the warrior stands undefeated in front. We believe that there is a lot to learn about colors and blending from this piece of concept art.
If you are studying human anatomy and want to design battle characters, then this can be very inspiring. Here a female warrior is looking at the oncoming enemy and there is a sense of power in the way she strikes a pose. The enemy troop is not very visible adding to the mystery of the scene.
Here is another example for those interested in studying human anatomy and are learning how to create the human form. You can see a female warrior striking a confident pose while holding a blood-stained sword. She has a very strict expression on her face, which goes with the character.
So, if you are learning about pose, structure and expressions, this can be a great piece of concept art to look at.
If you are interested in creating dead or horror characters, then this is an amazing piece of concept art. Here, you can see a knight who is dead with hollow eye sockets. The overall look is scary, and there is rust visible on the metal armor.
We feel that the subtle red of the rust paired with tones of gray and beige brings out the deadliness of this scene.
After a deadly image of the knight, we have a very positive picture of a beautiful girl in armor. She has a bright red shawl along with a white owl flying on top. While the background looks deserted, you will see that white and bright colors have been used to create this art piece.
Plus, there is a strange sense of hope that the picture brings forward.
This picture shows a knight along with a young child looking at war from a hilltop. There is a sense of anticipation in this art piece, which is brought forward by the foggy landscape and yellow lights. You will find that the pair has been painted in great detail while the landscape is slightly blurry.
Up next is a painting of Casca, who was a part of the Band of the Hawk and was known to be a very formidable warrior. She is a deuteragonist who is seen in manga and anime series, and this is a beautiful portrayal of her character.
Moving on, check out the detailing done to make those expressive eyes. If you are looking at watercolor paintings to create a digital image, this could prove to be useful as a reference.
While most female knights are shown to have pretty faces, here, you can see a ferocious female knight with a mask on the face.
Meanwhile, the sky behind has black clouds taking over the blue sky, which signifies that darker times are coming. If you are studying shades and textures, this image can be impressive.
A warrior is seen staring at a beautiful landscape before departing for war. This is a gorgeous image that shows the human and affectionate side of the person who is then heading for war.
While the artpiece looks very positive, there is a sense of melancholy as the warrior does not know if he will ever be able to see the sight again. The color play and the concept is simply outstanding.
Inspired by Dark Souls, which is a role-playing action game, the Artorias of the Abyss is a magnificent character, and you can try painting him in Photoshop. This is a great inspiration for those looking to practice texture. There are multiple surfaces shown in the picture, and each demands a separate kind of color blending, which you will be proud of.
If you are learning about warrior attires and fabric blending, then this can help you out. Here, the complete focus is on the outfit, which constitutes the fabric and the armor. The boots and the headgear are also pretty detailed, and you can study the folds, and the way fabric wraps around the body.
Moreover, as you can see, the background has been kept very simple, ensuring that the entire attention stays on the warrior.
This is a 3D image that has been modified to create a very interesting character. You can create your own versions with a lot of detailing and different kinds of limbs. Let your imagination guide you through!
This is another version of the Artorias of the Abyss, which we have already discussed earlier. Here, the image is weaved together with bright shades of blue and rust gold. The brilliant blue against the grim black clouds is sure to draw a lot of attention. If you are learning to play with colors, then this can help you get inspired.
Here, you can see a young girl in a complete armor suit with headgear in hand. She has a determined expression on her face, and her hand is holding a sword firmly. While looking at this image, you must have noticed how the light falls on the body and it reflects on the metal and leather.
This painting will help you learn more about how to play with two or three colored garments and show the reflection of light on them.
This is going to be a treat to paint for 3D artists who are just learning to create characters. Here, you can see how the body has been made with distinct details. Plus, colors have not been used as the main area of interest is the structure and the main anatomical formation.
We have another 3D image where a knight has been designed from scratch. The focus is on the metal armor, which almost looks real. Plus, the shine, shadow, and texture are brilliant, making it a perfect work of art. It is futuristic, making it a good reference point for budding artists.
Additionally, this will help in experimenting with lines and hard surfaces, as you can already see from the picture.
We have yet another futuristic knight model, which can help people who are learning character design. In this image, you can see a very detailed structure with intricate work done on it. You can learn about how to add elements to a normal human structure to make it look extraordinary and unique.
Next, we have a beautiful image of a warrior wearing an iron mask and holding a shield. The pose is very impressive and unique, making it a good reference. You can also see the colors and the texture of the hard surface that is made with an oil pastel effect. We love the grim blue and black background, which indicates a battle in full swing.
Imagine a knight riding through a mysterious forest with sunlight streaming in! Yes, this image feels like it has been taken out of storybooks and painted. The animal that you can see the knight riding is a fantasy character that resembles a horse. If you want to practice how to use the right shades and paint, then this is going to be a great reference point.
Painting a scene that is completely dark can be a difficult job, and you may be struggling to bring out the character in a dark scene. When this happens, this image can be a good piece of inspiration where you can see a little more than the silhouette of the knight. The focal point of the picture is the redness of the eyes, and that stands out very well.
Plus, there is a little amount of light streaming in from a doorway on the right side, which catches the attention.
As you can see, there is a gorgeous play of blue and yellow in this scene. You can see a battle that has ended, which is represented by the burning fire behind the knight. There is an essence of death and mourning that you can feel from the picture.
On the other hand, the knight stands in front with his face covered. There is a sense of victory there without any expressions being shown. For those looking at different concepts, this can be a good starting point.
If you are studying armors of different kinds, then this is a suit, which will definitely stand out. The armor is very different, with a dangerous-looking skull made right in the center.
You can see spikes near the shoulders and feathery headgear on top of the metal mask. Moreover, the knight looks all prepared for the battle with his red cape flying in the wind. You can take note of the details in the picture and the color tones used.
This is a different variant of the knight where you can finally see a human in the garb of a warrior. The facial expression is something to take note of, and so is the posture. He is striking a pose with a rather curious-looking ax weapon. If you are into character designing, this is something to make a note of.
Up next is another human in a warrior suit. This design is for those who are creating characters that look very real. If you have a project where you need to design a team of warriors, this can be inspiring.
Plus, the green color stands out because mostly, you must have seen a red cape being used for war gear.
Just like the previous image, green has been used here to make the stone on the sword as well as paint the background. You can see the stone shining, and that has been made possible by using different shades of green. The background has the texture of water, and you can see the swirls. It also makes the knight stand out.
If you are planning to paint with water or oil colors on a digital canvas, then this can be a good inspiration. This concept art piece has beautiful detailed armor and headgear, which stands out. Then there are two bright colors used, which are red and blue.
The red color forms a half-moon at the back, and this brings attention to the head of the knight. Blue and golden highlights have been used to balance the red and to make your eyes wander around the entire image.
The glow that you can see is brilliantly made with the right shades and colors. The artist has sketched the knight from scratch and then used beautiful colors to create the final piece of concept art.
You will see that there are no legs, and a glowing blue ball is present in place of a stomach. This is very different from the regular figure that we see, making it a great source of inspiration.
If you find the painting of this knight interesting, then you can actually check out how it has been made by visiting his page. There are steps that will help you create the perfect image. The artist begins by painting a black silhouette and then adds more details to it. Finally, the colors are added, and the shades are modified accordingly.
While the face of the knight is not shown, you can pretty well guess that it is the body of a female. This can be a great point to begin from for all artists who are learning to create human anatomy. Then you can add armor to it before experimenting with lighting and structures.
Plus, there are subtle hints of green, blue and red, which have been painted, keeping the light in mind.
When you first see this picture, you will be able to witness a battleground with dust blowing in the background as the knight stands tall. He looks confident and ready to fight his enemies, while the dust and fog do not allow one to see anything behind him.
Meanwhile, the light is streaming in from the right side, and it is reflecting on the metal armor.
If you are into horror fantasy art, then this can be a great concept art to get inspired from. The face of the knight is hidden behind a headgear, but you can see red eyes, which indicate that the knight is not human.
Plus, there are fumes coming from the steel sword, which are bluish in color. The background stands in complete contrast with yellow and orange hues depicting a war-like scenario.
Another image that will help with character inspiration is this one where you can see a knight standing with unique-looking weapons. The knight sure has an interesting hairstyle that brings more attention to the face.
Moreover, we loved the colors used to make the fabric and leather. It looks pretty realistic. Here, the background is not that important as the entire attention is given to the character.
This is a design of a knight from space! Yes, you read that right as this futuristic design has been rendered, paying attention to the details and colors, which match that of extraterrestrial beings. Yellow has been used sparingly, while shades of black have been used to make the rest of the body.
Also, you can see that the shield is designed in a minimalist way without intricate carvings. Plus, the sword looks like a laser weapon adding to the overall look.
Up next is a 2D design of a knight who is standing in full glory. The metal suit looks well-detailed, along with a red stone near the stomach.
Besides, the sword is held up high, and the knight looks ready for an upcoming battle. To add on, the background has a stone-like finish, which adds to the scene.
Here is a cool design of a woman in a semi armor suit. We are sure you might never have imagined this quirky costume, and it can help in designing unique characters. The light has been painted beautifully on the body as well as on the hat. And the background is kept very simple so that all the attention falls on the woman.
Here is a beautiful image of a knight standing in a green forest area with a water body below. The entire picture has been created with different shades of green, which makes it all the more unique. Only the face and the hair have white and beige color, but that is blended well with the rest of the image.
Here is a detailed rendering of a horror character that is made keeping in mind the devil and death. Known as the undead crusader, this is sculpted using a ZBrush. The textures that you can see are brilliant and are painted in Substance Painter.
On the other hand, the hard surfaces have been made in Maya. Know that this 3D design can help you understand postures and shades better.
Here, you can see a knight in action amidst greenery on a bright and sunny day. This looks like a practice session where the knight who is draped in white is learning tricks in a forest.
The green leaves are highlighted, and the dense forest is shown using different shades of green. The tan boots and the sword are in complete contrast but blended really well with the rest of the surroundings.
If you have painted anime characters before, then this can be of interest to you. While no face is shown, you can still understand that two warriors are facing each other. Green and golden shades have been used to create more depth in the picture.
Plus, you can see the sunlight streaming in and a silhouette of a warrior standing near the doorway. This is indeed an incredible piece of artwork to get inspired from.
We found this to be an amazing Joan of Arc concept with this beautiful lady in a complete armor suit. She looks confident and is painted in dark shades. There is light coming in from the top, and the flying hair gives a breezy vibe to the image.
Besides, you can see the light reflecting from her hair, which definitely stands out. Also, the floor is made of stones and they are very detailed. This completes the picture and creates more depth.
Eldritch refers to sinister, weird, and ghostly, and this image represents all of that perfectly well. The face is not a human one, and there seem to be tentacles coming out of the armor.
With concept art, you can go wild with your imagination and create almost anything, this being a great example.
Next, we have a majestic design to check out if you are looking for full armor. You will love the detailing of the mesh made around the waist with gold and shades of orange. This stands in contrast with the shades of gray, making the image more appealing. If you are studying how to mix colors, this can be a great example.
Nazgul, who is also known as the Black Rider, is a dreaded character who is seen in The Lord Of The Rings.
So, if you are an ardent follower of the film, then this is going to be an interesting image for you. We love how the sunlight streams in from behind, and a ghostly silhouette of Nazgul is visible in front. You can use it as a reference for painting light and shadows.
Made in Photoshop, this is an interesting image of war in full swing. Here the artist describes it as a war between the undead and the living. There are knights and dragons who are helping to ensure that darkness is removed, and this picture highlights the sheer determination of the knights.
We have another great example if you are planning to design characters for a game or an animated movie. Here is a concept art with a stern-looking knight in proper war gear. The sword is pretty interesting and is made with grooves and curvy edges.
If you see carefully, there are no bright or vibrant colors used. You will see shades of black and brown, which have been beautifully used to weave the image.
Next, we have a very interesting character who is known as the Raubritter or the robber knight. He is generally seen as a feudal landowner who stays above the law. Robber knights often collect higher tolls or become a bandit to maintain their position.
Moving on, we loved the blue cloak on the head, which pairs well with the red and brownish gear. The picture speaks of brilliant detailing, and there is indeed a lot to learn from it.
This is a proper one-on-one battle scene where you can see the back of a fallen warrior and another character standing at a distance. It feels like a dark dungeon or castle with fire torches at intervals, allowing you to see the characters faintly. Probably this is what makes it all the more beautiful.
We consider this piece of concept art to be fantastic. Look at the sheer amount of detailing done to create the image, and you will be blown away. The artist also shares the process of creating the picture, which can help you learn more about the process of creation.
Furthermore, a slight hint of red color has been used near the edge of the weapon, which indicates bloodshed and destruction.
Made using Photoshop and Z-brush, this is a beautiful and unique concept art made of a knight ready to start the battle. While most of the images here are dark and grim, this one is made with bright gold shades adding to its attractiveness.
If you are designing a team of knights or learning to paint different poses, then this can be a good reference point. Here, you can see the images of 4 knights striking different poses. The artist has not experimented with a lot of colors, but there is a lot to learn about painting shadows and postures.
Knights can be of various kinds as they mostly depend on the theme or the chosen concept. You can paint a general structure and make modifications based on the theme.
Look at these three knights, for example! All of them have the same pose, but they come with different colored capes, headgears, and shields of varying designs. Changing these aspects makes them look very different from one another.
Yes, we know this is an interesting image with skeletons in the attires of knights. They look like they were killed in a battle as there are arrows sticking out of the body. The image is pretty unique and can be a great reference point for anybody trying to create unique battle characters.
We found this image to be attractive because of the beautiful colors that have been used. While the moment seems dangerous because of wolves and a dying knight with arrows sticking out of his back, there is a strange sense of serenity. You can learn about how to paint forests and make them look intimidating while at it.
The inspiration for this image has been drawn from the Witcher franchise, and it is indeed a brilliant portrayal of a knight. We loved the detailed engraving on the metal armor as well as the ax.
You can learn how to create the image as the artist will show you the process in stages. Plus, a steel helmet can be added to the head if you are not confident about painting the face.
In this picture, you can see a knight in action. Although there are no other characters or signs of war, the smoke-filled background is a great indication of this. Then there is a knight in front with a sword in hand.
There are some visible details on the knight’s armor that make him stand out. But the play of colors and shadows is the highlight of the image, and you should surely check it out.
Richard the Lionheart, who was popularly called a chivalrous medieval king, was known to be an excellent warrior. His ferocious expression and posture speak volumes about it. You can see him holding the ax up with sheer determination in his eyes. Needless to say, this will help you draw inspiration for painting war heroes.
This is a pretty horrific image of a skull knight holding an enchanted pumpkin in hand. There are green fumes coming out of the pumpkin head, which make the picture even more mysterious.
Additionally, if you are planning to practice texture and color play, then this is a worthy reference. Check out the green fumes and how it fades away towards the top, making it look very realistic.
We have one more image with a knight in shades of black. His pose looks like he has been caught in action. There are hints of red on the body and the sword indicating rust and blood. The background has been kept blurry, making sure that the knight is highlighted.
Are you creating artwork for a screenplay? Then this can be a brilliant option to look at. Here, the stage lighting has been set in such a way that the knight is covered by red and white light. The atmosphere is foggy, making it possible to replicate the scene on a stage. It can be a good point of reference for those interested in screenplay and drama visualization.
Painted in blue and black, this is a brilliant image of a knight who looks like he is from another universe. We love the detailing and the use of blue for making the body. Plus, the eyes are glowing, making it a perfect reference for designing video game characters.
If you are planning to experiment with different kinds of landscapes and headgear, this piece can be inspiring. Plus, the brilliant use of colors makes the image look very real. It is painted on Photoshop, and you can use it as a reference point for painting knights in action.
The color red stands out in this picture, and it has been brilliantly used to catch attention. We love the slight white glow at the edge of the sword with blood splattering from it. If you are looking to paint with watercolor brushes on the screen, this is a piece of inspiration.
If you are enthusiastic about video games' character and design, then this can be a great image to get inspired from. Look at how the yellow light is reflecting on the hard metal surface.
Moreover, you can see the faint shadow of other structures behind which are not in focus. So, for those studying depth, this can help.
You must already be blown away by that detailed armor suit that he is wearing. So, if you are learning about pose, structure, and armor, this can be an inspiring piece of concept art to look at. Shades of yellow and black have been used to bring out the knight in the frame.
Another very ghostly and weird example is this undead knight who is walking forward. His posture and hand placement make the image look scary. The right set of colors has been used to create his torn and disheveled armor.
This can help you learn how to paint a battle scene without actually showing too many characters in it. While the knight is shown clearly, everything else is blurred to ensure that the attention stays on the knight. Plus, the golden highlight makes one look at the face as soon as you see the picture.
Here is another image that will help you understand the texture of metal and leather very well. Check out the image closely, and you will find intricate detailing on the body along with bright yellow, orange and red hues. The light is reflecting on the armor, making it all the more realistic.
Here is a unique kind of knight with the face of a horse. He is holding fireballs and the use of yellow and orange against a grim background makes it a brilliant piece of work. This can help you design 2D and 3D characters for games and animated shows.
Last but not least, we have this beautiful image of a knight returning back home. There are green meadows and a looming castle ahead. The scene has been painted with bright colors signifying a bright and beautiful morning.
Conclusion
While there are different varieties of knights that you can create, you will need to understand the purpose and think about the concept before investing time in painting one. The story is very important for any concept art, and once you have that in place, there are multiple references to draw inspiration from.
With this, we will be wrapping up, and we hope you have been able to find the reference pieces needed. There are tips and tricks for concept art portfolios too that are available on the internet. We will soon be back with more informative guides to help you out.
Keep sketching and creating wonders; the world needs more of that!
Finding the correct power planer for all your woodwork tasks is quite a challenging task.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re working on small projects or large ones, a power planer does all your tasks in a breeze. When you have to level rough-sawn timbers, benchtop planers are a useful tool.
WEN is a well-known brand in the world of benchtop power planers, and its 6550 and 6552 models are the 2 bestselling benchtop power planers. But, how do you choose between two of its excellent power planers?
Honestly, both these power planes work best for leveling out bumpy planks and timbers. Honestly, benchtop planers do not come in one-size-fits-all sizes.
Today, we’ll take you through these two bench planers and their features to help you analyze the two. Our goal is to help you make the correct choice.
So, without further ado, let’s jump into the details.
EDITOR NOTE| WEN 6550 and WEN 6552 are now discontinued by the manufacturer, if you are looking for the latest WEN Planner please check the WEN PL1303.
WEN 6550 vs. 6552 Benchtop Planer
All your tasks begin with a wood board. And, no matter how many tools you have in the workshop or home, a benchtop planer is a must-have tool for all your tasks. So, owning a planer will save you a lot of time, money and notch up all your tasks.
While browsing through the variety of planers available on the market, a benchtop planer is an excellent option. With it by your side, working on your next wood project won’t be a challenge anymore.
In this regard, let’s take a look at the two best benchtop planers, the 6550 and 6552 by WEN, to figure out which one will be ideal to meet your needs. These two power planers are quite similar to each other in terms of power and performance. Plus, they feature a robust motor and are incredibly durable.
Despite sharing certain similarities with each other, they differ from each other in quite a few aspects like efficiency and preciseness. Needless to say, these tools are one-time investments, and so you must invest in one which will last you for years.
So, without further delay, let’s dive right into the deets, shall we?
A Glance At WEN 6550 Benchtop Planer
The WEN 6550 is an excellent option for amateurs, hobbyists, and professional workers. Featuring a cutter-head dual knife, the WEN 6550 ensures a smooth finish to your wood boards. Also, its two-edged blades featuring a reversible knife ensure accuracy and perfection while making it a more durable planer for all your woodworks.
At a speed of 26 feet per minute, its 15 amp motor offers 18,000 cuts per minute. If you have to level off planks of wood as thick as 6 inches or wood boards with a maximum width of 12 and a half inches, this benchtop planer will do the job in no time.
Moreover, its plastic handle allows you to add depth up to 1 - 16 inches.
What’s more interesting is that the granite bed of this 6550 planer is highly durable as it is flat and cumbersome enough to maintain the balance of the worktop while using the benchtop planer. The granite also doesn’t damage the wood plank you are working on.
Although it weighs more than 77 pounds, it is relatively portable. With handles on the sides and foldable infeed and outfeed tables, you can carry this planer from your workshop to the construction site without any hassle. Also, changing the angle of the table is not much of a task in this 6550 planer.
Plus, the fan in the dust port is highly impressive, for it clears away the dust peelings. To put it in a nutshell, this 6550 benchtop planer by WEN is an excellent option for all enthusiasts, amateurs, and woodworking professionals.
What Is The WEN 6550 Benchtop Planer Good For?
The WEN 6550 benchtop planer is stuffed with a host of features that allow you to perform your woodworking tasks with ease. So, let us explore the features which give this benchtop planer an edge over the others on the market.
Sturdy Motor
Given the fact that this is an entry-level benchtop planer, we are pretty impressed by its 15 Amp motors delivering 18,000 cuts per minute. While moving through uneven timbers, the motor of this planer works excellently to produce the smoothest surface for your projects.
With a speed of 26 feet per minute, you’re sure to carry out all your tasks like the wind. If you are a DIY enthusiast or an interior designer, this tabletop planer with its sturdy motor will deliver an excellent finish to all your woodworking projects.
Powerful Dual-Blades
If you think that the dual blades on this planer aren’t powerful enough, then you’re laboring under a delusion. Unlike other planers of the same range, the blades of the WEN 6550 are pretty impressive. As such, its powerful dual-blades are sufficient to carve out wood boards with the smoothest finish.
The dual blades can peel off up to 3/32 inches, thanks to its fast-rotating spin. Also, dealing with boards as thick as 6 inches and as wide as 12.5 inches isn’t a hassle for this benchtop planer.
These blades are reversible, which adds to their durability. So, whether it is woodworking tasks of the DIY enthusiasts or minor household wood tasks, this WEN 6550 is the ideal wood planer.
Foldable Granite Table
One of the striking features of the WEN 6550 is its foldable granite table. Because of this granite table, you can place timber planks at roughly any angle you want. This granite table is what makes this planer a cut above other comparable planers.
The foldable ends of the granite table allow wood to move over it freely and also perform impeccably with large chunks of wood. Also, the granite doesn’t wear out, and so, the plate will outlast the machine itself. For all your 12.5-inch wide woodwork, this planer is an excellent option.
Dust Hose Connection Port
This benchtop planer features a dust hose connection port to collect all the wood shavings. You just need to connect a vacuum cleaner or a dust extraction machine while working to collect all the flakes and wood shavings in one place. This relieves you of sweeping the room after your hectic tasks by collecting all the shavings in the dust port and making cleaning an easy task.
Adjustable Rubber-Grip Handle
Do you sweat buckets while adjusting the depth of your planer? Not anymore - this planer is equipped with a rubber handle that can be rotated easily while working on any woodwork projects. You can alter the height easily by 1/16 inches after each complete rotation. This adjustable rubber handle allows you to work with perfection on wood boards.
Tri-Roller Feeding System
The tri-roller feeding mechanism of the 6550 benchtop planer is pretty pleasing as it securely grips the timber and thrusts it in to guarantee minimal swiping. With the twin blades sandwiched between the infeed and outfeed rollers, you can be assured of clean and precise cuts.
Designed For Optimal Stability
The WEN 6550 packs a punch into a benchtop package. It is designed in the most impregnable way and is perfectly weighted. Weighing nearly 70 lbs, it does not wobble or quiver while you are working on it.
Also, the granite table lays a solid base for timber to prevent it from getting tarnished while smoothening.
The machine’s cast iron lays a solid base to prevent any mishaps from occurring while working on it. Also highly striking are the pre-drilled holes that allow you to fasten the planer on your tabletop and work with convenience.
A Glance At WEN 6552 Benchtop Planer
If your next woodworking project involves dealing with wood boards as wide as 13 inches, then consider the 6552 benchtop planer to ease your task. Featuring a 15 Amp motor with three blades, you can be assured of a smooth finish to your woodwork projects.
At a speed of 26 feet per minute, this planer delivers 25,000 cuts per minute. As such, its speed churns out wood pieces with precision and perfection. Also, you’d be pleased to know that it has a metal worktop that is significantly lighter in weight.
With its pre-drilled supporting holes, you can easily fasten it to your worktable and make it less quacky. Plus, this planer allows you to reduce the snipes by adjusting the infeed and outfeed tables.
Simply put, this benchtop planer is an excellent choice if you are looking for precision and perfection in your woodworking projects. Rest assured, you will not be disappointed.
What Is The WEN 6552 Benchtop Planer Good For?
The WEN 6552 is the upgraded version of its predecessor, the 6552. This updated version is packed with a whole raft of features which is why it is the sought-after planer among most DIY enthusiasts and woodworkers.
If you’ve been dealing with wood for quite some time and are tired of your basic hand planer, it’s time to upgrade to a more advanced tool to complete your tasks quickly. So, let us explore the features of this benchtop planer to see what makes it worthy of an upgrade.
Robust Motor
Featuring a 15 Amp motor, this 6552 benchtop planer spins at a rate of 8500 RPM. This strong motor will handle all your daily tasks with ease. With 25,000 cuts per minute, you are sure to achieve a wood plank of the smoothest finish for your next DIY project. And, because of this high cutting rate, you can also work with thin chunks of timber without any hassle.
The fast-spinning blades combined with a powerful motor are the two ingredients for an accurate and perfect finish on your wood surfaces. Similar to the 6500, the wood chunks move underneath the blade at a speed of 26 feet per minute to provide you with the perfect piece for your next DIY or interior project.
Toughened Triple Blade Cutter Head
If you’ve used the double head cutter-knife, you must know how efficiently it completes all the woodworking tasks, isn’t it? With this, let me introduce you to the WEN 6552 featuring a triple-knife cutter head. This ensures precise and perfect cuts on your timber. For all the hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, this three-blade system benchtop planer will be an excellent choice to carry out all your wood-related tasks.
If you’re looking for preciseness and smooth finishes, then a triple-knife cutter head will provide you with the best results, for they outperform all their dual-blade counterparts. Also, to ensure finer cuts, you can place them upside down. This also adds to the longevity of the blades.
Metal Table
As against the previous 6550 benchtop planer, the 6552 planer is equipped with a metal table. The ultra greasy coating of this benchtop planer provides a smooth and even surface so that the wood glides beneath the blade in the blink of an eye. With this metal table, cleaning isn’t a challenging task rather a more easy-breezy one and can also be stored conveniently.
If the enthusiast in you wants to work on large pieces, then you may adjust the table accordingly and work without any hassle. This metal table of the WEN 6552 improves the performance and adds to the efficiency of the planer.
Reversible Blades
The WEN 6552 benchtop planers triple-blade system is quite pleasing. But, what’s interesting is, they are featured with reversible blades. Once the blades begin to go blunt, you can reverse them and continue with your work.
As such, reversing ensures quicker and more efficient performance. Also, these blades are disposable. This ensures the longevity of the blades while also allowing you to save those extra bucks too.
Double Roller
To ensure optimal performance, the WEN 6552 is featured with two rollers above the tool’s housing. You can easily control the rollers without much hassle. As such, you don’t have to worry about the snipes while working on your masterpiece as the rollers reduce the snipe. Also, they ensure your board remains in perfect shape.
Handy Dust Port
Who wouldn’t agree to the fact that planing wood is a chaotic affair? But, it isn’t messy anymore, for the dust port behind this planer allows you to connect either a vacuum cleaner or a dust hose and collect all the shavings. This will keep your workshop as clean as a pin.
Also, the dust channel is pretty easy to connect. You just need to fasten the screws, and within a minute or two, the planer is ready to create your masterpiece. The 2 inches port perfectly collects all your shavings in one place. With this WEN 6552, planing will no longer be a messy affair.
Designed for Optimal Stability
The WEN 6552 is a user-friendly planer. Featuring a crank handle, you can easily fiddle with the thickness and depth you want. Also, you can adjust the gauge to shave off from 0 to 3/32 inches.
Moreover, the infeed and outfeed tables are designed to hold up the wooden board while also restraining sniping efficiently. Plus, its fast-rotating triple-blade cutter head rotating at a speed of 10000 per minute will shave off your woods at breakneck speed.
The WEN 6550 vs. 6552 - A Comparative Study Of The Key Features
Although both the 6550 and 6552 planer are pretty similar in terms of specifications and features, they do differ from each other on specific aspects. The features of both the benchtop planer are of utmost importance while deciding to purchase one.
Here we have discussed some key features you must consider while going for either the 6550 or the 6552 benchtop planer from the WEN brand.
Both the 6550 and the 6552 are suited for meeting different planing requirements, depending mainly on the nature and the size of your work and the kind of woods you will be dealing with.
So, without wasting any more time, let us explore the features of both the 6550 and the 6552 planer.
Motor And Speed Considerations
While talking about the motor and speed of the two machines, they both are pretty similar to each other. The WEN 6550 is built-in with 15 Amp motors which makes it ideal for all amateurs, enthusiasts, DIY workers, and household uses.
Designed particularly for enthusiasts and DIYers, the cut rate of this planer is highly impressive. Offering 18000 cuts per minute, you can complete all your tasks in a breeze. With a speed of 26 feet per minute, you can expect nothing but a smooth finish to your wood pieces.
On the contrary side, the WEN 6552 is similar to the 6550 model when it comes to the motor but differs in terms of speed. Like the 6550, its 15 Amp motor ensures smooth and efficient performance.
But with 25000 cuts per minute, you are assured of a more smoothened and uniform finish on your wood boards as against the speed rate of 6550. And with a speed of 26 feet per minute, the 6552 is sure to provide your wood piece with the best possible finish.
If you are an amateur or just someone who’s venturing into the field of woodworking, then the WEN 6550 would be an ideal pick for you, mainly because of its speed rate and cuts. But, if you are a professional woodworker or a contractor, you must pick the 6552 to complete all woodworking tasks quickly as a wink.
Number Of Blades
With a dual-blade cutter head, the entry-level WEN 6550 performs efficiently to even out the wooden planks for your next remodeling project. The extra blade makes this planer perform better than others on the market. Although the blades are relatively smaller than the other, they perform streets ahead of the other entry-level planers.
On the other side, the WEN 6552 is equipped with a three-blade cutter head to provide sharper cuts to your wooden boards. You can get a smooth and even surface with this three-blade cutter head in almost no time. However, in rare cases, the three blades do not always ensure superior cuts, but more is always better than less.
If you are an amateur or a DIY enthusiast, then the WEN 6550 with its dual-blade will be a perfect go-to planer for all your woodworking tasks. But, for all the professional workers and workshop owners, the WEN 6552 will be an excellent choice to carry out all your tasks like the wind.
Stock Handling Ability
Being an entry-level benchtop planer, the stock handling ability of this planer is quite impressive. The WEN 6550 deals efficiently with wood pieces as thick as 6 inches and as wide as 12 and a half inches. So, if you have to deal with wood as thick as 6 inches for your next remodeling project, then this planer would be perfect for all tasks.
On the other hand, the WEN 6552 works efficiently with wood boards as wide as 13 inches. Being equipped with a triple-blade system, you can trust this for all those heavy planks of wood.
If you are having a tough time deciding between the two, you must consider the stock handling ability of the two benchtop planers. This is quite an important aspect of the planer which will help you choose the correct one. Keeping in mind the nature of the task and the size of the wood you’re dealing with will help you make an informed decision.
As such, the WEN 6550 perfectly handles wood of up to 12.5 widths, whereas the 6552 performs well with wood pieces as wide as 13 inches. The 6550 will be an excellent choice for any household or DIY project, while the 6552 will be an ideal choice for professional workers or workshop owners.
Cutting Quality Of The Planer
When you’re looking for a benchtop power planer to replace your hand planer, the cutting quality of the planer is crucial. Both the WEN 6550 and the 6552 can take up to 6 inches of wooden board underneath their plate, which is quite impressive.
Both the planers allow you to adjust the blade up to 3/32 inches without causing any damage to the planer. Being an entry-level planer, we were quite pleased with the smooth finish offered by the 6550 on our board of wood without any appalling snipes or stripes.
Even though both the planers use the tri-roller system, the 6552 benchtop planer produces a better finish to the wood boards with fewer scalloping streaks and snipes, thanks to its metal table.
So, if more refined and accurate cuts are what you’re looking for, then 6552 will work perfectly for those woods used for heavy-duty tasks. However, the 6550 model suits perfectly for household or small-scale tasks.
Blade Mechanism
When it comes to wood planing tasks, the number of blades is of utmost importance. Both the planers 6550 and 6552 are equipped with different numbers of blades. With dual-blades, the 6550 provides smooth and even surfaces to the wood pieces that you are planing.
On the contrary, the WEN 6552 is equipped with a triple-blade mechanism offering more finer cuts than the 6550. Whatever heavy-duty task you have at hand, you can always trust this for producing efficient cuts.
Be it remodeling, renovating, or even any DIY task, a triple-blade planer is sure to yield satisfying results. But, at times, the dual-blade planer has shown to produce better results than the triple-blade ones.
If you’re hopping in search of a good planer on the market for your DIY works or remodeling projects, 6550 will be an ideal pick, while the 6552 will yield excellent results on all the wood pieces of heavy-duty tasks.
Design And Length Of The Blade
The length and the design of the benchtop planers are crucial to determine the tasks that they can carry out. While unpacking the two planers, we noticed no such difference in the design of the blades. However, because they are made to handle different cut widths, we noticed slight differences in the length of the blade.
Because of the accuracy and precision this entry-level planer offers, its 12.5 inches blade wears away due to constant use. But, worry not, for they are replaceable. Replacement blades are available in pairs, so it is easy for you to replace them.
On the other hand, the blade design of the WEN 6552 is similar to the 6550 but varies in width. Although just like the 6550, the blades of these are available in a set of three for easy replaceability.
However, the blades of this model perform impeccably well, for the pressure is evenly distributed among the three blades. So, the blades of this are highly durable and don’t call for replacement as frequently as the former one.
Also, blades that are manufactured in Germany or the USA are far more durable than those of other countries. So, you must count on them.
But, despite being equipped with two blades, the 6550 offers superior cuts and precision than the 6552. If the result of the wood surface matters to you more than the number of blades, then 6550 is your go-to planer. However, if you believe that more is always better than less, then 6552 will be perfect for satisfying the perfectionist in you.
Work Table
Although both the planers are offered by the same brand WEN, they are designed with different work tables. The 6550 model is equipped with a granite table. Granite is one such material well-known for its strength and longevity. And so, the table of this 6550 unit is strong, sturdy, and resistant to wear. Also, it provides a smooth finish to the wood pieces that you plane.
Because of its durability, the table will last more than the unit itself. But, it cannot handle more than 12.5 inches of wood. Also, the granite tables are significantly better than those of cast iron materials and also reduce abrasion when lumber passes through the planer.
What makes the WEN 6552 stand out is its metal table. The slick covering of its metallic table allows timber to slide through with little friction. The broad thickness planner is quite impressive for it supports wooden boards of up to 13 inches in width.
But, with good comes the bad, and so this metallic table is subject to wear and can easily bend.
Both the 6550 and 6552 provide finer cuts along with a smooth surface for the wood pieces to slide through. However, if you are looking for a durable planer, the 6550 unit with its granite table will be best to work with as against the 6552’s metal table.
Weight
Whatever tool you are looking for, make sure to consider how much it weighs. We are pretty sure you wouldn’t want to break your back while lifting it. Weighing 77 lbs., the 6550 unit is significantly heavy, mainly because of its granite table.
However, the extra weight is beneficial because it reduces vibrations and results in a smooth and efficient finish. But, this extra weight affects the portability of this planer.
The 6552 benchtop planer is equipped with a metal table and weighs significantly less than the former model. Weighing around 70 lbs, you can easily move this planer from the workshop to your home or factory without much hassle. Besides, it won’t cause any strain on your back, thanks to its lightweight.
If you are looking for a benchtop planer only for the workshop or factory, then the weight isn’t an issue, and you can go for the 6550 unit. But, if your job entails moving to different locations, then 6552 will be perfect because of its lightweight.
However, we found that the 6550 model is better because it comes with pre-drilled holes, which you can fasten on the table to work conveniently.
Price Of The Planer
The price of the planer is an important factor which you must take into account while choosing one for your tasks. The WEN 6550 is much cheaper than the 6552 unit. But, considering the fact that the blades of the 6552 are more durable than the 6550, the latter is worth extra bucks.
However, the price variations are not of much importance. What matters more is the features and the finish offered by the two planers. Your budget and the nature of the work will determine which one will be an excellent choice for you.
So, if you are on the lookout for a planer for household use or for dealing with small-scale wood projects, the 6550 will be an ideal planer to carry out all your tasks. However, if you are a professional woodworker or a construction contractor, the 6552 will be perfect for it will allow you to carry out heavy-duty tasks in a breeze.
Why Prefer The WEN 6550 Benchtop Planer?
We love the WEN 6550 benchtop planer for a variety of reasons; however, we were hooked by its granite table, which is strong, sturdy, and resistant to wear. Its dual-blades even out the rough surfaces in almost no time. If you are a DIYer or a professional woodworker, then this planer is an ideal addition to your toolbox. As such, it will help you in carrying out all your wood-related tasks in a breeze.
Even if you are a hobbyist or an interior designer and thinking about getting this unit, you will not be disappointed. As such, you can use this planer to carve that perfect piece of cabinet or dining table. Also, this planer is flexible enough to deal with hard chunks of wood.
So, if you are in quest of a planer that can offer exceptional smooth finishes to your surfaces, then this planer will be an excellent value for money. However, beginners must use this with caution and under an expert to avoid any mishaps.
Pros
Ergonomic handle
Equipped with a granite table
Affordable
Reduces snipes
Features a dust port with a fan
Cons
Is equipped with only 2 blades
Quite heavy
Why Prefer The WEN 6552 Benchtop Planer?
What we love about the WEN 6552 benchtop planer is that its motor of 15 Amp is powerful enough to offer 25000 cuts per minute. This results in a much smoother and more precise finish than the 6550 unit. Also, its three-blade structure is impressive, for it provides a more uniform finish to your wood pieces.
While working with this planer, you are free to adjust the depth as you want. Weighing 70 lbs., this planer is portable. And because it can take up wood as wide as 13 inches, it is ideal for all heavy-duty tasks. Furthermore, its metal tables make it easy for the timber to glide beneath the blades.
So, if you are a professional woodworker, a construction contractor, or a workshop owner, this 6552 is an excellent choice to perform all your woodwork tasks like the wind. This model will be excellent for planing your 13 inches of wood for the masterpiece you want to create.
Pros
Features a dust port to collect the dust
Ergonomic handles
Robust motor
Offers 25000 cuts per minute
Reversible blades
Smoother finish
3 blades
Easily portable
Cons
Slightly expensive
Metal table isn’t durable
Similarities Between The WEN 6550 vs. 6552
Since both the planers, the 6500 and the 6550, are offered by the same brand, they are similar to each other in quite a lot of aspects. So, let us explore the similarities between the two planers.
Both the 6550 and the 6552 are equipped with a dust port to collect all the shavings in one place without making planing a messy affair.
The 6550 and the 6552 models by WEN are portable planers, thanks to their side handles. Also, the two benchtop planers are featured with a roller bar.
There are infeed and outfeed tables in the two planers, which provide ample support to your wood boards and can be adjusted to the angle you wish to. This results in smoother and precise cuts.
The two planers are equipped with an adjustable rubber handle. You just have to rotate the handle to adjust the height. This allows you to work with any wood piece.
The two benchtop planers by WEN are powered by 15 Amp motors to ensure efficient performance.
Difference Between The WEN 6550 And The 6552
The WEN 6550 and the 6552 are both woodworking tools. With these woodworking tools by your side, you can carry out all the woodworking tasks like the wind. Although they both are from the same brand WEN, they differ from each other in certain aspects. Let us find out the areas in which these tools differ from each other.
The WEN 6550 is featured with a dual-blade cutter head to ensure utmost precision in all your wood planing tasks. However, on the other hand, the 6552 model is equipped with a triple-blade cutter head. So, the former model is ideal if you are planing for your crafts, DIY projects, or remodeling projects. At the same time, the latter will prove an excellent choice for all your heavy-duty wood tasks.
Secondly, the two models are featured with a powerful 15 Amp motor, but they offer cuts at different speeds. The 6550 model provides 18000 cuts per minute, while the 6552 model provides cuts at the rate of 25000 per minute.
Thirdly, the 6550 benchtop planer can deal with wood pieces as wide as 12.5 inches, while the 6552 unit can deal with wood up to 13 inches width effectively. So, the 6552 benchtop planer is superior to the 6550 in this respect.
Fourthly, the two benchtop planers are equipped with different tables. The table of the 6550 model is made up of granite which is strong, sturdy, and resistant to wear.
However, on the contrary, the 6552 consists of a metallic table. Both these tables allow the timber to pass through the blades with minimal friction.
WEN Planer FAQ
Which Of The Two Planer Will Be Suitable For Hardwoods?
If you are a professional woodworker or work at the workshops, we assume you have to deal with a variety of wood. So, the 6552 planer will be the ideal tool that you should consider for all your woodworking tasks.
Powered by a 15 Amp motor, this planer is designed to handle a wide variety of woods, including the infamous exotics. Its triple-blade cutter head combined with a metal table makes it absolutely perfect for handling the hardwoods.
What Are The Features To Be Considered While Choosing A Power Planer?
The nature of your task is of utmost importance while choosing a power planer for your task. And so, while hunting one on the market, you must look at whether or not the motor is powerful.
Also, the planers come in a variety of blades, and so you must check the number of blades the planer is equipped with. In general, a dual-blade planer will be sufficient for all your tasks. However, if you are dealing with hardwoods, you may go for the one equipped with triple blades.
Apart from this, you must also consider the fact whether the planer is portable or not. Also, check how many years of warranty is offered by the company for it speaks a lot about their durability. WEN provides a 2-year warranty on all its planers.
Are The Blades Of Both The WEN 6550 and 6552 durable?
The blades of the WEN 6552 are far more durable than the 6550 unit. The dual-blades of the 6550 wear out with constant use, but you can replace them easily. While the triple blades of the 6552 are more durable because of the even distribution of pressure.
Where Can I Buy The Replacement Blades?
The replacement blades for both the WEN 6550 and 6552 power planers can be ordered directly through the website of the WEN brand.
EDITOR NOTE| WEN 6550 and WEN 6552 are now discontinued by the manufacturer, if you are looking for the latest WEN Planner please check the WEN PL1303.
Summing It Up
When it comes to benchtop planers, WEN does not disappoint us. Both the 6550 and the 6552 planers are excellent tools for planing wood. And so, it is extremely difficult to pick a winner between the two tools.
Although both the planers enjoy certain advantages over the other, the 6552 clearly outshines 6550 in terms of features and uses. The WEN 6552 is perfect for all professional woodworkers and contractors dealing with a wide variety of hardwoods, while the 6550 works perfectly for small chunks of wood.
Eventually, it all depends on the nature of your task and your personal preference. Not to forget, your experience plays a crucial role in it.
And so, we come to the end of our comprehensive guide and hope that you will be able to choose the correct one for your tasks. And, keep your eyes glued on this space for more such intriguing reads.
If you are new to woodworking, you must be wondering can you use super glue on wood.
Guess what? We have the answer right here! Woodworking requires a fast drying time, and that is possible with a number of glues. You will want to use something to glue wood that can bind surfaces together and prevent them from separating in the long run.
It would be best to create a protective layer on top of wood surfaces which will provide an excellent finish and increase the impact resistance of the surface. Additionally, super glues provide greater control to ensure that wood and metal surfaces are securely glued together.
We will now be telling you in this informative read about how super glue can be used for wood. Read on to learn about the details.
FUN FACT |Did you know heat resistant glue for metal is very important for long term bonds?! If your metal-to-metal or metal-to- wood glue is not heat-resistant, then any one of them can peel off!
Now, without further ado, let’s begin.
Can You Use Super Glue On Wood
A lot of carpenters or DIYers use super glues for glue work on wood because of the beneficial features that they have. Super glue can create bonds that are firmer than even wood itself and you will not be able to separate the two surfaces once the glue has worked its magic.
That is not all; a lot of DIY projects involve using super glues with models, carvings, and craft items for furniture, décor pieces, and garden accessories.
Wood Glue V/s Super Glue: A Comparison
Super glues and wood glues are two glue types that are currently very popular on the market. From the name, it feels like wood glue is supposed to be the best for gluing wood, but that is not always true. It generally depends on the type of project that you are working on.
If you are working on large and complicated projects, then wood glues or PVA glue are a better option. That is because wood glue is cost-effective and can be used on a large wood surface or for complex projects where clamping is possible.
However, super glues work very well for small and simple woodworking projects. Suppose you are building a toy or working with wooden threads for an artifact that cannot be clamped together, super glue will be helpful in such a scenario.
But know that using super glues for larger projects can be very expensive and not sustainable because when compared with wood glue, super glue is stronger. To sum it up, woodworkers generally keep both types of glue handy for all kinds of projects.
They might be working on one surface, which is large, along with a few smaller projects simultaneously for which both adhesives are needed.
Uses Of Super Glue
In this section, we have a list of the most common uses of super glue. They are:
1. Repairing Objects
Super glue works perfectly well for repairing and woodworking. It is a quick-drying formula that can be used to repair wood pieces when working on small projects. For example, if your kid has broken a small wooden toy, then you can immediately fix it with this glue. And there is no need to drill or screw a nail to fix broken items.
2. Fill Gaps
Super glue works very well in filling gaps as well as to mend wooden objects. It can be used to fill grooves and holes in wooden pieces to ensure a clean finish. Now it is not dense or thick enough to work on its own; rather, you will have to mix super glue with wood dust to attain the right texture.
You can safely apply it to most gaps and one of the top benefits of using this type of wood filler is that it dries quickly. People can easily fix small wooden toys as well as furniture with it.
In case you do not have wood dust, you can use baking soda, which is mixed with super glue. This will also work for gap filling, but we will recommend wood dust if it is available. Wood dust can create a thick layer and can then be sanded as well as drilled when needed.
Once the job is done, you can apply paint or wood finish over the sanded surface to have a professionally coated wooden object.
3. Putting Parts Together
Super glue can be used as a strong adhesive to put together different parts, as it features amazing capillary action, which is stronger than general glue. You can use it to join materials together in order to create something new and a lot of people use it for DIY projects or crafts in school.
Moving on, you may be wondering if it can be used for toys that are not completely made of wood. The answer is yes; you will be able to attach the small parts and make them look better.
Another huge benefit is that super glue offers permanent and strong joints. If you wish to create a very strong bond, then just rub the wooden surfaces together with glue and press them together. Let the surfaces dry, and you will have perfectly connected pieces.
4. Investing Time In Waterproof Wood Projects
Some variants of super glue are waterproof and do not get affected by precipitation, humidity, and exposure to outdoor conditions. These types form a water-resistant bond that keeps the furniture or the object safe.
You can use premium-quality super glues if you are working on an outdoor project. The glue works to prevent the parts from falling apart even on a stormy day because of its permanent hold. Even if the entire object gets wet, the wood joints will not be affected at all by this.
While looking for super or cyanoacrylate glue, you will need to opt for a water-resistant option specifically for outdoor objects. The label should mention that it is waterproof to help you get the best results.
5. Providing A Coating
If you are into making small wooden jewelry or wooden toys, then cyanoacrylate glue can be used for the job. It can provide a beautiful coating that looks attractive and protects the product as well. Such a coating protects the wood pieces and carvings from water and scratches. It adds a very resistant top coat and will keep the item safe for a longer time.
But coating large wooden surfaces with it can be time-consuming as well as expensive, which does not make sense.
Is Super Glue Suitable For Wooden Cookware?
We already know how well super glue works for most kinds of items except fabric. However, it is not food safe and should not be used on wooden cookware of any kind. You should not even use it for cutting boards or other wood accessories kept in the kitchen. That is because it contains a toxic chemical called cyanoacrylate, which should not be consumed at all.
Do not use super glue for any product that goes into the microwave, as super glue is highly inflammable and can catch fire very easily. If you need to repair any cookware, it is best to use glue that is food safe and this will be mentioned on the pack itself.
Does Super Glue Take Time To Dry When Applied On Wood?
If you have worked with super glue before, then you must have seen that it dries to touch very quickly. But please know that even if it feels dry, it might not have finished curing. Some glue brands say that their super glue will dry within seconds, while others say that their product can take a few hours to dry well.
We will recommend letting the glue cure on wood for at least 24 hours before touching and moving the object if you have applied a thin coating. And if there is excess glue, it will take longer for it to dry.
Some low-quality glues do not dry well and will form a rubbery layer on top. These are to be avoided, and if you are confused, we will recommend purchasing Gorilla super glue from the market. The Gorilla glue has an average price and dries almost instantly which is why it is used by a lot of professional woodworkers to do their job.
You can also use Loctite super glue, which is very strong and is a popular choice among users.
While we have discussed super glues, let us talk about wood glue as well so that you can compare both. Wood glue is thin and will seep into gaps and holes on the surface. This will reinforce wooden threads to create a strong bond.
It will take 24 hours to cure completely, and the time period will increase if you are using more glue. So, avoid using too much of it as you might end up with a rubbery finish, just like excess super glue.
Steps For Using Super Glue On Wood
We will be discussing the process of applying super glue on wood. Remember that the procedure is pretty similar for filling cracks in wood and joining materials.
Step 1: Preparation
The first step for woodworking projects is to get all the parts in place. Remember that super glue can dry quickly and everything needs to be in place beforehand. Otherwise, you might have trouble moving the pieces around if they do not fit properly.
Make sure that the wood pieces are attached properly to each other with no gaps on the side. They should be aligned precisely and clamped if needed.
Step 2: Sanding
Clean the surfaces well so that the glue can stick to the wooden surface. For this, you will need to sand the surface and scuff it up with fine-grit sandpaper.
Step 3: Glue Application
You will generally find super glue in gel or liquid form. Add one drop to the surface and then immediately put the pieces together by pressing and holding for around 30 seconds. You can even use a clamp for this purpose, but use it for the first half an hour before letting the item dry naturally.
Leave the wooden object to rest for 24 hours so that it can cure fully.
Step 4: Cleaning
After you are done with the work, you can use a razor blade to remove any excess glue that is sticking out. Ensure that the entire surface is clean, and you can sand the surface if needed.
Is Super Glue Tougher Than Gorilla Wood Glue?
Gorilla wood glue is also known as polyurethane glue which is stronger than cyanoacrylate glue. It generally is very durable and lasts for a long time. So, yes, if you find Gorilla glue, then go ahead and use it for your wood projects, as not all super glues work well for all kinds of projects.
Other PVA glue options may not work well either, and you can opt for Gorilla super glue or Loctite super glue to get the desired results.
Does The Color Of Wood Change After Application?
Wood glue can be white or yellow, depending on the brand. White glues form a clear layer and will not change the color of the wood but if you are using yellow glue, the color might dry with a yellowish tinge. Let the color match your project and have it blend well with the surface.
Can You Use Super Glue On Wood Final Words
Before purchasing, we will recommend checking the shelf life of the glue tubes. If you are not going to work on large surfaces, purchase polyurethane glues or super glues which will last for a long time. There are good options to choose from, including CA glue, Loctite super glue, Krazy glue, and Gorilla glue.
Check for an anti-clog cap which will prevent the glue from drying out and clogging. Moreover the best glue will ensure that the bond created will be tough and impact resistant. The joints should be in perfect contact and the bond stronger than the wood itself.
With this, we will now be wrapping up the guide, and we hope you have a clear idea about how to use super glue. Until next time!
We all know that dehumidifiers are placed in the center of a large room for better functioning, but should we do the same in a bathroom? Not exactly! Bathrooms are tiny, so even placing them in a corner does an excellent job of humidity reduction. Whereas if you place a dehumidifier in the center, it's sure to take some of your valuable bathroom space.
Don't worry, though; our bathroom dehumidifier placement guide will walk you through the process. If you're aiming to use a dehumidifier as an air filter and are ready to incorporate it into your HVAC system, let's uncover important information about their placement.
Bathroom Dehumidifier Placement Guide
The damp air after having a hot shower increases the moisture content of the air in the bathroom, which leads to condensation, a ticking bomb waiting to explode. Persistent condensation leads to mold growth in areas like cracked ceilings, separated wood floors, caulking, etc., which is nothing but a disaster.
Though such problems don't occur in places with adequate ventilation, the same can’t be said about places where this isn’t the case. The relative humidity level of the bathroom shouldn’t exceed 60%; otherwise, it becomes a breeding ground for mold, dust mites, and other unwanted organisms.
Thus, a bathroom dehumidifier is necessary for high-humidity areas like the bathroom, laundry room, basement, or crawl space to maintain air quality and remove excess moisture. Now, people often ask, “can you use a dehumidifier in the bathroom?” If you’re one such person, then know that placing a dehumidifier in the bathroom is a great way to avoid multiple problems caused by low ventilation and condensation.
Now, once you realize the importance of a dehumidifier for the bathroom, next comes the most tricky part - its placement. Ideally, dehumidifiers are placed in the center in high humidity areas to ensure overall moisture reduction and better efficiency. However, that can’t be done in a bathroom as bathrooms are smaller than regular rooms, and bathroom humidity varies from room humidity.
Moreover, with lots of splashing going on, we can’t be careless with their placement, especially with a tank dehumidifier that stores water in a tank. Don’t worry, though! Some of the essential factors mentioned below can help in deciding an ideal location for your bathroom dehumidifier.
Persistence of moisture
Size of the bathroom
Size of the dehumidifier
Moisture sources
An unobstructed area
Where To Place Dehumidifier In Bathroom?
If it’s your first time hearing about a dehumidifier for the bathroom and how it will work or be placed in the bathroom, then rest assured. We’re here to guide you on what, how, and where dehumidifiers should be placed in a bathroom.
1. What?
Now, first things first! Before explaining where dehumidifiers should be placed, let us first highlight the type of dehumidifier you should use. You should choose a dehumidifier depending on the dehumidification needs, the bathroom’s size, and other requirements.
People facing persistent issues with increased humidity levels in the bathroom should consider a dehumidifier with a continuous draining outlet. You can also consider a portable dehumidifier as those work great too.
Also, when it comes to size, we'd suggest buying a small dehumidifier for a bathroom. As a small dehumidifier can be placed on a shelf or a toilet bowl without taking up too much space, you should consider that.
But no matter the dehumidifier type or size, it’s better to get a high-efficiency one with an energy star rating, as the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy recommended.
2. Where?
Once you’ve decided on the kind of dehumidifier for your bathroom, next comes the location where it should be placed. As you know, a dehumidifier is an electronic device that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet and works to remove excess humidity; it should be placed very carefully.
Accordingly, you should position the dehumidifier in a place in the bathroom which experiences less splashing to avoid electrical hazards. Other than that, dehumidifiers require clearance, so their vents must not be blocked to ensure proper functioning. As such, you shouldn’t place it in the close vicinity of other objects that block the passage, which filters out air.
It would be ideal if you place the dehumidifier away from the wall and not too close. When it comes to plugging, you should set it in an area with a grounded plug and not use an extension cord, as it can lead to electric shock.
Also, you shouldn’t place a dehumidifier close to a window as any gaps in the area will let the outside air in, which can reduce its functioning.
If there’s an area in the bathroom that experiences excessive moisture, you should place the dehumidifier in that place only for better and faster dehumidification. On that note, people often ask, “does a dehumidifier help dry towels in the bathroom?” If you’re one of them, then know that both have their functions.
In areas with persistent moisture buildup, a dehumidifier is ideal as it must run 24/7 to maintain air quality. In such a scenario, a bathroom exhaust fan won’t be suitable. But a dehumidifier tends to be expensive, and people with an exhaust fan don’t usually prefer a dehumidifier. So, in the end, it all depends on personal preference.
3. How?
Once you have decided on an ideal location for your dehumidifier, it’s finally time to make it work. For better performance and energy efficiency, it’s better to set the dehumidifier to a medium or high setting when someone has recently showered.
As the bathroom’s humidity levels are incredibly high after showering, a high or medium setting will soon suck off air moisture. Afterward, change it to a low setting again. Also, if the humidity problem isn’t persistent, running a dehumidifier for 20 minutes after showering is enough to remove moisture.
Where To Place Dehumidifier In Bathroom Final Remarks
Warm air after hot showers is a curse for our bathrooms as it increases the humidity level. Excess humidity causes a list of problems that need to be handled before it escalates further and destroys the wooden floor or tiles.
To tackle these problems, you should get a proper size dehumidifier so it can fit easily anywhere and perform efficiently. No matter what location you decide, always ensure it has an unobstructed airflow, and no objects are placed in its vicinity that block the vents of the dehumidifier.
That’s all about dehumidifier placement in the bathroom. Till then, keep enjoying relaxing showers without worrying about condensation!
Colored pencils are one of the easiest ways to get started with painting. But as you practice and learn to start getting better at it, you'll want to take it to the next level.
And if you want to make your paintings look more sophisticated and elegant, there's no better way than to start blending your colors and experimenting with different shades.
Unfortunately, learning how to blend is easy, to begin with, but is hard to master. It becomes even more problematic with color pencils.
How To Blend Colored Pencils
The Problem With Colored Pencils
If you're working with charcoal or soft pastels, it's pretty easy to get the colors to blend. A simple smudge with a figure is enough to get the ball rolling. The pigment material is powdery, thus it's very malleable and can easily be transferred across the page under or over different shades of colors.
Colored pencils, on the other hand, aren't that powdery and tend to stick to the materials on which they are applied. Thus, we can't just use our fingers or do simple overlapping to blend the colors. We'll have to use a few special tools instead, which are used for the explicit purpose of blending.
But before we teach you how to get started with blending, let's take a look at how the composition of your paints affects the blend-ability.
The Right Materials
First and foremost, you'll need to ensure you're using the right paper for your pencils. Paper made out of wood pulp are usually cheaper, but the fibers in it are really short and unwieldy.
They can quickly get distorted and break off under excess pressure or under the application of too much pigment. As always, it's best to get a high-quality paper, as it's just one less thing to worry about.
Just like the drawing paper, you will get different results with different brands of coloring pencils. The results will also vary depending on the color of the pencils.
Some pencils are a bit powdery and chalky and are therefore not that easy to smudge. Other ones, though have a wax base which makes the color much more malleable and easier to blend together.
When it comes to the color, darker colors might seem to blend more quickly, however, whereas some pigments will be drier or more granular. The most opaque ones work best.
Because blend-ability differs so much from brand to brand and also, within brands, it's hard to pinpoint which ones will work best and which ones won't. However, the techniques we'll tell you about below should suffice for pretty much everything out there.
Color Blending Techniques
Layering Colors
Although this method isn't as effective as the other ones on this list, this is still the most common and easiest way of blending colors - put one layer on top of another. By overlaying light layers of different colors, you can get an excellent gradation going as long as you are using high-quality pencils.
As every artist would know, the bottom layer should never be too heavy, and it should get heavier and heavier as you go from the bottom layers to the top. Also, remember to never use darker colors for the foundation layers. Once dark colors stick to the fivers, it becomes hard to blend. So, always start with your lightest colors.
Using Solvents
Solvents are liquids which melt the color binders in oil and wax-based color pencils. They can be used to remove pencil strokes, flatten the surface of your work, and they let you layer different colors more easily and quickly.
Solvents are to be used sparingly and are applied via paintbrush. They are usually mixed with a little bit of liquid. Here are the most common types of solvents.
Oil-based solvents
Turpenoid or turpentine alternatives are frequently used because they can dissolve the wax in the color pigments very easily. The dissolved pigment can then be worked into the tooth of the paper. Of all the solvents, turpentine makes for the strongest blend and works the best when it comes to eliminating the texture and tooth of the paper.
Just remember that these are toxic and you should practice with extreme care while handling these solvents. Make sure you store it in a sealed container, and you blot out excess solvent from your brush. Keep a few paper towels handy.
Alcohol Based Solvents
If you're looking for a less intense blend, apply rubbing alcohol, which is 70 percent or less in strength. Stronger blends will suck the color right out.
It might take some time, and the blend might not be as smooth as you want it, but there definitely is a lot less room for error while using alcohol-based solvents.
Baby oil
Baby oil is the choice of solvent for plenty of people and has always been a popular choice for blending colored pencils. Baby oil dissolves the binding of the pencils, which allows the pigment to be spread easily over the surface. It is safe, odorless, and can be easily applied with a soft brush.
Using Colorless Solvent Markers
These look like regular markers, but they have no color. You can use them to soften and then blend the paints, making for a watercolor-like effect. They are a lot like using solvents except that they are in the form of a marker.
These markers are usually alcohol based. The tip of the marker is laid out with alcohol, and when you move the tip over the colors, it dissolves the binding and lets you blend your colors. Because the application is so localized, you can have a much more seamless blend of all your different colors.
Using Colorless Blending Pencils
A colorless blender pencil is essentially another wax-based color pencil, however, it is devoid of any pigment. When you use this color pencil, you are putting on applications of wax over all your colors.
Once, there is enough wax on top of your colors, you can start to blend them. These blenders allow you to have more control over the specific areas which need blending. Since you can also sharpen a pencil, you have a lot more precision as well.
Burnishing or shining is a technique used for layering colored pencils, by using your pencils to apply very heavy pressure. Burnishing with a blending pencil lets you even out your colors and decrease excessive saturation, thereby making for a smoother painting. These blenders are particularly useful in mid-tones and highlights.
Using Tortillons Or Paper Smudging
Paper products and paper stumps like tortillons are used mostly in the domain of charcoal paintings, but they work to a fair extent on color pencils as well. And the best part is you don't need to buy any tools separately.
A piece of tissue paper, or paper towel or any paper with a slight amount of grain in its texture will work. You can even use a cotton swab - it doesn't need to be fancy at all.
If you want a bit more precision though, our suggestion would be to use a tortillon (blending stump). They will let you fine-tune your blending and will be a valuable addition to your painting arsenal.
These techniques are most effective when you're blending a very heavy layer of color. Burnishing or putting in as much color as you can will maximize its effect. Just make sure your paper is sturdy enough to hold that much pigment.
A Few Essential Tips
Now that you've got the basic hang of what tools you need and how to start blending your colors, here are a few more suggestions to keep in mind.
- As we already mentioned above, you need to blend colors from light in the bottom layers to darker up top.
-When using a solvent, make sure it dries before you start painting on it again.
- While burnishing, build up the pressure gradually. If the surface of the paper has become too dark, let it dry out for a bit.
- Draw on smooth paper. If the texture is more grainy, it helps in color absorption, but it will be harder to fill in gaps and also smoothen out the different shades.
Final Words
Well, that wraps it up from us today. Remember that different methods affect your painting differently. Hence, it's worth experimenting a bit to figure out which ones are most suited for your particular piece.
Now water could be still or have ripples and waves. You might want to draw a bubbling stream, a ferocious ocean, or a quiet pond by a hut. These paintings will have mixed shades and a horizon on top. Again, others prefer abstract art and want to paint water from up close.
To make it easier for you, we have prepared this guide on how to paint water with watercolor, which will help you understand how to make ripples and waves while dealing with water. Sometimes, paper can make a huge difference, just like painting on yupo paper compared with traditional papers, never the influence of good supplies in the final painting. Also, we will be talking about the different types of reflections and how they are to be painted.
So, without further ado, get your watercolor kits and draw some water, this will be a beginner guide on how to paint with watercolors.
How To Paint Water With Watercolor
Painting ripples is an important criterion while painting water, and in this guide, we will be teaching you the process. Here, you can learn how to paint water at a distance and up close. We believe that no image reference will be needed as the watercolor painting technique for water is not very complicated.
Nonetheless, water can be hard to render by brush, and it is best to know the basic principles while painting it. So, before we begin, let us tell you about the materials needed for the job.
Materials Used
You will require 300 GSM watercolor paper so that it does not tear. Plus, you can take a set of watercolor brushes, a painting palette, a ruler, and masking tape. The colors can be of your choice, and the masking tape will keep the paper in place while you work on it.
In a nutshell, the materials needed are:
Painting set
Paintbrushes
300 GSM or thicker paper
Ruler
Scotch tape
Now, before you proceed, we will ask you to settle in a quiet space with a minimum level of distractions. This will help you relax, which should make it easier to follow the tutorial.
Once you have found a quiet space, please take two cups and fill them with clean water. We suggest two cups so that you can rinse the brushes keeping in mind the various tones that you may need to achieve.
You will also need to attach the paper in place with the help of scotch tape. Just tape the paper to the surface below, and you will be ready to begin.
What Is The Color Of Water?
We all know that water has no color, but most paintings will have water painted in blue. So, before we move on, you should know that the color of water depends on the color of the sky and the surroundings that reflect on the water. If the sky is blue, then the water will be blue, but many advanced painters make the water red, green, and other shades.
While there is no barrier to exploration, we will be explaining the painting process with the color blue. However, you are free to choose any shade you like and then continue with the same process.
The Painting Process
Painting water does not need to be a complicated process if you master the strokes well. It is basically about learning how to move your wrist in the correct way so as to achieve the right strokes. A professional watercolor artist should be able to slightly flick the wrist to make the right horizontal strokes. The way you apply the strokes will determine if the water is far away or nearby.
So, first, we will discuss the process of using watercolor paints to paint water that is far away and then move on to painting water that is close by.
Painting Water At A Distance
You will find it very interesting to learn about how to paint water at a distance. Usually, the water will fade into the horizon, and you will have to distinguish between them. The process involves a few abstract lines and strokes that need to be contextualized in the painting.
Before we begin, let us tell you that the process has been divided into steps to make it easier to understand.
1. Wetting The Paper
You will need blue-tinted water to wet the entire page in the beginning. To get it, dip the brush in blue paint and then put the brush in one of the water cups. It will create a light blue tint, which is perfect for use.
Take the brush and wet the entire page with it evenly. There should be a thin water layer covering the whole page from one corner to another. The water has to be evenly distributed so that the color that is going to be applied on top spreads well.
2. Making Light Strokes
First, we will paint the lighter tones of the water. To do this, you will need to dip the brush in blue color and then rinse it gently so that some of the paint stays on the brush. Then use it to create light marks and paint strokes from left to right. Begin from the bottom of the page and only paint till half the page as you would want to paint the horizon from there.
Now you will need to slightly shake the brush while making the strokes so as to achieve the right effect. Also, keep lifting the brush as you finish making one stroke and then continue accordingly. You will notice that the watercolor is fading as you go upwards. That is exactly how we want it to be.
A word of advice here: do not use a very dark shade of blue or too much color while making the layers. Rinse the brush before applying so that the color fades out to some extent.
The colors will also fade a little more as they dry. Do not panic at all, as that is exactly how it is supposed to work. We will be adding darker shades on top of this to bring out the water texture.
3. Making The Horizon
After the initial layer of watercolor has dried completely, you can move on to defining the horizon. To do this, apply a faded blue stroke along the middle of the page where the last water strokes are visible. Ensure that the color is faded out so that you can get the right texture.
Next, use the same washed blue color to make strokes all throughout the upper half of the page. This is basically the background for the sky, and it needs to be painted in a smooth manner. The seamless gradient will give you a faded look that is needed here.
4. Bringing Out The Ripples
After you let the paint dry completely, there should not be any specific marks that make the horizon visible. The blue should seamlessly fade in, giving you a uniform look. Here, it’s alright if there are some discrepancies. Painting water in the right way takes time and practice to perfect, and you can keep working on it till you’re satisfied with the results.
Moving on, you will need a medium-round brush to paint the darker ripples. However, we will begin with a small and thin pointed brush. This will help in painting small ripples at a distance.
You will have to make side strokes from left to right, which do not have to be smooth. Distort the lines slightly, or try painting distorted horizontal shapes by shaking your wrist while painting.
5. Using Darker Shades
Once the paint is completely dry, you can proceed to make darker ripples using a dark blue shade. To do this, a small brush is required along with dark blue watercolor. You will have to make horizontal strokes with it and move from the bottom of the page to the top.
Here, it is essential to use the darker shades sparingly so that it does not cover the mid-tones. The aim is to create depth by using multiple shades of blue. So, to keep the tonal variations in place, paint with caution and ensure you are scattering the marks more towards the bottom of the page. Then let the color fade as you go upwards to the middle of the page.
Also, while painting, try to make all the strokes in one direction so as to show the flow of water towards one side. For example, you can make the water flow towards the left by painting strokes horizontally from right to left.
Then you can try light stippling as you reach the center of the page near the horizon line. Here, create small stippling marks to make the distance more visible. They do not need to be very detailed and can be small.
Painting Water That Is Near
1. Apply Water To The Sheet
To begin with, spread a thin water layer on the page evenly. It should be distributed all over the page so that the paint spreads well over the surface. Unlike the previous process, here you do not need to add color right in the beginning.
2. Making The Initial Strokes
After the page is wet, you will need to wet the brushes and dip them in blue paint. We need light-colored strokes in the beginning, and it is best to rinse the paintbrush slightly in the water again after the initial wash.
Then start making strokes on the paper from one side to another. Keep lifting the brush after a few strokes so that white spaces remain on the paper. Also, ensure that you leave white spaces in the middle of the page.
While working, remember to squiggle the brush so that you can achieve uneven strokes. Once they are made, let the paper dry completely.
3. Creating Darker Ripples
You will need to make darker shaded ripples on top of the lighter tones. So you can dab the brush in black and then blue to darken the blue shade. Then make jagged strokes from the left to right side of the page. Begin from the bottom and then slowly move upwards.
As you make the strokes, leave spaces in between so that the bottom layer is visible. You can move your strokes in one direction to show the direction of water flow.
Also, as you move upwards, the strokes should be kept thick. You can let them fade as you go upwards. Then go for a slightly lighter blue shade as you move above the middle of the page. There is no horizon here as you are painting water from up close.
4. Adding The Final Ripples
Now mix blue with a dot of black paint, and then use your brush to create darker strokes. These have to be applied very sparingly and have to be concentrated near the bottom of the page. You can then move upwards and from left to right. Also, make sure that the strokes are jagged so as to imitate the reflections on the water.
As you move towards the top of the page, the strokes can be made in a linear manner. You can also fade out the paint as you move toward the top. This will allow you to make the clear water smoother.
After you have covered the entire paper, let the paint dry and fade out. You should be able to see more detail towards the bottom of the page. Then the watercolor should slowly fade out as you move toward the top.
Painting A Rough Sea
Now that you already know how to create waves with strokes, you will just have to leave larger white gaps for painting waves on a rough sea. Large white gaps give the indication of waves breaking quickly.
Also, if you wish to create the image of waves, then it is best to leave white gaps on rocks. That would show the waves splashing against the rocks.
Painting Reflections
Water painting means including reflections of objects around the water body. If there are houses, then you can see their reflection in the water. If the water is still, then you will have to paint the houses, boats, or greenery visible on the sides of the water. However, this is applicable for close-up views.
If the objects or the water bodies are at a distance, then you can see a dark shadow below. In this case, you will not have to dive into details. Just make the shadow darker, and that should do the trick. Also, remember to distort the shape as the reflection will not be like the exact object on top.
Another kind of reflection to know about is on the wet sand. Watercolor paintings with wet sand can act as a mirror, and you might have to paint a shadow of the person or object on the sand. However, when capturing a scene from a distance, there is no need to keep this in mind. Just make a darker shadow in the opposite direction of the light source.
Further, before you paint reflections, remember that the color of the water needs to be taken into consideration, and a darker shade needs to be used. For example, if you are using olive and brown tinges in the water, then use a darker shade of the two colors to show the reflection of the object.
Things To Note
With the above-mentioned watercolor painting techniques, you should be able to use watercolor paint easily. Just remember to use the water in watercolor sparingly so that you do not end up spreading the colors too much.
Adding to the great tips, we will recommend keeping two cups of water along with the dry brush set. You can rinse the brushes in one and use the second one to clean better. The two jars will have different tones, which can help in painting the first layers.
Moreover, remember to always frame the painting by leaving a white border on the sides. This can be done with the help of scotch tape. The tape will also keep the paper in place so that you can work without any inhibitions.
And if you are feeling experimental and want to try out other shades, begin with blue, olive, and turquoise. This will give a muddy look, and you can also indicate vegetation below the water. Many artists use these colors for pond water, rivers in villages, and hillside water bodies.
Paint Water With Watercolor Final Words
Artists make a number of attempts to master their work, and it is only natural for you to take time. So, please do not get disheartened in case you are unable to achieve the right strokes in one go. Just keep practicing the watercolor techniques that you have learned here, and you’ll get better.
With this, we have reached the end of this guide, and it is time to wrap up. Do let us know about any further issues that you may have.
Take care and keep painting!
Whether you are attempting to engage a classroom or using it for personal study, a whiteboard comes in handy for daily drawings.
If you are in charge of making daily announcements, scheduling class or club meetings, and also happen to love drawing, the whiteboard is the perfect tool. Get creative with your drawings and turn them into a fun regular project that you and everyone else can enjoy.
However, if ideas aren't exactly rushing to you at this moment, don't fret because we have plenty of awesome ideas that you can try out for 49 days straight! Take a peek at some of our favorite things to draw on a whiteboard…
Things To Draw On A Whiteboard
Dragon With Horns
Let your creativity loose with a drawing of a striking dragon right from the depth of your nightmares. This drawing is perfect for when you're practicing character sketches and experimenting with new lines. The option to add colors or small details like green eyes and scaly skin is entirely up to you.
Besides, a sketch like this one gives you the opportunity to bring to life a character that was so far only looming in your imagination!
The next whiteboard drawing idea is an invitation to a kids' haunted house event. And we must say, the illustration is perfect for the theme in question. Halloween marks the return of creepy monsters, and no other creature is as famous as Frankenstein's monster. Besides, this close-up version is easy to draw.
Alternatively, you can try drawing werewolves, vampires, witches with pointy hats, mummies, or even goblins for a spooky October season!
One adorable drawing you can try on your whiteboard is Totoro with a pink umbrella. This is a depiction of Totoro after Satsuki offers him the umbrella, but you could easily draw him with a tiny leaf on his head.
The good thing about this particular depiction is the use of simple lines and curves and a few color variations in some places. But, overall, drawing this one should be easy for beginners.
Mickey Mouse is a Disney character many children grew up watching and loving. His iconic ears, which were also used as a motif on the Disney channel logo, are distinctive and relatively uncomplicated to draw. Thus, copying this image onto a whiteboard should be the easiest thing to do with just one black marker.
And it won't take much time too since the lines are simple and there are very few details.
Hungry Dinosaur
Let's move on to drawing something horrifying and cute at the same time.
Who doesn't love dinosaurs? They are great fun to draw and do not require much skill either. Especially one in a funny cartoon format that would be sure to grab everyone's attention.
Usually, people draw the entire dinosaur body, with long tails included. However, if you want to make things more interesting, try making a dinosaur trying to eat another one!
Godzilla
There is no doubt that cartoon characters you have grown up with are the most fun to draw. One such famous monster we love is Godzilla. Try to recreate him destroying half the city while unaffected by any attempts to stop him.
Of course, you can draw him to be as ferocious in the movies, but you can also add a playful touch by transforming him into a cute character!
Cute Cats
Cats are not known as meme creatures for no reason; they can arrange themselves into various shapes that give you so much to draw. Due to their fluid body movements, they can stretch out like a mat, curve into a fluffy ball, and arch their backs to appear taller. And we haven't even mentioned their facial expressions yet!
However, if drawing cats in their actual silly form is too challenging for you, try going for something like this.
Lilo and Stitch make a great duo, and they can be pretty fun to draw too. You can sketch a scene of their adventures together or a heartfelt interaction of the two like in this interpretation. Drawing Lilo is straightforward; you just need to copy her red dress with white leaves and her long black hair.
Stitch, the alien, can be more challenging to draw because of his exaggerated features.
Remember the time when a grumpy cat became a meme? Yea, this cat continues to hold the internet's unofficial title of the world's grumpiest looking cat. And, of course, with the internet, everything has to become a meme.
Drawing this grumpy cat with a "No" signboard on your classroom whiteboard is a humorous way to reject students' bathroom breaks. It gets the point across, and everyone can have a laugh over it too.
Doctor Who
"Wibbly wobbly, timey wimey… stuff," says Dr. Who when asked to explain the meaning of time. Applause for that because we could not have explained it any better. Drawing Dr. Who with the Daleks makes for a fun idea for updating a daily whiteboard.
Plus, drawing Dr. Who will not take much time if you select a simple version. For example, in this drawing, the characters are used to add interest to the weekly Friday monologue or recitation class.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
If you are going to draw something new every day, might as well draw your favorite childhood cartoon characters, right? The teenage mutant ninja turtles are a fun bunch of superheroes that make for cool drawings. Select a group pose with all weapons visible, and the end result will surely look amazing.
Try adding a bit of their personality, like Michelangelo being the clown that he is!
Marvel And DC Unite
You might never actually see Marvel and DC characters in each other's universes, but that shouldn't stop you from drawing them as a team on a whiteboard. Select your classic favorites from each universe and combine them to see the team you come up with.
For example, this drawing has The Hulk and Iron Man from Marvel, with Wolverine from another Marvel universe. To add to the mix, we have the Dark Knight himself, i.e., Batman from DC comics.
Grinch From How The Grinch Stole Christmas
While the rest of us may love Christmas, Dr. Seuss' character, Grinch, seems to hate it! If the winter holidays are just around the corner, you can use this character creatively in your classrooms. The green, diamond-shaped face with a grin is all you need to recreate him.
In this example, the Grinch tells students to stay put, not pout and not take unnecessary bathroom breaks since the semester tests are about to begin.
Futurama
While there are plenty of relatable comic characters and cartoons you can draw on whiteboards, the ones from Futrama are the easiest to recreate. Try using the main characters Fry, Leela, and the robot Bender with the Professor in a captivating drawing about your event.
In this example, the creator has focused on getting the shapes right for each character and used minimum color.
Peanuts
Peanuts are for everyone since anyone can enjoy cute and witty comic strips no matter the age. However, you can personalize the characters to your theme by adding extra elements. In this example, Charlie Brown is shown getting scared of a spooky pumpkin head man.
Along the same vein, it's possible to inject objects and even characters from different comics for the drawing to stand out.
Riley And Robert Freeman From The Boondocks
The comic, The Boondocks, could be the inspiration for your next drawing on the whiteboard. And, there are many exciting scenes you can use to express the thought of the day with students or classmates. To get the appearance right, you need to pay close attention to their clothing and hairstyle.
Of course, Riley's eyebrows are a distinct feature on his face, so make sure you don't miss that. To complete the picture, you can even add Riley's older brother, Huey Freeman, to your drawing.
Ed, Edd And Eddy
Drawing this silly trio can give you many opportunities for adding fun to the class. This Cartoon Network show features three characters, each more ridiculous than the other, and their failing schemes and misadventures. Since it's their favorite snack, you could also draw a jawbreaker.
Here, we have Ed, Edd, and Eddy looking at Jonny's imaginary friend Plank holding a signboard in this drawing.
Nightmare Before Christmas
If you are assigned with whiteboard drawing duty before the Christmas holiday, what would you draw? We know that we'd draw a version of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. Not only are the original drawings a work of art, but any recreation close to it is bound to mesmerize audiences.
There are numerous themes to be drawn from this fantasy movie, but the easiest one is drawing Jack Skellington with his hollow eyes and pointy collars.
Avatar- The Last Airbender
Speaking of fantastical, legendary stories with a heroic lead character, the young Avatar Aang is one that comes to mind. As the only survivor of the Air Nomad's nation (the Last Airbender), he has been given many challenges in his journey.
As such, drawing his adventurous on your whiteboard gives a lot to work with. You can also show Katara the Waterbender alongside other main characters, Sokka and Zuko.
Dragon Ball Z
Goku is not one to back down from a fight against injustice and to protect his loved ones. This gives his character various fight scenes with the addition of his ability to fight in Super Saiyan mode. That means you have plenty of ways in which you can draw the main character of Dragon Ball Z.
Additionally, you can draw the majestic Shenron or Dragon God or some of Goku's friends, Bulma or Master Roshi.
Winnie The Pooh
For those of you who love cute cartoons, it is impossible to miss out on Winnie the Pooh or Pooh Bear. Although he is naive and slow to understand a few things, he is an incredible friend to Christopher Robin and Piglet.
In this drawing, we see Pooh with Tigger, his troublemaker of a friend who loves to jump on others!
Elsa And Olaf From Frozen
One of the more popular Disney princess movies of recent times is Frozen, featuring the princess sisters Elsa and Anna. Heiress to the throne of Arendelle and controller of snow and ice alike, Elsa makes for the perfect winter princess for your drawings.
To complete the picture, try adding her sweet and loyal sister Anna with the loveable snowman Olaf that Elsa created with her powers.
Looney Tunes
Take a trip back to memory lane, and you will find that Looney Tunes have been a regular part of your childhood. With its loveable characters and unforgettable music, this cartoon is perfect for recreating on a whiteboard.
Whether it's the cool Bugs Bunny, irritable Daffy Duck, or Porky Pig stuttering "That's all folks!" all of these will make captivating and nostalgic drawings.
Powerpuff Girls And Mojo Jojo
When Professor Utonium tried to create the perfect little girl by adding sugar, spice, and everything nice, he accidentally added Chemical X.
Now, the three have individual personalities and dedicated colors that make them fun to draw. With oval faces, large eyes, and stubby arms and legs with no noses, drawing them is super simple.
Ghostbusters
The Ghostbusters, or The Real Ghostbusters (as they were called in the TV series), is a group of famous paranormal investigators. Adapted from the comics, the group of four, with the assistance of Janine Melnitz and Slimer, run a supernatural ghost hunting business.
Their travels and spooky adventure make for awesome drawings, and you will surely have fun drawing your own version of Slimer. Check how this drawing shows each character in their element.
Grumpy Cat
A little bit of humor in class, clubs, or group meetings never hurts. And, if you have been given the task of making a creative drawing for each session, you cannot go wrong with sketching a grumpy cat.
In this example, the grumpy cat is unamused by the class they are about to attend.
Joker And Harley Quinn
Who said that you could only draw superheroes on your whiteboard? Villains make for compelling drawings, and the crazy combination of Joker and Harley Quinn from DC comics is a truly cool way to draw attention to your message.
The best part about this couple is the many versions and costumes they have. You can choose your favorite version for showcasing this dysfunctional couple.
Homer Simpson With A Donut
Speaking of crazy characters, Homer Simpson is another kind of whimsical cartoon who loves to eat donuts. In fact, it's a trademark of his character that he cannot live without donuts. And, you can draw this quirk in your own way for the whiteboard.
With this example, The O in Monologue is a donut Homer could not resist eating.
Tom And Jerry
The age-old story of a cat chasing a mouse is portrayed in the cartoon show Tom and Jerry. Even though this duo could never get along, their chase and tricks against each other are what made this show awesome for kids.
When it comes to drawing these cartoons, you may have to pay attention to the limb movements because these two are constantly in action. Tom chasing and Jerry outsmarting him makes up most of the action in this much-loved cartoon.
Minions
They're tiny, they're adorable, and they're yellow! We're talking about minions, of course. They mostly look the same, but you can distinguish them based on their eye gear, height, and hair. Drawing them in a straight line over the text is an excellent way to add cuteness to your overall theme.
With a simple color scheme of yellow and blue, you can recreate these potato-shaped minions in no time.
Adventure Time
The fantasy animated show Adventure Time features Finn the human and his best friend Jake the dog. We had fun following them on their missions in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo with other friends, but drawing them is just as fun.
Actually, the drawing style is pretty straightforward, although Jake may look strange with his pupil-less eyes. You can also add instructions to the bottom of the whiteboard with Finn and Jake reacting to it.
Beavis And Butt-Head
Next, we have the two main characters called Beavis and Butt-head from the show of the same name. The story of this animated comedy show for adults revolves around two silly teenagers who are immature, lovers of heavy metal, and fail to attract women.
The dialogue Beavis utters, "Are you threatening me?" is used in a creative way for the whiteboard. You can do the same with this quote for your project.
Jessica Rabbit
From the novel "Who Censored Roger Rabbit?" we know of this character Jessica Rabbit. Probably one of the most sensual characters in animation, she's also widely recognized as Roger's wife.
When drawing her, you need to note a few things. She is known to appear from head to toe in red, with even her hair and heels in the same hue. The gloves complete the look, and you can add exaggerated eye makeup to match the original character.
Ryuk From Death Note
For anime fans, we think you should draw the iconic and scary character Shinigami Ryuk. His devilish face and strange body shape make him a unique character to draw, and you can have Light Yagami stand next to him too.
Moreover, adding the Death Note in either of their hands will add a nice touch to the drawing.
Scooby-Doo With Johnny Bravo
Scooby-Doo! Where are you? He's right next to Johnny, bravo in this drawing. You, too, can use your imagination to put together two cartoons from different universes next to each other. The same way we put Marvel and DC heroes in the same team.
What's next, Courage the Cowardly Dog in Dexter's Laboratory? We leave that up to you.
The Legend Of Zelda
Next up, we have splendid ideas for drawing characters from Legend of Zelda. This popular video game series has been an inspiration for many, and it can be your drawing inspiration too. Make your version of Link with his green outfit and sword out on a mission to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule.
You can experiment with other characters and create a scarier version of the massive monster Ganon.
Pinky And The Brain
Yet, another kid's cartoon show you can use is Pinky and the Brain for your whiteboard drawings. These genetically enhanced mice are always trying to take over the world (mostly Brain and ideas), but they end up failing because of Brain's impossible schemes.
Drawing them requires a keen eye to get all their features right, but once you get it, it's a pretty good idea for a whiteboard.
Regular Show
Regular Show follows the lives of Mordecai the blue jay and Rigby the raccoon. Whenever they try to solve a problem, the efforts always backfire, which is what makes for many funny scenes. Select any of these scenes or just the two hanging around to make an interesting drawing of the day.
Invader Zim
While Invader Zim is an alien on a mission to rule the Earth, GIR is his malfunctioning robot disguised as a green dog. Both these cartoons make for interesting drawings, and their art style was also critically acclaimed when it came out.
So, try your hand at one of the characters from this animated TV series.
Spongebob Squarepants
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Well, Spongebob Squarepants, of course. Yes, he is a bit dim-witted, but he is the most excited sponge you will ever meet in your life. Drawing him is a piece of cake since he has square edges, and the same goes for his buddy Patrick Star who, as his name suggests, is a starfish.
Monsters Inc
Have you ever heard of monsters having jobs? Yes, James Sullivan and Mike Wazaoski are best friends and professional monsters tasked with the work of scaring children. They probably do an excellent job of it, but they are pretty friendly to fellow monsters, so we get to see two sides of these characters.
Try drawing these two buddies or any other monsters since they all have interesting shapes to them.
The Ren And Stimpy Show
The cat and dog duo of Ren and Stimpy is another cartoon you can recreate for daily drawings on the whiteboard. While Stimpy the cat is good-natured but dimwitted, Ren the Chihuahua is short-tempered and somewhat psychotic.
The contrast in their emotional state is something you can show in the drawings.
Phineas And Ferb
Phineas and his stepbrother Ferb are always finding a new adventure during their summer vacation. Their out-of-control projects, methods to entertain themselves, and other shenanigans are looked down upon by their sister Candace.
Another mysterious character you should draw is Perry the Platypus, who is an undercover spy.
If you are looking for something cool to draw, look no further than DLC characters from Killing Floor. Adam Butler, or Steampunk Firebug, is characterized by his protective gear of a gas mask since he is a pyromaniac on the streets of London.
You can be sure to find fire wherever he goes, which, combined with his cool suit and weapons, are fun for drawing.
Rowing A Boat
Sometimes, you just want to draw something calming and laid back. While there are a plethora of sceneries that you can draw, this sketch of two men on a boat is quick and requires only black markers. You can add or remove certain details based on your preference.
Nightmare Before Christmas Countdown
As a reminder for a Halloween party or any spooky event, you can use this complex design that includes all characters from Nightmare Before Christmas. You can artistically incorporate the members around a circular calendar marking a countdown.
In this example, they have also mentioned the days remaining till Halloween.
Girl Looking Over Shoulder
Drawing human faces will always come in handy, so start practicing this on your whiteboard. For drawing someone looking beyond their shoulders, you need a keen sense of direction and depth. If this is not the case, the face may look asymmetrical, and the direction of the gaze may not be clear.
Either way, using a fine marker should be good enough to reproduce this face and expression.
War Machine
If you like cool superheroes, here's another one for you- War Machine. As you may already know, James Rhodes is close friends with Tony Stark in the Marvel Universe, and he also has a weaponized exosuit. The way his suit makes Tony Ironman when Rhodes dons the suit, he calls himself war machine.
Try this superb illustration the next time you go to the whiteboard.
Mandala Design
The word "Mandala" is said to be a circular figure representing the universe in some Indian cultures. Originating from a Sanskrit word, the Mandala has recently gained popularity as a form of relaxation and self-expression for all age groups.
Since it is intricate with a larger focus on accurate circles and lines, it can take some time to draw. But, it is also one of the easiest things you can draw as a beginner.
A whole lot of ideas for you to pick and choose from and recreate. We hope this guide gives you plenty of creative ideas to draw the next time you take up the task of handling the whiteboard.
Also, it does not have to be a presentation for anyone; you can simply practice drawing on the whiteboard with your favorite characters. Most of these ideas are easy enough for beginners, so go ahead, grab that marker and start drawing!
Working with watery acrylic colors can leave you frustrated most of the time.
Painting with extreme care to not create smudges and to master those edges is quite overwhelming and time-taking. That is why artists need to thicken their paints.
By itself, acrylic paint is like peanut butter without jelly; it tastes good but it’s so much better with the jelly.
The point is, acrylic paints can, no doubt, deliver great results. But when you add a medium, it not only allows you to thicken the paint, but you can also modify the texture - making it look more realistic, adjust the glow, and other augmentations.
Today we’re going to talk about thickening acrylic paints for easy molding and enhanced effects. We’re gonna give you a step-by-step guide on how to thicken acrylic paint correctly so you get utmost satisfaction with your work.
Without further delay, let's begin with the guide right away!
How to Thicken Acrylic Paint
What do you need?
What you will require to make your acrylic paints thicker is a medium, of course. Water can be used if required. Extra components will be required if you plan to create textured paintings (we will discuss about them below). And that’s it! It is that simple.
Generally, mediums should be in the following forms: gel or paste.
A medium can either be home-made or available in local art stores/online. Either way, we shall see which one meets your requirements.
Homemade Acrylic Paint Medium
A home-made medium is relatively much cheaper. This method is highly preferable if you’re a beginner and just want to see how thickened paints are like.
Yes, homemade mediums are easier and quicker to get, especially when the ingredients are those which you use every day in your home.
However, everything has its limitations. And, if you wish to create a piece that will last, this method is not advisable. This is because cornstarch (which is edible) can slowly decay, and that is not good for the painting’s shelf-life.
Moreover, if you have to add water to the mixture, it will turn into a crumbly paste with tiny lumps which will give you a tough time sliding brush strokes. Some places might get uneven distribution of colors.
However, if you wish to give this method a try, check out how to do it!
How to make a DIY acrylic paint thickening medium?
With Cornstarch
This is the most common technique to create home-made mediums. Not a lot of effort is required to make your own medium. All you need is cornstarch and water.
Start by creating a paste. For that, you need to mix 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. When you’re done with the concoction, move on to boiling it on low heat.
Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick enough to form a paste. When that is also done, wait for it to cool down and that’s it! Your home-made acrylic paint thickener is ready to use!
Tip:When mixing the paste with paint, make sure you add the paste little-by-little until you get the right consistency for the paint.
With Joint Compound or Talcum Powder
Other home-made options you can try are joint compound and talcum powder.
A joint compound is a material used to seal and fill joints. It is mostly used in hardware stores. This is also another affordable way to thicken acrylic paints. Although longevity is not ensured, it produces a great finish and it dries off very quickly.
All you need to do is thoroughly mix a little amount of the joint compound with the paint and watch for the desired consistency. It easily blends in with acrylic paints.
With talcum powder, you can do the same. Just add water to create a paste and when the thickness is right, you have to mix it with the acrylic paint.
As always, keep a check on the consistency of the mixture so that there will be no mess up after, and you’ll achieve the results you’re looking for.
The finishing you get from talcum powder is somehow semi-matte because the powder will slightly dim the luminosity of the paint. The results you get from talcum powder can also be a little bit crumbly.
Ready-made Acrylic Paint Thickening Medium
A ready-made medium, on the other hand, is specifically made to serve the purpose of thickening acrylic paints.
It is comparably pricier than homemade mediums but the quality of both the paints and paintings is outstanding.
Unlike homemade pastes, ready-made mediums are easy to use. The level of smoothness you achieve in the end is exceptional.
If you have to add water to the solution, it will not result in crumbly lumps. You can keep the mixture in an airtight container for quite a while and you’ll get the same results when you continue the work. Moreover, there is no struggle with brush strokes like you get with powdery homemade mediums.
If we are going to talk about aging, ready-made mediums can really do magic to your paintings. Of course, all artists want their paintings to last and age well. Not to be biased but ready-made mediums do more justice to that than homemade mediums can ever will since, as we mentioned, they are made for this purpose.
Ready-made acrylic paint mediums are available in regular forms - Modeling Paste and Gel.
Paste Acrylic Paint Mediums
One way you can opt to thicken paint is by using a modeling paste. Modeling pastes are available online or at any local art store.
What you need to know if you’re just starting off, is that pastes can either be white or contain a substance that enhances/brightens the colors. The white-colored medium does not lighten the original color; it will dry off while providing the expected color.
What modeling pastes give you are realistic or 3D effects by mixing only a little amount of it with the acrylic colors.
However, modeling pastes come in white unblendable color. This can change and lighten the original color you want to see. It can also be a little difficult to concoct if there is no putty knife.
Apart from that, a modeling paste allows you to have power over the outcome of the painting. When it has dried off, you can mold it, shape it, craft it, and paint on it whichever way you want.
The paste acrylic paint medium enhances the beauty of the painting - be it in luster, matte, or watercolor effects.
However, what you can do to get textured effects with paste thickeners is to try mixing it with stucco, sand and even sawdust (it works great for me, personally). But it also depends on which type of surface you paint it on.
You can paint on something smooth like a board or a canvas and you will get great results. Keep in mind that the consistency of the mixture also has a great impact on your painting.
For surfaces that are already textured, you won’t need a lot of additional elements, especially when you get the right textured surface.
Gel Acrylic Paint Mediums
Gel thickeners come in a wine-red color. That does not affect the original color of the paint, however. These are the most simple-to-use and time-saving mediums you can get. Gel mediums also help with rendering transparency effects without reducing the quality of the paints. Besides transparency, there are other abilities by gel mediums that we will discuss in the following.
Gel thickeners offer painters with a range of choices but the most popular ones are Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Matte, and Textured. We shall briefly explore what purpose each type of gel serves.
Gloss Gel. Gloss gel thickeners add more vibrancy to the acrylic colors. It produces highlighted features with light strokes of a brush, making the colors a bit more see-through.
Semi-Gloss Gel. To achieve a semi-gloss finishing thickener, you will need to mix gloss gel and matte gel together. What it does is remove the excess gloss and matte effects, leaving your colors more balanced with a semi-matte/semi-gloss effect.
Matte Gel. Matte gel thickeners will convert the glaring effect that acrylic paints produce and give the painting a much smoother surface and a non-glare appearance.
Textured Gel. Textured gel is quite different from the rest. It has its own characteristic where it acts like refined sand and ceramic to produce textured effects in your paintings. You can also try mixing ground elements for testing different other textures. It is water-based and that makes painting tools easy to clean up afterward. The best thing about a textured gel medium is that it lets you shape the texture when it’s drying up.
How to use gel medium?
For using gel thickeners, you will need to mix a little amount of the gel with paint.
To achieve a smooth concoction, make sure you mix it thoroughly while constantly adding a little-by-little amount of the gel into the paint. If you feel that the combination’s thickness is right, you can stop adding the medium.
How to use textured gels?
Using textured gels is no less different from using other gel mediums. You have to add a small quantity of the gel to your paint and stop till you have reached the right thickness.
The only difference is that when you want to create other different textures for the painting, you can use more additional compounds.
Just make sure that the amount of compound you mix does not impact the brush strokes too much. Other than that, it’s ideal for creating beautiful, unique textures.
Why Should Artists Use Acrylic Paint Mediums?
Sometimes, paintings do not turn out as expected because of the color’s consistency.
Acrylic paint alone is too runny for steady work. It can get really stressing when you have to adjust every stroke. However, when you mix it with a medium, it unveils the original idea and the essence of the painting.
They also dry pretty quick; leaving no chance for the artist to easily blend other colors. But with a medium, it provides the painting with the ability to dry slowly and properly.
If you compare a painting that allows the artist to spend more time on colors, you will see that it is much more detailed than that which dries off faster. Because with the latter, you have to rush your blending before it completely dries off.
In other words, you have complete control over the outcome of the painting to match your desires. You can produce a tonne of effects using a medium.
These are a few reasons why the medium is a need for all creative artists.
Thickening mediums acrylic can help you achieve different types of finishing - be it matte, gloss, semi-matte, patterns and textures, and more. Most seasoned artists prefer to work with different mediums for different paintings to make each painting unique.
There will be times when you wish to create effects such as impasto and high textures. Gel mediums are a must when it comes to creating these. For instance, the impasto effect is not possible to achieve with acrylic paint alone. But when you add a thickener, the surface holds the paint better. Hence, creating the desired effect.
Something to keep in mind
Homemade mediums are, obviously, much cheaper and faster to get. They are also great for temporary paintings or drawings that serve temporary events and occasions.
Since they are inventive mediums, they can be used with any type of paint. There is no specification, whatsoever. Homemade mediums are mostly ideal for beginners and experimenters.
But if you’re planning to buy a medium, make sure you read the labels before buying and check if it is meant for acrylic paints or other types of paints. There are different mediums meant for different paints. This way, you can be sure your painting will be a masterpiece!
Last words
So we have come to the end of this article. We hope our article has helped you gain much more insights on how to thicken acrylic paints and which option suits your needs better.
BTU is a unit of heat commonly used in the US and UK to measure the cooling capacity of ACs. The rest of the world prefers using kW for the same, which is a unit of power by definition. Converting BTU to kW with the calculator provided here can help determine the different energy specifications of an AC.
Convert BTU To kW Calculator
When it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, an air conditioner machine is the best means to control indoor air quality.
On that note, the heating and cooling capacity of such air conditioners is measured in units like BTU or kilowatts. Sometimes they are used interchangeably, which can become problematic for regular people to understand.
That is why I have included a handy BTU to kW calculator in this brief guide for your convenience. If you are curious about how these two units are related and what they imply, then keep reading!
What Do BTU And kW Mean?
Simply put, both of these units are used to measure the air conditioner capacity, as I have already mentioned before. To explain it a bit more technically, I’ll need to delve into the basic science of heating and cooling systems.
BTU stands for British thermal units, and it is used for the measurement of heat. By definition, it is the quantity of heat energy necessary to increase the temperature of a pound (mass) of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is mostly used as a basic unit of measurement in the United States and the United Kingdom.
On the other hand, a kilowatt is a unit of power (physics), and it is used to measure the amount of energy consumed by an appliance in a given time. In the case of HVAC systems, the kilowatt can be used to indirectly measure the amount of heat given out by the machine.
Do not be confused by these two statements, for they both imply the same thing. The higher the energy consumption of an appliance, the more heat it will generate, and vice versa.
Kilowatt is the more widely used unit in other parts of Europe and the rest of the world. Here, I should mention that a kilowatt is actually a large unit that is derived from a watt. This is the standard recommended unit of power according to the International System of Units (otherwise known as the SI system). In this regard, one kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts.
What Is The Relation Between BTU And kW?
Technically speaking, the BTU is not exactly the same as kW, as you can already tell from the above discussion. The BTU is a unit that is used to measure energy, while the kW is a unit of power. Keeping that in mind, the actual equivalent unit to kW is BTU/hr, which is the heating or cooling provided by a split or window air conditioner in an hour.
On a similar note, the unit that is equivalent to BTU is a kilowatt-hour or kWh, which measures the total energy consumption of your air conditioning equipment. The metric equivalent of BTU is the joule, which is the SI unit of energy.
Converting The Units
Now that you know the distinction between these units, it is time to address the relationship between them, which will help with the conversion. Both the units of BTU and BTU/hr are smaller compared to their respective counterparts.
In that context, one British thermal unit is roughly equivalent to 0.00029307107 kWh. Thus, if you wish to convert BTU to kW, you need to multiply the AC’s BTU rating by the above number. And if you want to convert from kW to BTU, you need to divide the kW rating by the above figure.
Likewise, if you are looking for the BTU/hr to kW conversion, you can do it in one simple step. Simply divide the BTU/hr rating of the AC by 3412.14, and you will get the corresponding kW rating. Conversely, by multiplying the kW figure of your AC by the above number, you will get the BTU/hr rating of your AC.
Or, you can use an online conversion calculator to avoid the hassle of manual calculations. In fact, you can use these calculators to convert different aspects of your AC. For instance, if you use a watt to amps calculator, you can determine the electrical current used by your AC.
Similarly, with a suitable calculator to convert between the COP and EER numbers, you can determine the performance of your system in terms of electricity consumption. This can be particularly helpful in calculating monthly energy spending. You can even determine how many BTUs you need for a room using a BTU calculator.
Tip
Most manufacturers today provide a BTU to kW chart (and other relevant conversion charts) to help with this aspect. So, you should always consult them before making the purchase.
Final Words
That brings me to the end of this brief guide. You will find the information to be helpful if you are doing some energy calculations for your AC or are simply curious.
It is always a wise idea to determine these aspects before you purchase the air conditioner. That way, you will have good control over your usage habits and reduce your monthly electricity bills. Or you could impart the knowledge to others and help them out with their purchase.
Anyway, now it is time for me to say goodbye. See you around, folks!
Perhaps, you’ve got a dehumidifier for your bedroomto keep the space free from mold, bacteria, and allergens that trigger allergies.
Such allergens can cause chest pain, wheezing, sneezing, eye irritation, and even worse– aspergillosis. As such, dehumidifiers are a blessing for overly humid spaces– be it the living room, basement, or bathroom.
Now, many homeowners buy dehumidifiers but cannot determine the best place to keep them. Well, since dehumidifiers regulate humidity levels by removing excessive moisture from the space, they should be placed close to damp locations or areas with high humidity levels.
Instead of moving your dehumidifier from one corner to another, read our guide to know where you should place it in your bedroom. Let’s dive into the deets!
Dehumidifier Placement Guide
Excess humidity in any space provides a hospitable environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Later, molds release spores in the air, which triggers allergic reactions, such as skin rash, runny nose, and shortness of breath.
Irrespective of whether you suffer from allergies, having a dehumidifier in your home is a must. Besides eliminating mold and mildew, these devices keep your space clean, promoting a healthy and hygienic environment.
Where To Put Dehumidifier In Bedroom?
Finding the right size dehumidifier isn’t as challenging as deciding the right spot to place it to enhance its functionality. Assuming that your bedroom has a leaky ceiling or damp walls, the humidity level of the space is higher than in the other rooms of your home.
In that case, you must place the device in the center of the room where there is proper air circulation to work efficiently. A dehumidifier draws damp air from your bedroom and releases it back by converting it into dry and fresh air to ensure adequate ventilation.
As dehumidifiers contain a tank to store water, you should never keep them close to the TV, bedroom refrigerators, or other electronic appliances. Though they are less likely to leak, you must still avoid placing them near electronics to avoid damaging them.
When placing your dehumidifier, keep in mind that you’ll have to empty the tank from time to time. So, keep the device in such a space that the tank can be easily detached for cleaning.
If that seems too much of a task, some dehumidifiers can be connected with a hose to empty the water tank, so you might as well go for those models. You can either connect the hose to the laundry room or the bathroom to drain the tank regularly.
Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Place For Your Bedroom Dehumidifier
There are three factors that every homeowner should consider while figuring out the right spot for placing their dehumidifier. They are as follows:
1. Source Of Moisture
Every homeowner must place a dehumidifier at the spot closest to the moisture source. This way, the machine can eliminate moisture from the room quickly before it infiltrates other spaces.
2. Room Size
No doubt, the room size is important in the decision-making process, but you should also consider it when deciding on the right spot to place the dehumidifier.
In large bedrooms, a dehumidifier must be placed in the center to ensure maximum coverage. When it comes to small bedrooms, you can place the device wherever you want because there isn’t much space to cover.
3. Uncluttered Space
Aside from the room size, dehumidifiers should be placed in uncluttered spaces only then will they function properly. If you place them too close to the wall, furniture, or other objects, the exhaust vents get blocked, affecting their efficiency.
Make sure the space is uncluttered so that they can suck in the damp air and eliminate excess humidity, making the space clean and hygienic.
Other Rooms Where You Can Put Your Dehumidifier For Eliminating Excess Moisture
A dehumidifier is a versatile device that can be used in basements, laundry rooms, and other spaces to remove excess moisture from the air. Before you place it in other rooms, use a hygrometer to know the relative humidity level of all the spaces. Whichever room has the most moisture, keep your device in that room first to remove excess humidity.
1. Bathroom
Unwinding yourself by taking a long shower sounds like a perfect way to call it a day. But did you know that steamy hot showers raise humidity levels in the bathroom and provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow?
What’s worse is that warm air damages the bathroom cabinets and vanities, causing the paint to peel.
So, if you have humidity problems in the bathroom, consider using a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture. As your bedroom dehumidifier is a portable device, you can take it to the bathroom and set it up to trap moist air while regulating room humidity levels.
After taking a bath, simply run the dehumidifier for about 20 minutes to eliminate excess moisture from the space. If your bedroom device is large, we suggest getting a small bathroom dehumidifier to sit on the shelf or vanity.
2. Basement
There’s no denying that basements contain washers and water heaters. And, since they lack proper ventilation, humidity builds up quickly, allowing allergens, mold, and mildew to thrive in the space.
Besides triggering allergic reactions, they damage the appliances kept in the space. To maintain humidity levels, all you need to do is place a dehumidifier and let it do the job.
Many basements have plumbing lines installed for washing machines, which makes it easy to drain water. For large basements, you’ll have to go for a unit that will dehumidify the entire space without issues.
However, most people prefer using an air conditioner in the basement because it lowers the temperature while reducing humidity. Now, the question is– what is better for a basement: air conditioner or dehumidifier? Of course, a dehumidifier is a better option because air conditioners won’t eliminate mold or pesky allergens from the space. Moreover, the former reduces humidity levels while keeping utility bills low.
3. Living Rooms
If mold spores on the living room walls are ruining your beautiful home, it’s about time to use a dehumidifier in the space. As living rooms are large, you must place your dehumidifier near the source of humidity.
That is to say, the front door is the best space to place your dehumidifier because the humid air sneaks in from it.
Your bedroom dehumidifier may not work as efficiently in the living room as it does in small rooms. Hence, a whole house dehumidifier with an HVAC system is better for large spaces.
4. Crawl Spaces
Believe it or not, crawl spaces are the most humid place in any home. This usually happens during the summer when the warm outside air sneaks into the cool spaces, leading to condensation.
Unlike warm air, cool air cannot hold moisture, so humidity levels rise in such spaces.
Besides, inadequate insulation and leaky pipes contribute to high humidity levels in crawled spaces. So, a compact and portable dehumidifier will come in handy for reducing humidity levels.
Where To Put Dehumidifier In Bedroom Final Words
Now that you know the answer to the question– “should I have a dehumidifier in my bedroom?” Are you ready to spend money on the best one? However, the functionality of a dehumidifier depends upon the position you place it in.
In case you’re unable to choose the right spot, simply place the device against the damp wall or the source of moisture– be it a window, door, or any other space. Also, make sure the space isn’t cluttered, or it will hamper the productivity of the unit.
That’s all there is to it. Hopefully, you’ll choose the best spot to place your dehumidifier in your bedroom and enjoy undisturbed slumber.
Toodles!
Are you fascinated by resin coasters, pendants, trays, and cake stands?
Honestly, when we saw one on the internet, we were fascinated too. With different resin pigments to choose from, the creative opportunities are limitless. Moreover, you can even sell such stunning pieces online and make a few bucks.
However, working with epoxy resin isn’t child’s play. Those who use it daily to create eye-catching art pieces know how challenging it is. Along with all the necessary supplies, you must also get your hands on epoxy mold release agents.
In case you don’t know what epoxy mold release agents are, then this guide is just for you! When used properly, epoxy mold release agents will easily let you unmold cured resin pieces without any difficulty. Rest assured, both your castings and molds will be safe.
In this guide, we’ll share with you everything about epoxy mold release agents. So, let’s not procrastinate anymore and dive straight into the deets.
Mold Release Guide + Epoxy Release Agents
Why Are Release Agents Necessary While Working With Epoxy Resin?
Well, you know that mold release agents are necessary if you’re working with epoxy resin. For the novices who aren’t aware of release agents, then let us introduce it to you. Basically, release agents are chemicals that prevent materials and objects from adhering to other resin pieces.
Simply having the correct resin, hardener, and a few silicone molds isn’t enough, particularly when you’re curating art pieces to sell online. So, you’ll have to get your hands on epoxy release agents. Whether you have to unmold resin coasters or pendants, having mold release agents will let you unmold anything smoothly and easily.
However, as a rule of thumb, always remember to grease silicone molds before pouring the resin into the molds. That’s because greasing prevents the hardened resin from sticking to the molds. Note that this isn’t just applicable for smaller castings. You’ll have to use this on every surface where you’ll be using epoxy resin.
Moreover, if you make casting molds, you will have to use epoxy release agents on them too. That’s because it is important to coat the negative mold before you begin. Also, remember to go for epoxy compatible release agents.
Generally speaking, if you do not use release agents, know that all your efforts will go in vain. So, whether you’re making molds out of glass fiber mats or epoxy resin, make sure you use release agents.
With molds being completely covered by release agents, you can rest assured that the resin will not come in contact with the molds. Moreover, epoxy resin release agents are compatible with polyurethane and polyester resins too.
Which Surfaces Don’t Go Along Well With Epoxy Release Agents?
However, you must keep in mind that epoxy mold release agents don’t get along well with wood because they are porous. So, when you’re handling wooden surfaces, make sure you seal them up properly. Or, the release agent will get completely absorbed into the wood.
Along with wood, plaster and foam also don’t respond well to epoxy release agents. Therefore avoid using them on such surfaces.
Epoxy Release Agents That You Can Consider Today
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to dive into the intricacies. The market is saturated with tons of options. However, you need not worry because we’ll be discussing each of the agents in detail. So, move on and take a look.
Mold Release Wax
While searching for epoxy release agents, we came across mold release wax. As the name suggests, it comes in the form of wax. It is a chemical agent that prevents the bonding of casting material with the mold.
Generally, it is like liquid wax and comes in a container. This makes application an easy task. Simply open the container, pour the wax onto the cloth and use it to grease silicone molds. Truly speaking, we love the fact that this wax is highly versatile. And so, you can use it on any surface you want to.
Note that the cured resin might appear to be dull after applying mold release wax onto your molds and surfaces. In such situations, use a lint-free cloth to revive the shine of your cured objects and surfaces.
Uses Of Mold Release Wax
Mold release wax is compatible with a variety of surfaces. Once you’ve got your hands on it, the possibilities are endless. However, they are best suited for flat and large surfaces. That’s because such surfaces are easy to grease.
Although you can grease small surfaces and molds, we recommend sticking to large surfaces. That’s because it will be challenging and time-consuming to apply grease on small surfaces. Moreover, there are chances of missing corners or small angles.
Also, when you’re greasing a mold that has been used thousands of times, remember to clean the mold completely. To do this, use some steel wool and warm water. It will clean up all the wax residue from the mold, preparing it for the next application.
How To Use Mold Release Wax
Using mold release wax onto the molds isn’t challenging at all. Rather, it is quite an easy task. So first off, shake the container well before you use it. Since it has been sitting on the shelf for quite a long time, it is necessary to shake it properly. This will recombine the wax with solvents, thereby allowing easy applications.
Next, take out a small amount of wax with a spatula and apply it to the surface with a lint-free cloth. After you’ve applied it thoroughly, wait for a few minutes before polishing the release wax with a clean rag.
Note that if you’re greasing a new mold, you will have to apply a second coat to it. Also, there should be a gap of 12 hours between the two coats. Thus, apply the first layer and leave it overnight. However, one coat is sufficient for old molds.
Also, for those who want to give a polished look to their wax, here’s a pro tip - use a PVA release lacquer on the wax.
This mold release wax is perfect for those looking for a top-notch quality product without burning a hole in their pockets. Formulated with hydrocarbon and microcrystalline waxes, this is a multipurpose product option for all of your epoxy resin projects.
Standout Features:
1.5 lb metal can
Blend of hydrocarbon and microcrystalline waxes
Why Did We Like It?
There are many things we love about this mold release wax. However, what we really like about it is its affordable price tag, making it a convenient option for those on a budget.
Speaking of functionality, this mold release wax works great on large surfaces. Also, you may use it to seal uneven wood molds. So, it is a highly versatile product.
Additionally, we love the design of this mold release wax. Coming in a 1.5 lb metal tin, you can tuck it safely anywhere in your cabinet. And you need not worry about the container getting damaged.
Moving on, this wax comes in a 680 ml container which is decent enough, in our opinion. So, feel free to use this on silicone molds, river tables, fiberglass, countertops, and other surfaces.
Lastly, it is easy to use. Simply clean and prep the mold or surface and apply a thin coat of this wax with a clean, dry cloth. Also, make sure you rub the fabric in every direction.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best mold release wax that we’ve come across. However, our only gripe is that it doesn’t come with a wax applicator pad. That said, we recommend you either buy one or simply use a good quality rag for greasing your molds. Other than that, this product works incredibly well.
Pros
Affordable
Versatile applications
Easy to use
Nice packaging
Cons
No applicator pad
Mold Release Spray
Those looking for a more convenient option than wax must definitely try their hands at release spray. Unlike mold release wax, it is perfectly suited for small and detailed applications. That’s because the spray reaches such teenie-weenie spaces easily. So, if you’re a jewelry designer or coaster maker who sells his creations online, then this spray is best for your molds.
With a superb combination of aerosol and wax, release spray does a decent job of adding a protective layer to your mold. However, aerosol evaporates after some time, while the wax remains.
Uses Of Mold Release Spray
Mold release sprays are best suited for molds with small and challenging edges. For instance, it would be perfect for flower pot molds, jewelry molds, and crystal shards molds. The spray tip ensures an even distribution of the release agents into the molds. So, rest assured even the challenging nooks and crannies will be covered with mold release spray.
If you’re looking for ways to take your cured epoxy objects to the next level, simply polish them to achieve a uniform and even surface. However, this depends upon the preference of the users.
How To Use Mold Release Spray
First off, you will have to remove all dirt, grease, oil residue, and other impurities from the mold. Generally, cleaning the mold is important no matter which release agent you will be using. That’s because impurities will hinder release agents, thereby preventing them from adhering to surfaces.
Also, once cured, these impurities will damage both the mold and the casting. So, after cleaning the molds, shake the can of the release spray properly. Next, with a distance of 20 cm to 30 cm, spray over the surface of the mold. Spray only a thin layer, and remember to do this carefully.
Moreover, you must take care to cover every part of the mold. When you’ve completely sprayed the release agent all over the mold, wait for a few minutes. If you wish to polish the surface of the mold, then do so. Use a lint-free cloth, and you’re done. However, polishing is optional.
Note that if you’re using a new mold, it’s important you treat the mold with release spray at least three times. Also, you must leave the molds overnight after each spraying session.
Looking for a good epoxy release spray to prolong the life of your expensive molds? Check out this silicone mold release spray. Suitable for a wide variety of applications, this mold release spray is a fast-drying one. So, get one for your DIY epoxy resin projects and make coasters, crystals, flowers, and anything you want.
Standout Features:
Meets FDA-regulation
Excellent lubrication
Why Did We Like It?
The most striking thing about this spray has to be its versatility. From blow molding to injection molding, this spray is highly functional. Plus, it is compatible with both hot and cold molds.
With its 3.5 silicone content, this mold release spray adheres perfectly to your molds. Also, it is a fast-drying one. So, you won’t have to wait long to apply a second coat. Plus, it is non-staining and non-corrosive. Thus, when it comes to this epoxy release spray, your molds are in safe hands.
Additionally, it prevents sticking, thereby improving the lifespan of your expensive silicone molds. Also, it enhances the finish of the surface. You will also appreciate the fact that this product is low in odor. Therefore, you can use it indoors.
This release spray also meets FDA Regulations. This means it is safe for contact with foods. Last but not least, this spray is easy to use. Hold it at a distance of 10 to 12 cm, and spray a thin coat over the surface of the mold.
What Could’ve Been Better?
This epoxy release spray works amazingly on silicone molds, and that’s why it is a popular pick among DIYers and enthusiasts. That said, this spray comes with an expensive price tag. So, if you’re on a budget, this might not be an ideal pick for your projects. Apart from that, it performs incredibly well.
Pros
Highly functional
Compatible with both hot and cold molds
Non-staining and non-corrosive
Easy applications
Cons
Expensive
PVA Release Lacquer
Featuring polyvinyl alcohol, PVA release lacquer and serves as a great mold release coating. Moreover, it is highly functional since it can be used both as a release agent and can also be used for better demolding of cured resins pieces.
By spraying this release lacquer onto the surface, you can create a thin and even film on the surface of the mold. Those looking for agents that will help them unmold their resin castings effortlessly must definitely get PVA-release lacquer.
Uses Of PVA Release Lacquer
Mostly, when people use this PVA release lacquer for epoxy resin, they use it in conjunction with release wax. After greasing the silicone molds with a release wax, release lacquer is applied. Later it is topped with epoxy resin.
The PVA release lacquer also helps you to unmold your artistic creations easily and effortlessly. Moreover, release lacquer does not require polishing, thanks to its glossy surface.
Along with silicone molds, PVA-release lacquer can also be used on treated and porous surfaces. So, if you’ve got wood, plaster, or even melamine resin press plates, then feel free to use it on them too.
How To Use PVA Release Lacquer
When it comes to applying PVA release lacquer, you are free to do it any way you want. Spray gun, foam, brush, or sponge - use anything you want. As a rule of thumb, first, apply lengthwise and then crosswise. Repeat this pattern.
However, do not add any other paint in between. Also, make sure to apply the coats as thin as possible. And needless to say, coating the surface evenly is necessary. After you’re done coating the molds, keep the mold aside for at least ten minutes.
Additionally, you can remove the residue of release lacquer from the mold using a sponge and lukewarm water.
If you are a weekend warrior who loves crafting DIY jewelry or revamp kitchen countertops, then this product is perfect for you. Moreover, this PVA release agent is highly versatile and can be used in all your DIY projects. Plus, this water-based formula will not shrink. So, grab one and become a pro in DIY projects.
Standout Features:
Water-based formula
16-ounce bottle
Why Did We Like It?
Available in a 16-ounce bottle, this PVA mold release agent makes demolding an easy task. With its easy removal and release, you can rest assured that your creations and molds won’t get damaged. Also, this saves a lot of energy and time, which you can, in turn, invest in creating other art pieces.
Additionally, its hassle-free applications ensure you don’t face any issues while working. You can use a sponge, brush, roll, and even spray to use it on molds and other surfaces. Plus, it doesn’t leave any stain, thanks to its non-staining properties.
Moving on, if you love DIYs, then this is a must-have as it is highly functional and can come in handy in all of your DIY projects. Thus, the creative opportunities are endless. Moreover, with just a single coat, you can get smooth-looking, bump-free, and flawless objects.
With this water-based formula, cleanup is an easy task. Simply use water and scrub using dish soap. Overall, this PVA release agent is perfect for all your DIY projects.
What Could’ve Been Better?
This PVA release agent is one of the best that we came across on the market. However, our only gripe is that it leaves a green residue on your objects. That being said, we strongly recommend you avoid using it for transparent or crystal clear creations.
Pros
Unmolds creations excellently
Hassle-free applications
Non-staining
Versatile applications
Cons
Leaves a green residue
Alternatives Of Commercial Mold Release Agents
Epoxy mold release agents work like a charm for unmolding curated resin pieces. However, if you are on a budget, then don’t worry! We have a few alternatives that you can consider for your epoxy resin projects. So, let’s dig right in!
Our first and foremost alternative is sitting right at your dressing table. Yes, petroleum jelly! It works perfectly with molds that do not have challenging corners. Moreover, the best way to apply petroleum jelly is through hands. So, take some amount of petroleum jelly on your fingers and grease the mold properly.
However, make sure you apply a thin layer and coat the mold evenly. Also, avoid using this for intricate or small molds. That’s because its thick viscosity will tamper with your final product.
Cooking sprays were invented to prevent vegetables, rice, and other foodstuffs from sticking to the pan. But, you can use it to prevent curated resin from adhering to the mold. All you need to do is get non-stick cooking spray from the local store and use it as an epoxy mold release agent.
Moreover, they are non-toxic, and so they are safe to use. Also, after demolding resin pieces, make sure you wipe the cooking spray from the mold and resin piece.
Did you know you can use regular cooking oil as an alternative to commercial release agents? If not, then it’s time you try using it. Simply use a paper towel and grease the mold properly. And your surface is ready.
Also, mineral oils are a great alternative to commercial release agents. However, make sure you apply both oils in moderation. Alternatively, use a paper towel to wipe off excess oil from the mold.
Another inexpensive alternative to mold release agents is talcum powder. So, if you’re working on silicone molds with even surfaces, then talcum powder will work perfectly. However, it isn’t an ideal option for molds with finer details. That’s because it will not coat the molds properly. So, it’s best to avoid using it on those molds where details will be lost.
Tips And Tricks For Easy Demolding Of Resin Casting
Size And Design
First and foremost, the size and the design of your mold are important. That’s because it will determine how to unmold your cured piece. For those who use finely detailed molds, we recommend you use a release spray for effortless unmolding.
Alternatively, for those who create resin pieces using two-dimensional molds, epoxy release wax would be the best bet.
Use Demolding Wedges
If demolding resin casting seems too much of a task, use demolding wedges. They are similar to plastic wedges, and you can buy them from any local store or even shop them online. While working with a two-part mold, they’ll come in handy. So, if you frequently work with epoxy resin, we suggest you get them.
Loosen The Edges Of The Casting
Demolding resin casting would become easy if you loosen the edges of the casting first. Besides, unmolding simple resin pieces such as coasters and trays is pretty easy. Simply flip over the mold, and your resin pieces will pop out.
Blow Compressed Air
Even after making several attempts to unmold resin casting, then we’ve got another solution for you. Try blowing compressed air between the mold and resin casting. Alternatively, you can also try using a rubber mallet. Gently tap it on the mold to loosen the casting.
Mold Release Guide Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which Mold Release Agent Would Be Perfect For Silicone Coaster Molds?
We suggest you go for mold release spray while working with silicone coaster molds. It is pretty easy to use. Simply spray the mold thoroughly at a distance of 12 cm. However, you can also use release wax if you want to.
Q2. Can I Use Mold Release Spray Directly On Porous Surfaces?
No, you cannot use mold release agents directly onto the porous surfaces. You will have to treat the surface first and then use release spray. Or all your efforts will prove to be futile. However, you can go for a PVA release agent because it works well on both treated and porous surfaces.
Q3. Are Mold Release Agents A Necessity?
If you ask us, we’ll strongly recommend you use mold release agents while working with epoxy resin. They are great for demolding resin casting and also prolong the life of your silicone molds. Therefore, mold release agents are important for all your epoxy resin projects.
Summing It Up
Regardless of whether you are a weekend warrior or a full-time professional, epoxy release agents are a must-have in your DIY craft kit. That said, we suggest you consider your needs and get one soon.
Now, we have come to the end of our informative guide. We hope you enjoyed reading this guide as much as we enjoyed making it for you. Hopefully, you’ll be able to pick the right epoxy mold release agent for your DIY tasks.
It’s time for us to sign off! Let us know your favorite mold release agent in the comments below, and we’ll be back with more informative guides soon.
Simply put, abstract art strays far from the notion of representing real-world objects in art form. It uses colors, shapes, gestural marks and forms in a bizarre and quirky way to achieve its effects.
Sometimes, abstract art can be based on real-life objects, living beings, and landscape. However, unlike traditional art forms, abstract art distorts the concept of reality. It represents these things in a simplified and schematic way. One such example of this art form is Van Gogh's style which was termed post-impressionism.
Abstract art can also stray from reality or real life objects entirely. It can be represented by geometrical shapes, known as geometric abstraction. It might even be represented through lyrical abstraction.
In this article, we will dive into the bottomless abyss that is abstract art and explore it in great detail. So read along to find out everything you need to know about abstract art.
Abstract Art 101
Abstract Art - A History Lesson
Abstract Art In Prehistoric Times
Although the popularity of abstract art did not pick up until the 19th century, the earliest examples can be traced back to Tang Dynasty painter named Wang Mo. Unfortunately, none of his paintings have survived to this day.
However, the legacy of his unique splashed-ink painting style was carried forward by a Song Dynasty painter named Liang Kai (1140 - 1210). The "Immortal in Splashed Ink " seen below is one of his most popular paintings.
Liang Kai was not the only famous Song Dynasty painter. In fact, during the late stages of the Song Dynasty, a painter named Yu Jian created beautiful splashed ink landscapes which inspired many Japanese Zen painters. One of his most famous works, the "Mountain Market in Clearing Mist" is shown below.
Abstract art as we have come to know it today was shaped by three art movements, namely Romanticism, Impressionism, and Expressionism. In the 19th century, artists experienced freedom which never existed during the Renaissance period due to the patronage from the church. Moreover, during this time, private patronage from the public increased substantially, and this ensured that the artists could earn a livelihood from their paintings.
The "Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket" (1872) by James McNeill Whistler is one of the finest examples of abstract art from the 19th century. Rather than putting emphasis on the depiction of objects, this painting focused on visual sensation.
While abstract art in the 19th century revolved around Romanticism, Impressionism, and Expressionism, the art form saw a shift towards Post Impressionism during the 20th century. The art in this period was characterized by the expressive use of color coupled with free and boundless imagination.
The abstract works of Van Gogh, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Seurat dominated the art landscape of 20th century and eventually paved the way for the development of modern art. Van Gogh's most famous artwork, "The Starry Night", is one of the finest examples of abstract art to emerge in this era.
Types Of Abstract Art
Curvilinear Abstract Art
The curvilinear style is characterized by smooth flowing curved lines which are used to form abstract patterns like swirls, circles, and spirals. Sometimes these curving lines are used to represent human facial features as well. In this form of abstract art, you will not find any right angles or straight lines.
The curvilinear abstract art can be observed in Celtic Art as well as the art style predominantly found in the Gulf of Papua region in southeastern Papua New Guinea. Here is an example of a curvilinear abstract art mask from the Orokolo Village of Papua New Guinea.
The color-related or light-related abstract art can be observed in the works of Oscar Claude Monet and Joseph Mallord William Turner. This type of abstract art is characterized by a swirl of pigment in every painting which eventually makes the pigment indistinguishable.
In his lifetime, Monet produced many watercolor paintings which displayed this technique. One such example from his most famous series of paintings, "Water Lilies", is shown below.
As its name suggests, geometric abstraction is a form of abstract art which uses geometric forms and shapes like squares, triangles, rectangles, and circles. As art styles became more and more boundless in the 20th century, geometric abstraction gradually gained in popularity.
Unlike art from the Renaissance period which was underpinned by the logic of perspective in an attempt to make objects as real and lifelike as possible, geometric abstraction is quite the opposite because of its two-dimensional approach. Moreover, this art form strays far from representing real-life objects.
Theo van Doesburg's "Composition VII (the three graces)" is one of the most famous examples of geometric abstraction in the 20th century.
Gestural abstract art refers to a particular process of making art. Here, the subject of the painting is not important; rather it is the way it gets painted. While most art forms have a premeditated approach to applying paint, gestural abstract art depends on intuition.
In other words, the artist's honesty, intuition, and deep personal emotions are expressed through this art form. Jackson Pollock's Number 5 is a great example of a gestural abstract painting.
As geometric abstraction gained popularity in the 20th century, it slowly paved the way for minimalist abstract art. As its name suggests, minimalist abstract art or minimal art uses geometric shapes, mostly squares and rectangles in an overly simplified manner. Unlike geometric abstraction which is solely based on a two-dimensional approach, minimalist abstract art can also be three-dimensional in nature.
Moreover, it is not just confined to geometric shapes; it is rather based on simplicity. Ever since its inception, minimalist art has only gained in popularity, and it is one of the most popular art forms, if not the most popular, in the contemporary world.
By now, you must have realized that the world of abstract art is limitless. Therefore, our article can only provide so much information about it. However, we believe we have put together the basics of abstract art which will serve as the foundation of your knowledge on this topic. If you would like to learn more about this incredible art form, then we suggest you follow some of the links mentioned in this article.
That’s because of the versatility it offers. Watercolor painting flows on the surface of the paper, and you can manipulate any want according to your artistic taste.
You can choose to layer up colors and create a hyper-realistic painting, or you can make broad, loose strokes and create a minimalist one. Watercolor is all about controlled complexity.
But the reason watercolor is so popular is that it is an excellent medium for beginners and professionals alike. Beginners love the variety of options offered by watercolor painting, especially the fact that they can create a simple painting very easily and then gradually move up to more complicated ones as they grow more confident.
Professionals love the fluidity of the paint and how they can create wavy, abstract pieces where all the colors and pigments blend together in a marvelous mixture.
Here are a few handy tips for everyone to make your life just a little easier.
When it comes to buying colors, you would definitely need a high-quality coloring set. Cheaper brands have colors which don’t mix well and might get really watery when you put in the water. So make sure you go with a reputed brand for your first set of colors.
Watercolor tubes offer more intensity in color; however, color cakes are much more portable, and you can buy a whole set of color cakes all at once.
Next, you have to get brushes. There is a huge variety of brushes available, but you don’t need to worry about all of them. Natural brushes have better quality fibers but are really expensive. For a beginner, high-quality synthetic brushes will do just fine.
You only need a pair of large flat brushes for washing and layering and a few round brushes of different sizes for adding details. For your round brushes, we would suggest getting a No. 12, a No. 10 and a No. 6 round. A couple of flat 1-inch brushes would do just fine for layering.
You can’t just start water-coloring on any type of paper. The paper has to be rough, and the paper has to be thick. Cold press papers are the most popular, and they are rough yet smooth enough to let the colors flow freely. Rough paper is even better and is excellent for absorbing color quickly. However, they are more expensive than cold press papers.
A common metric associated with Watercolor paper is the weight. The heavier the weight is, the thicker the paper will be. Make sure you get papers with the rating 140 lb or above. If you get a thin paper, it will not hold up to the huge amounts of water you’ll need to use on the paper. This will cause buckling and cause the paper to warp in the middle creating small puddles of color. 300 lb is the heaviest and the easiest to work with.
Stretching refers to the process of safeguarding your watercolor papers from warping. It ensures the paper stays taught and even while you paint on it and also improves the absorbency of the paper.
If you get a very heavy watercolor paper, you won’t need to stretch it. You can also buy papers in blocks instead of pads or sheets. These watercolor blocks are pre-stretched, and you don’t need to worry about them warping.
Lighter papers do need to be stretched though. Just dip the papers in a bath of water and let the paper get wet as evenly as possible. After that, just stretch it out and stick it on a hardboard like plywood. Use tape at the edges of the paper to adhere it to the plyboard or your material of choice. Paint with the paper still attached to the board.
Make Light Pencil Sketches or Make an Underpainting
Plenty of beginning artists like to use a graphite pencil to sketch out the composition and shapes of the painting before they start with the color. When you do this, the graphite will show through in the final painting.
While you may not have a problem with this, some people prefer to have the graphite not shown at all. So instead of graphite, you can make an underpainting of faint color like blue or purple and then put on additional layers on top as you progress with your painting.
For your painting purposes, we would suggest HB pencils. Softer pencils like 2B or 4B can produce very dark lines, whereas harder ones like 2H and 4H might create grooves on the top of your paper and it’ll be hard to apply paint over that later on.
Limit Your Color Choices
It might be tempting to use all the colors on your palette to make as colorful a picture as possible. However, when painting a picture, one must always keep in mind color theory and all its implications. Your goal is to make a picture which is aesthetically soothing and full of harmony.
When choosing your colors wisely, they should fulfill one of these three purposes - the colors complement each other or the colors are analogous to each other, or they simplify the colors that are instantly visible to the naked eye. Watercolor is meant to be soothing, not jarring.
Be Mindful When Mixing Paint
When it comes to mixing paint, beginners tend to only use a small amount of the two colors while mixing. Hence when they are making broad strokes on their brush, they run out of the mixed color. As a result, they have to go back and remix the same two colors. This becomes frustrating after a while. If you mix large amounts of paint initially, you won’t have this problem.
You can even become overzealous and mix too many colors at the same time. This will only result in a brown, muddy gloop. Remember you can always add more layers on top of the paint once it has dried. This is known as ‘wet-on-dry’ where you put on a wet layer over an already dried layer, or you can even add another color to an already wet surface by simply touching your brush to the wet spot. This is known as ‘wet-on-wet.’ It is a fairly advanced technique and requires quite a bit of practice.
Paint always looks lighter once it has dried. Thus keep another piece of paper near you, so you can test your colors out on that surface before you apply them to the painting.
Watercolor painting is always about painting from light to dark shades of colors, where the greatest white is the color of the paper itself. Thus it’s best to plan out which areas should remain blank beforehand.
Once you know which spaces to keep white, you can carefully avoid it while painting, or you can use masking fluid. Masking fluid is generally latex-based and can protect areas on your sheet from receiving watercolor applications. Since preserving the white on the paper can be of such vital importance, masking fluid can be one of the most important tools in your watercolor arsenal.
Masking fluid can easily be applied by a brush and removed by rubbing with your fingers when it has dried out. Use an old brush for applying masking fluid though, as it has an unfortunate tendency of ruining brushes.
Let The Light Bring Out The Different Layers
It’s always advised to paint lighter layers at the bottom, and then they can be made more and more intense by applying multiple washes of paint over the lighter layers once they have dried out. Using this technique allows light to pass through all the layers and create a glazing effect. When light passes through your colors, the colors underneath remain visible even through the top-most coats of paint. This transmission of light and reflection of the paper makes for very complex and detailed color schemes.
Remember to use a light touch for every one of your layers. You should also aim to strike an optimal balance between transparency and opacity. For more intensity and less transparency, use less water on all your layers. For maximum transparency, use a lot of water. The kind of painting you want depends totally on you and what you like best.
Use the Full Spectrum of Darks and Lights
The shade of a color, as in how dark or light it is is exceptionally malleable in watercolor paintings and is one of the prime reasons why watercolors are so popular. The shade of color totally determines how we measure form and texture in two-dimensional work. Using different shades creates an impression of depth and also increases contrast in the paintings.
A painter should always aspire to include the complete spectrum of shades in a painting. This means that you should use darker colors just as much as lighter colors. It would be even better if you could use multiple shades of the same color itself.
Plenty of watercolor artists are scared of including darker colors as they might bleed into the rest of the painting or they might overbear all the other colors in the painting. However, to create a picture with depth, it’s always preferable to err on the side of darker shades. Ensure that your subject or scene always has both the lightest and the darkest shades of colors.
This is probably the most critical piece of advice for any watercolor artist. Watercolors by their very nature will have colors that flow and make interesting shapes. Beginners might try to fight against this natural flow, but instead of fighting, you should learn to embrace it.
This feature of watercolor painting lets you paint your subject without drawing every single line on the subject's body. You can use a few lines and shapes to simply imply the subject. After all, a painting isn’t an exact reproduction of reality but is used to convey a feeling. Let the colors flow and do their own thing. Watercolors work best when it has more fluidity in the painting and less of total control.
Don’t worry if you make mistakes. There is plenty you can do to erase a mistake. In the very least, you can try to blot off the paint with a damp tissue or a sponge. If it’s not working, you can add some water and then try to blot off a larger surrounding area along with the spot where you made your mistake.
If that doesn’t work, you can change the whole painting dramatically by applying a new, darker layer of paint on top covering your mistake. If all else fails, simply wash it over a running tap.
Know When To Stop Painting
While the hardest thing to do is begin your painting, the second hardest thing definitely has to be knowing when to stop. We often get so caught in trying to create the perfect painting, that the creative juices just won’t stop flowing. It’s so fun that you don’t want to stop. But if you keep on working, the end result will look very different from what you planned originally, and it might seem overworked and full of excessive detail.
Like we have already said before, a painting has to imply rather than show. Everything doesn’t always have to be totally spelled out. A good way to know when to stop is this - if you catch yourself thinking, “what more can I do with this painting,” then it’s probably time to call it a night. At that point, any details you add on will not help enhance the essence of your painting, and you should put down the brush.
Watercolor painting is something that requires practice. Even if you have an innate artistic talent, you still need a lot of practice to figure out the nitty-gritty of watercolor painting. Because with practice, comes confidence, and with confidence, comes greatness.
Well, that’s it from us today! Thanks for reading and all the best on your journey.
The Tenergy Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries are our top pick from this list of best CR123A batteries because of their high capacity and superior performance in any environment. However, they aren't rechargeable and must be replaced after a while.
The wireless Arlo security cameras can be an excellent choice to amp up home security and ensure your family's safety. But you need the best CR123A batteries for these cameras.
While a new Arlo camera comes with batteries, you'll need to purchase replacement batteries if you want the camera to run for a long time. So, it's essential for you to know about the top replacement batteries for your Arlo camera.
Tenergy's lithium batteries are engineered and produced to...
This Tenergy non-rechargeable CR123A lithium battery is available in a pack of 16, each having a power of 1600 mAH for high-performance delivery. The batteries are designed to offer optimum performance in continuous low-drain and high-pulse power applications for high-tech smart devices, including your Arlo wire-free camera.
Furthermore, these Tenergy lithium batteries can offer power availability even under extreme weather conditions during the scorching summer and freezing winter months, making them perfect for outdoor usage. In fact, they can easily operate at temperatures ranging between -4℉ to 40℉.
These C123A batteries have a low self-discharge rate and come with a long shelf life of ten years. Additionally, they are UL-certified and have built-in PTC protections against short circuits, overheating, and sudden power surges. Not just security systems, you can also use these batteries for your flashlights, cameras, and personal care devices.
These Enegitech lithium batteries have a high capacity of 1600 mAh and easily adapt to advanced circuit boards to provide stable and strong energy. They last three to five times longer than any standard non-rechargeable alkaline batteries.
Moreover, they are UL-certified and come with PTC protections, making them resistant to pressure, temperature, and power surges. Thus, these batteries can protect your devices from overheating and short circuits while offering better performance than ordinary batteries.
These CR123A non-rechargeable batteries also have a super-low self-discharge rate of less than 1% a year, so they have a shelf life of more than ten years. Most importantly, these lithium batteries work well with a wide range of appliances, including the Arlo wire-free cameras, camcorders, smoke detectors, night vision goggles, and light meters, to name a few.
These Farsail rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are reliable and long-lasting, with built-in fault and heat protection mechanisms. They are specially designed for Arlo cameras and deliver excellent performance even under extreme temperatures.
Furthermore, the charger's integrated fail-safe circuit security prevents the batteries from overheating and overcharging. It continuously detects overcharging, short circuits, over-current, reverse current, and over-voltage.
These rechargeable batteries work quite well with long-drain devices since you can easily recharge in about 1.5 hours. The battery charger has a compact design and can charge four Farsail batteries at a time.
You also get a USB charging cable with the battery charger, so you can charge these batteries wherever and whenever you want. The charger comes with an LCD display to make it easier for you to track the charging status of the batteries.
These smart rechargeable CR123A batteries from EBL are designed to work perfectly with Arlo security cameras. The charger has a highly professional design for charging four cells or batteries in one pack, making recharging these batteries much more convenient.
Each battery cell has a capacity of 750 mAh, while the whole battery comes with a high capacity of up to 3000 mAh. One pack of these long-lasting rechargeable batteries can last as long as six months without charging. Moreover, the supercell lattice technology of these camera batteries makes it easier to contain high power and offer constant voltage even under heavy load discharge.
You can also recharge the batteries up to 3000 times when they are partially or fully drained. However, you can't charge batteries from other brands with this charger because it may lead to fire hazards or charger failures.
These rechargeable batteries come with optimization techniques for maximum energy utilization to boost performance and last 21.8% longer than most other CR123A batteries. The batteries also have strengthened loops to reduce self-discharge.
Also, the charger has a charging time of around two hours and features a LED indicator light, so you can easily monitor the charging process. The built-in mischarging-safety technology allows it to detect sudden current surges and automatically cut off power to avoid overheating and electrical problems.
Furthermore, the batteries and the charger come with over-charge, over-current, over-voltage, and short circuit protections, alongside FCC, ROHS, CE, and UL certifications to ensure safety. The batteries also have a high capacity of 800 mAh, making them a good investment.
The Jesspow rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are yet another high-quality CR123A battery designed for Arlo wire-free cameras and come with integrated heat and fault protection technologies. They offer reliable and stable performance in different environments, making them excellent for outdoor fixtures.
The power of one piece of this 3.7V, 750 mAh rechargeable battery is equivalent to 300 pieces of 3V 1500 mAh non-rechargeable variants. Thanks to their high capacity, these are one of the best CR123A batteries for alarm systems, cameras, medical equipment, video game consoles, calculators, home appliances, and other battery-powered smart devices.
The charger's fail-safe circuitry also prevents overheating and over-charging, protecting the batteries and the charger from short circuits and sudden power surges. The charger is made of durable and premium-quality materials and has a built-in USB cable.
It can charge eight batteries at a time, making it easier for you to use them whenever you want. Although these rechargeable batteries and the charge set can be costly, they can be a much better investment than constantly purchasing non-rechargeable batteries in the long run.
The Dulex CR123A rechargeable batteries come with a smart charger featuring a 1.5-hour fast charging technology and a LED indicator light. When the batteries are recharging, you can see the red light, but once fully charged, the light automatically turns green. You can charge four batteries simultaneously and monitor each of their charges individually.
Furthermore, the versatile charging option allows micro input, so you can charge the batteries whenever and wherever you want. The 800 mAh high capacity allows the batteries to offer a long run time for your Arlo security camera and last 30% longer than ordinary batteries. Their superior performance in extreme weather conditions also ensures that they can be used for your Arlo camera for a long time.
On top of this, these batteries are compatible with any electronic home appliances, starting from video game consoles to calculators. They are also backed by a one-year warranty, so the manufacturer will replace them or offer a full refund if you're not satisfied.
These Tomshele 800 mAh 3.7V rechargeable batteries come with an 8-slot charger allowing you to charge eight batteries together. You don't have to worry about your batteries running out of charging slots anymore. The charger has an LED indicator to help you monitor the charging process of the individual batteries.
Each battery goes through UL, CE, FCC, and RoHS testing to ensure its safety. Their power loop technology and fail-safe circuitry protect them against overheating and over-charging. Moreover, the security technology continuously detects and prevents short circuits, power surges, and reverse current flow.
Since these batteries are specially designed for Arlo wire-free cameras, they are perfect for outdoor usage and offer superior performance in any environment. They offer excellent run time, so you don't need to worry about changing old batteries or buying new batteries anytime soon.
The Jessy rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are compatible with Arlo security cameras and are much more eco-friendly because they prevent the waste of non-rechargeable alkaline or lithium batteries. These one-time replacement batteries can also help you save a lot on frequent battery purchases.
Not to mention, one Jessy 750 mAh rechargeable battery generates a power equivalent to 300 pieces of 1500 mAh non-rechargeable batteries. Even though they are designed specifically for Arlo cameras, these batteries also work well with many home appliances, such as flashlights, calculators, and video game consoles. Plus, if you're looking for a CR123A battery for smoke detectors, this can be a great choice.
On the downside, unlike other rechargeable CR123A batteries, these Jessy batteries do not include a charger in the box, so you have to buy the charger separately.
These Dulex 123A rechargeable lithium batteries are designed to last 30% longer than other batteries and offer reliable performance in harsh temperatures ranging between -4℉ to 45℉. The fast charging technology of the charger also allows you to get the batteries fully recharged within two hours once they drain out of power.
Additionally, the charger can charge eight batteries together, so you always have batteries whenever you need them without purchasing new ones frequently. The charger's safety certifications also protect it and the batteries from overheating, over-current, reverse flow, short circuits, and overcharging.
The batteries are also suitable for multiple applications and offer a long run time without any unexpected interruption. However, remember to fully charge the batteries before their first-time use; otherwise, they might run out of power.
The Rapthor rechargeable lithium batteries have a high capacity of 750 mAh, and you can recharge them up to 550 times when they are running on low power. You can recharge the batteries when they are fully or partially discharged and save a lot on buying replacement batteries from time to time.
Moreover, the fast charging time of two hours makes these batteries perfect for offering long-lasting power to frequently use equipment, such as Arlo cameras, smoke detectors, and flashlights. These premium batteries also come with over-charge, over-current, and over-discharge protections.
But on the downside, you won't get the Rapthor battery charger with the pack and have to buy it separately to recharge the batteries.
CR123A Batteries For Arlo Cameras Buying Guide
1. Rechargeable Vs Non-Rechargeable
You can choose rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries based on your requirements and available budget. Non-rechargeable batteries are cheaper, but since you have to change them frequently for often-used equipment, they might not be the best investment in the long run. Under such circumstances, non-rechargeable batteries are the better option because they initially cost more, but it's a one-time investment because you can recharge them.
2. Run Time
Always consider the run time of the CR123A batteries before purchasing them. The longer the run time, the more convenient it is to use them for Arlo cameras. You don't need to worry about recharging or replacing the batteries frequently if they have a long run time and high capacity.
3. Safety And Protection
You don't want your newly bought batteries or battery chargers to get damaged because of over-current, short circuits, overcharging, or overheating. Hence, always check the safety certifications and protection mechanisms of the CR123A batteries before purchasing them.
CR123A Batteries For Arlo Cameras Verdict
If you want to view a constant stream of all the recorded security footage on the Arlo camera, you need to ensure that the camera runs round-the-clock. That's why you need powerful CR123A batteries, which can deliver stable performance.
If you're feeling a bit reluctant about choosing your best pick, we suggest you try out the Tenergy Premium Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries because they can deliver superb performance in any weather condition. These batteries have a high capacity of 1600 mAh and are available in a pack of 16 that'll last for a long time. Also, they are much cheaper than any rechargeable CR123A variants.
You can also go through other products on our list before making any final purchase decision. Take some time, dig around a bit, and find your top pick.
Colored pencils are one of the craft supplies that we have all used and fallen in love with. But do you know what goes into making those beautiful colored pencils?
Why is it that the price and quality of colored pencils vary significantly across different brands? If you take a closer look, you will know that they are not as simple as they look. All manufacturers neither employ the same process nor use the same ingredients.
We have broken down all the information in the form of three basic questions that you may have. Read on to find the answers to these questions and know what colored pencils are made of.
What Colored Pencils Are Made Of!?
What Are The Ingredients?
If you think a colored pencil needs only lead and wood, think again. You may be surprised to know that the process of making colored pencils is quite intricate and requires four ingredients – wood, binders, pigments, and extenders. Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients.
Wood – Wood used to be an integral component of colored pencils until a few years ago. With the advent of lacquered or woodless pencils, more companies are letting go of this ingredient. Traditionally, the wooden barrel was vital for holding the lead core of the pencil.
[easyazon_link keywords="Woodless colored pencils" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273678"]Woodless colored pencils are mostly used for high-quality art projects[/easyazon_link]. Some artists prefer pencils that eliminate the wooden casing, which may get in the way. It is also more efficient if you have to shade large areas.
Some artist-grade colored pencils use premium wood for casings, like aromatic cedar.
Binders – If you are a professional artist or expert, you know binders play a crucial role in a lot of art and craft supplies like pastels, crayons, and colored pencils. A binder is used to hold the pigment together, facilitating an even pigment distribution throughout the pencil’s core.
Binders are also called resins and act as a glue for the pigment. There are various types of binders including paraffin wax, gum arabic, and other oily compounds. The type and amount of binder used in a colored pencil significantly affect the final result you get on paper.
Pigments – Pigment is the most crucial indicator of the quality of a colored pencil. Artists always try to get supplies that have high pigment concentration or purity, as it corresponds to a better lightfastness rating and more vibrant colors. As such, top-notch brands offer products with high pigment concentration at premium prices.
The types of pigments used in a colored pencil also define how bright or dull the outcome will be on paper. Most of the reputed brands include a color chart with their products, which shows the lightfastness rating as well as the number and type of pigments used in each colored pencil.
If only one pigment type is used in a particular pencil, it is “pure pigment.” If more than one pigment type is used, the result will be relatively duller. If your artwork will be displayed in an exhibition and not just stored in your studio, you should be concerned with the lightfastness rating of the colored pencils you use.
As a general rule of thumb, artists should go for colored pencils with a minimum lightfastness rating of III or II, whereas students and hobbyists may opt for lightfastness rating of IV and V too (ASTM ratings).
Extenders – Extenders complement binders by ensuring that the colored pencil lead is sturdy. The amount of extenders used in the production process determines whether the lead feels buttery and soft or rigid.
Some companies increase the proportion of extenders used to cut down production costs. These colored pencils have reduced amounts of pigments and binders and hence, are not artist-grade.
What Are The Types Of Colored Pencils?
Now that we have addressed the ingredients needed to make a colored pencil, it is time to take about the different types of colored pencils available in the market. Colored pencils can be broadly classified into two types – oil-based and wax-based pencils. Let’s take a look at each of these types:
[easyazon_link keywords="Oil-based leads" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273679"]Oil-based leads[/easyazon_link] – Oil-based color pencils are not very common. There are only a few brands that sell colored pencils having oil-based leads, like [easyazon_link keywords="LYRA Polycolor" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273680"]LYRA Polycolor[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link keywords="Faber-Castell Polychromos" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273681"]Faber-Castell Polychromos[/easyazon_link]. Oil-based lead is known for providing more vivid colors with a more elegant and smoother overall finish.
Relative to traditional wax-based leads, oil-based leads result in a brighter finish. A minor drawback of oil-based pencils is that you may need various solvents like turpentine or odorless mineral spirit to dissolve it. Common solvents like xylene or baby oil do not dissolve oil-based pencils and may ruin your paint surface.
[easyazon_link identifier="B005O2ZU68" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273682"]Wax-based leads[/easyazon_link] – Wax-based leads are the most commonly used in colored pencils. They are known for being extra smooth and straightforward to work with. Artists go for wax-based leads when they have significant layering or blending work.
One of the most significant benefits of using a colored pencil with a wax-based lead is that you can use readily available solvents like xylene or baby oil to effectively dissolve the pigment onto the paint surface. Xylene has proven to be better than baby oil for providing clean blends.
A drawback of using wax-based pencils is the possibility of wax blooms. After a few days, the wax may start to oxidize which can be troublesome. We recommend using a fixative to seal your artwork and preserve it. In case you do not have a fixative in your studio, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe the artwork.
Can You Make DIY Colored Pencils?
DIY-crafters can make a lot of cool stuff in the comfort of their homes. If you are into DIY projects, you may be wondering if you can make colored pencils at home. Unfortunately, it is one of the limited products that you cannot make at home. Unlike oil and acrylic painting supplies, the ingredients for making colored pencils are not readily available.
The production process of colored pencils requires specialized tools and ingredients. No matter how good you are at DIY endeavors, you cannot mix the pigment with extenders and binders or insert them into molds at home.
Final Words
Irrespective of whether you are an art student, hobbyist, teacher, professional artist, or expert, knowing the composition of colored pencils will help you achieve your goals. It will also help to choose the ideal colored pencils for your needs without exceeding your budget.
Colored pencils may appear to be simple, but their production process is more complicated than you would have imagined.
We wanted to try out grills from Broil King to see if they could be included in our ‘meat smoking for beginners’ recommendations. This is why we chose the Broil King Regal S 420 and S 490 models; both of these models turned out to be high-quality products that meet our criteria. The Broil King belongs to the Onward Manufacturing brand and all their grills are manufactured in North America.
Similar to Napoleon Grills, the gas grills from Broil King come across as great contenders for the Weber gas grills. When we were looking into meat smoking for beginners, we were evaluating in terms of both performance and quality. This is why we are going to do a Weber vs. Broil King comparison. Here we will compare the S 490 and S 420 with their Weber equivalents in terms of meat smoking for beginners.
4 stainless steel Dual-Tube burners deliver up to 50,000...
500 sq. in. primary cooking area gives a large space to cook...
The S 420 Regal from Broil King features a high-end, stainless-steel construction. It does not have a rotisserie burner or even a side burner. If we have to compare this product with a model from the Weber series, then that model has to be the Weber Genesis II S 310.
Both of these products are ideal meat smoking for beginners picks as they have great flame tamers, grates, and steel bodies. More importantly, both of these products feature equivalent types of primary grilling areas.
The Primary Differences
Heating Capacity
Weber’s Genesis II S 310 has 3 burners that have a 12,500 BTU/hour capacity which makes their combined heating capacities stand at close to 37,500 BTU/hour. Regal’s S 420, on the other hand, has 4 burners that have a 12,500 BTU/hour capacity and combined heat that stands at a higher 50,000 BTU/hour.
The combined heating capacity of 37,500 BTUs in Weber’s Genesis can be used to heat about 513 inches of the grate. The grilling space has a heating power of 73 BTU/hour for each square inch. The Regal, as you would have guessed, is at a clear advantage due to its combined grilling power.
The Regal throws in 50,000 BTUs of heat for its 500 square inches of grate. This translates to a heating power of about 100 BTUs/hour for every square inch—which is again ideal for meat smoking for beginners. The Regal doesn’t just stop there though. This product is at a clear advantage – simply because of its sheer grilling power. When the Regal 420 is pitted against the Genesis, you will find the BTUs for every square inch is quite consistent in the former brand.
Price
The Regal has been set at a more premium price than the Genesis but what you will be getting for the extra money needs to be considered. In terms of meat smoking for beginners, you will be getting an extra burner along with a grate that is thicker. The Regal also has 9mm stainless steel rods while the Genesis has the same but with a 7mm thickness.
Warranty
Weber offers a warranty of 10 years on its products whereas the Broil King’s products have warranties that vary around 5 to 10 years. Even though this is the case, you shouldn’t worry too much. Users of both these products have found that the 9mm stainless steel rods of the Broil King can easily outlast the 7mm rods of the same material in the Genesis.
Styling
In our own opinion, the Genesis looks much more stylish and presentable as opposed to the Broil King but both have really unique aesthetics. That being said, it is important to point out that Genesis features a foldable left side that will give you much more space on the deck.
As you may have noticed, the battle between both these grills is quite like a coin toss. With the extra burner and more combined heating capacity in the Broil King, we know it will be a better pick for searing steak. The Genesis, on the other hand, is more aesthetically pleasing and can be bought at a better price.
Make the perfect steak - With patented Stainless Steel...
Durable cooking grids - Solid rod 9mm Stainless Steel...
This product from Broil King also happens to be a 4 burner with a gas grill made of stainless steel with rotisserie and side burners. Once you are familiarized with the product, you’ll find that the bones of both – the S 420 and S 490 are quite the same. The 490 is only different because it has upgraded rotisserie burners and side burners along with featuring a dedicated rotisserie burner.
If we were to compare this product with the Weber Series, then we had to set up a head to head with the Genesis II LX 340. This product from the Weber Series has slightly bumped up specifications in terms of heating capacities of side burners and primary burners. The combined heating capacities now stand at 43,500 BTU/hour.
Unlike the previous battle of products that are ideal meat smoking for beginners, this new match-up had a clear winner. The Broil King S 490 had a cheaper price than the Genesis II LX 340 and outclassed due to the following specifications:
Primary Differences
Better grate thickness as the Broil King has 9mm stainless steel rods as opposed to the Genesis II LX 340’s 7mm.
The S 490 had a larger heating ability standing at 100 BTUs/hour for every square inch as opposed to the 84 BTUs of the Genesis II LX 340.
The Broil King also has a dedicated rotisserie burner along with a rotisserie assembly.
The Genesis II LX 340 does have some features that may not be available in the Broil King S 490 but they aren’t really needed if we are looking from the meat smoking for beginners perspective. These features include the lighted control knobs and the LED fuel gauge along with some others which are quite unnecessary.
In our comparison for both the products, we were quite impressed with both the models of the Broil King. The manufacturing quality of these products is quite solid and both have that extra ‘oomph’ required to trump their Weber counterparts. If you are out looking for grills in the market and find a great price for the Broil King Regal, then you don’t have anything more to consider!
Everything has got its advantages and disadvantages. And the perfect example of this is an oil painting.
But then again, you probably have experienced those moments when you're trying to add another layer of oil paints on top of the other. Only to find that they blend together instead. Or that time when you wanted to give the piece a finishing touch but you couldn't because it wasn’t dry yet.
Yes, those moments can be pretty bothersome, especially when you need the art right away.
So if you are looking for ways to make those paints dry within a day, then take notes of certain creative techniques we have for you.
Oil paints take days, weeks or sometimes even months to completely dry.
But when using drying mediums, it can accelerate the drying time at a much faster rate.
But using just any drying medium won't do.
There are drying mediums that are safe while there are some that can cause serious harm to your health.
Make sure that the medium you get is safety and non-toxic. Besides that, a good drying medium does not require you to use a lot of it, but only a certain amount will do.
And another suggestion is to find a bottle of the medium that works best for your painting because there are a lot of varieties out there.
An example of a suitable and most preferred medium is Liquin.
Use Thin Layers
Here is a simple, yet very effective technique to quicken the drying process.
Some artists like to work using thick brush strokes. While this is perfect for other purposes, it will not speed up the drying process any time soon.
Therefore, the solution is to work with light brush strokes and thin layers.
If you keep adding layer after layer, you'll see that the drying time will improve immediately.
Work Environment
The place where you're located has a significant effect on the painting's drying process.
And that is because of the temperature.
Essentially, hot climate quickens the drying time while a humid climate slows it down.
Of course, nobody has control over such things. But once you know the climate type of the place you stay, you can move on with modified and artificial temperature to control the drying time of the art.
Paint on a Flat Surface
When painting on a rough surface, you will notice that in some areas, it takes a very long time to dry.
However, if you use a flat surface, it gives you the ability to distribute the colors evenly. And this allows the oil to harden faster. Moreover, a flat surface is so much better when it comes to painting in layers.
There are many painting styles and preferences, no doubt. But if you want the oil painting to dry off quickly for some reason, we suggest considering a flat surface.
You might be wondering why we're suggesting the use of acrylic for a painting that should solely rely on oil paints. Hear us out.
Acrylic paints are water based colors. That means they have to go through the process of evaporation to dry off completely.
And since oil paints are not water based, they dry off when they get in contact with air/oxygen. This process is known as oxidation. It hardens the oil colors until they dry.
And this takes a much longer time for these paints to dry.
So that leads us to the topic of coating the background with acrylic paint first.
Once you try this simple method, you will then see a big difference in the drying process.
The acrylic paint will dry off, leaving the surface hard and absorbent. Hence, it will speed up the oil paints' drying time.
Types of Paints
Finally, there are the kinds of oil paints you will be using.
Some oil paints contain properties that make them dry quicker.
Earth shades are such examples. Most of these shades usually contain iron oxides which boost the drying speed.
So, look for colors that contain iron oxides for earth tones while for other pigments, they must have either cobalt or lead.
And if you are in a hurry or you require the painting to be ready as soon as possible, look for such colors.
To ease your search, we listed these specific colors that dry faster than other shades because of the components mixed in them:
Another essential thing to consider is the quality of the paints.
Look for a set of colors that are of high quality. However, note that a high price does not necessarily represent high quality. So any paint/tube that contains the above properties will be enough.
We know there are other methods creative artists use to make the paint dry quicker, like microwaving the painting, blow drying, and the like.
While this works well with other types of paints, it is not very ideal for oil paints because it might change the original shades and also damage the painting.
Therefore, we suggest you stick with the techniques provided above. They ensure safety to your artwork, and they are also easy to execute.
Conclusion
So with that, we have come to the end of today's article.
Before we leave you to it, we want to remind you about the need for knowing the things you'll be working on better because that will ensure excellent results.
If you're someone who has heard the term "Visual Development" a thousand times but are still confused as to what it actually refers to, worry not, you're not alone!
The broad term "Visual Development" is used in such a wide variety of contexts that it can be pretty hard to pinpoint exactly what it is. From concept art to illustration to graphic design, there's a lot of places where the term "Visual Development" pops up quite frequently.
So if you're interested in this field and wish to get a basic understanding of what Visual Development is, you've come to the right place. We've answered a few of the most frequently asked questions that a lot of newbies have regarding this field.
So let's get started!
What is Visual Development?
So, What is Visual Development?
Visual Development goes by a lot of different names, from concept art to illustration, there's a lot of terms that are used to describe it. Put simply, "Visual Development" is the basic building block for a wide variety of visual art. It serves as the foundation on top of which further work is done to produce the final output, which can be anything from animated movies to video games.
The scope of Visual Development is to create the tone and setting of pretty much any type of concept art and set the underlying theme for the entire piece of work. This includes creating environments, clothing, designing characters, and a lot of visual organizational work which is essential to any form of visual art.
The scope of Visual Development is pretty broad, and this is precisely what makes it an incredibly lucrative career for aspiring artists. Visual Artists get a high level of professional creative control over their work and can create an entire imaginary world from nothing.
What Does a Visual Artist Do?
Visual Development artists are responsible for creating everything from sets and environments to characters, lighting, and pretty much everything else that are present in the background of any visual art form.
As mentioned earlier, the scope of this field is vast. An artist working in Visual Development creates the entire look and set of videos, animated films, and a wide variety of other productions. As a visual artist, you get the opportunity to work in a lot of different industries ranging from advertising to marketing and even public relations.
However, a considerable chunk of VAs usually work in animation where they are responsible for proposing ideas as to what the setting of the film should look like. They put into consideration the plot, characters, and action and then come up with an underlying theme around which the entire production is done.
Photoshop and Maya are the two most popular software that finds use in Visual Development. So if you're planning on establishing a career in this field, make sure your skills in those two software are well brushed up.
Where Do Visual Artists Work?
Employment opportunities for Visual Artists are plenty in animation studios and video production outfits. If you got talent, there's no end to what you can achieve in this field. From game studios to web designing and even advertising and public relations, there are a lot of firms that hire talented Visual Artists.
More recently, Mobile Technology has emerged as one of the most significant industries which hire Visual Artists. You can work alongside app developers to optimize UI and UX Designs and create website themes. Other options include product layout and designing, creating attractive magazine photos, and working with comic writers.
How Can You Start Your Visual Development Career?
Although opportunities are plenty when it comes to Visual Development, there's no denying that it is a fiercely competitive industry. Most artists pursue a bachelor's degree followed by a master before landing a decent job in Visual Development. Internships are a great way to launch your career and land your first job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment for animators and multimedia artists is projected to grow around 8% in the coming years. On top of that, higher demand for computer graphics is expected to accelerate job opportunities in the mobile industry. So career prospects are pretty top-notch as long as you're able to specialize yourself in a wide variety of skills.
What Skills Do You Need to Master as a Visual Artist?
Visual Artists typically use things like drawing, illustration, animation, graphic designing, and painting in order to bring their imagination to life. So these are a few skills you absolutely need to master if you're looking for a good career in Visual Development.
Apart from those, basic programming knowledge and being up-to-date with the developments in the industry you're planning on entering can go a long way in landing you a job.
Final Words
Visual Development is a career path which offers artists with the highest degree of creative freedom you can expect in a professional setting. It offers you the opportunity to maximize your potential and make a successful career in a wide range of different industries.
We hope we've managed to answer any questions you might have had regarding Visual Development, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
Furnishing your house with functional pieces that also look great aesthetically can be a chore.
The bucket is an often overlooked and underestimated addition when it comes to providing both functionality and tying a room together. But how would you go about picking what product works for you when there are so many different options and varieties.
Buckets have come a long way from being a simple pail for mopping. They now offer a lot more in terms of build, material, function, and extra features.
To help you along, here is our complete guide to help you decide on the perfect bucket. Whatever the room may be, from a living room to a home office space, there is a bucket for any space that adds a flair of functionality and tasteful design.
With that being said, let's get right into it.
30 Types Of Buckets For Your Home
Materials
Depending on the material the bucket is made out of, the functionality can change. Certain materials have an advantage and work better in doing specific jobs over others.
Plastic
Plastic buckets are easily the most common type of buckets in any household. Being made of plastic, they are multi-purpose and durable options, able to store a variety of materials.
Coming in any color imaginable, this is the safe choice for a garden, bathroom, or any job you may need it for. Additionally, it is easy to match any room’s color scheme with its plethora of color options available.
On the other hand, plastic does not have as much of an aesthetic charm that other materials, such as wood or metal lend to a room. However, it is incredibly durable and will surely stand the test of time.
Metals
These buckets have one of the highest durability possible. This is, of course, considering it is maintained. Being made of metal, it is prone to rusting after some time; however, drying it off after using or storing it away in a secure location can prevent rust from forming.
Additionally, using them indoors is always a safe option. For example, using metal buckets as plant pots is a creative way to add a rustic vibe to any room. There are also certain metal materials that are less prone to rusting and decay, lengthening the lifespan.
These metal buckets have the ability to withstand odors without absorbing them, opening up the possibilities to more innovative functions.
Wood
One of the more traditional yet uncommon materials being used nowadays is wood. It is more commonly seen to be aesthetic than functional lately. As newer materials have been used to make buckets with better durability and functionality, wooden buckets have taken a back seat.
Susceptible to breaking down due to rot and mold, it is a better idea to look for a different option if functionality is what you are looking for. However, using wooden buckets indoors is an entirely different story. Shielded from the elements and protected from this breakdown, they are a great option that match every aesthetic.
Glass
Another of the more uncommon materials to make a bucket out of is glass. As a niche material, it works well in what it is designed for, usually filled with ice for drinks. The ice does melt, so making sure the bucket is insulated is essential.
These buckets are a beautiful but fragile item if you want to have a functional and tasteful way to display or store temperature-sensitive materials. That said, the pros of aesthetic design and functionality weighed against the fragility should be considered before picking up a glass bucket.
Size
Having multiple sizes of buckets can change what they are used for. Furthermore, the size of a bucket brings different aesthetic qualities from a decorative perspective.
Extra Small
Having extra small buckets is almost always used for purely aesthetic purposes as it is too small to lend any functionality for a task. A great idea for party favors or as a plant pot, these palm-sized buckets are loved by many for their adorable appearance and charm.
Small
Small buckets are an excellent choice for similarly sized small jobs. Whether it is displaying food at a party in servings, mixing different colored paints, or using simple plant pots, small buckets can be a niche yet a perfect sized tool for specific jobs.
Medium
Coming in at around ten quarts, these medium-sized buckets are usually used around the house for keeping drinks cool at a party or holding water while washing your car. The applications that these buckets can be used for are endless. The sizing makes it ideal for many household tasks, from storing items to transporting things; medium-sized buckets are the perfect middle ground choice.
Large
Should you require more space for larger jobs, the large bucket is an excellent purchase for any task, with ample space to get the job done. Usually measuring 15 quarts, these buckets are perfect for mopping or storing items away cleanly while still being easily accessible.
Extra Large
If you have any jobs involving larger volumes and the 15-quart bucket is insufficient, extra-large buckets are available. Usually a more niche purchase due to their size, it is perfect for storage and typically includes a lid to preserve the contents. Be it storage or holding materials, these 20-quart buckets can be a practical option for more oversized items and jobs you may have.
Unique Features
Buckets come in many different sizes, as we have seen, but the various available features are where the variety truly shines. This variety in design lends a hand mainly to the bucket’s functionality and purpose in performing specific tasks.
Included Lid
An included lid allows an entirely new world of possibilities for a bucket’s purposes. It protects the contents from outside contamination. This makes buckets with lids the go-to choice for long-term storage or for materials that need to be protected and maintained separately.
Additionally, having a lid gives you the option to store multiple buckets on top of each other, which is a great space saver. The easy snapping on of a cover is perfect for quick and easy storage for any household.
One other type of bucket with a lid is tamper-proof lids. These buckets are securely sealed for transporting food or other materials that you may not want to be opened until they reach the recipient. The lid will show if it has been opened to ensure no tampering happens en route.
Be it tamper-proof or not, having a lid is a must if keeping the contents of a bucket safe is a priority for you.
Food Safe
If you want to display food in a fun and unique way, food-safe buckets are a good idea. Be it for a potluck or buffet-style party, they can be replenished easily and lend a special touch on par with bars and restaurants.
Being approved by the FDA is what sets this bucket apart from other regular buckets. The materials it is made of are certified to be food safe. As such, the food cannot be contaminated, and at the same time, the bucket will not be affected by the food over time.
Dual Spout
Purely designed with convenience in mind, the dual spout build allows for a more effortless pouring experience. Having two spouts on the bucket removes the constant mental reminder to align the bucket to have a clean pour.
Of course, having a single spout bucket is still an option. But, if having a clean pour from one container to another with little thought involved is what you want, the dual spout is perfect for you.
Translucent
Initially, having a translucent bucket may not be the first choice for specific tasks. Due to its see-through nature, what sets this bucket apart is being able to keep tabs on how much material is left inside. For jobs requiring measurement or simply keeping tabs on how full a bucket is, an opaque bucket is a great pickup.
Partitioned
Truly a unique design, having a partition in the middle of a bucket gives you superb usability to transport two different materials at the same time. In the context of a household, it is easy to imagine using this for mopping; one side is used for clean water and the other for soapy water.
Another use could be for displaying or storing items and plants in an appealing arrangement. Easy to see and access, with its open-top design, a bucket with partitions in it is excellent for efficient storage.
Whatever the job or purpose, the partitioned bucket gives the functionality of two buckets in one. Saving both energy and money, picking one of these buckets up is an excellent idea for any home.
Reinforced
While using any bucket, it is a common occurrence for the top of the bucket to become misshapen due to the heavier loads and uses. It is easy for standard buckets to warp or even break over time when used with a handle. Reinforced buckets handle this issue by incorporating rings to reinforce the shape around the lip of the bucket.
This simple addition is enough to keep the bucket’s shape no matter how heavy the load or how many uses you put your bucket through. A reinforced bucket is ideal for more practical use over time or for jobs that deal with heavy materials.
Nesting
Nesting buckets are simple buckets save for the tapered design that allows them to be stored within each other. It is similar to a Russian nesting doll, hence the name nesting bucket.
Buying multiple units of this type of bucket is a good investment; they provide functionality when you need it but store away when not in use. This design can be helpful for those who may need multiple buckets for a specific task, such as a party or cleanup. When the job is done, they can be stacked into each other and stored away cleanly.
Included Wringer
One of the most useful buckets for the house setting, a bucket with a wringer built-in, is a hands-down value purchase. It can be a hassle to keep the mop from dripping soapy water onto the floor when mopping. This bucket wringer is the extra feature that will leave this inconvenience in the past.
There are multiple designs when it comes to buckets with a wringer. One more industrial version has two buckets on top of each other with the wringer on top of the larger water bucket to collect and hold the soapy water. Both of these buckets are on wheels in order to move them around easier.
Another design catered to the more minor household needs is a simple bucket and wringer on top to push the excess water back into the bucket. Removing the excess water and putting it back into the bucket, the wringer is efficient and saves time when mopping.
Personalized
A bucket with a simple touch of customization that sets it apart from any plain bucket has no other function than cosmetics. However, this addition adds just that much more sentimental value with that personal touch.
Any room’s décor will benefit significantly from a simple bucket with a personal flair added to it. Customizing a bucket will make it unique for a specific purpose, such as storing different items. It can also set apart different buckets for people, like having a bucket for different children’s toys.
Included Tongs
Similar to glass buckets, these buckets are usually used for storing ice. The included tongs allow you to take the ice out easily. Where this bucket differs from the glass type is the material that the bucket is made out of. They can come in a variety of finishes and designs, not just glass.
Purchasing one of these buckets is meant for those who want a cohesive design between their bar and ice bucket with matching tongs. Of course, you could buy tongs separately but getting the ice bucket and tongs as a set will ensure the aesthetic build is maintained throughout. These small touches will be sure to add to the overall décor of any home bar.
Collapsible
For those who are limited in space for storage, the collapsible bucket is a fantastic innovation in the design of buckets. With the ability to fold fully flat, they take up little to no room. Of course, with the innovative design, it is limited in the materials that it is available in.
Mainly composed of plastic, the durability is not as confidence-inspiring as a traditional bucket. It is susceptible to spilling the contents as the plastic walls of the buckets have no rigid structure and support.
As a result, it is not advisable to put any materials you don’t want being spilled in these. However, it is a unique option for many general household tasks when it comes to bucket design.
Cushioned Lids
One of the more practical features that a bucket could have is a cushioned lid. Not only does this allow a dual feature to the bucket, but it adds an extra furniture element to a room. Having an extra seating option available is great for entertaining guests.
As the bucket is doubling as a seat, it is imperative that the comfort is not compromised simply to increase functionality. On the one hand, a quality cushion will give you more function out of your bucket by adding another seating option. On the other hand, the more permanent set up as a seating arrangement limits the purpose it serves as a bucket. It is thus used as a bucket solely for storage rather than transporting materials.
Uses
A bucket can serve many purposes with its functionality. However, there are still specific purposes that some perform better in a household simply due to their material. What’s more, some buckets are specifically designed with a particular job in mind. Both design and material are what dictate their use for a specific purpose.
Mopping
One of the staple items of every house is a mop bucket for any cleanup situation. Similar to those used in industrial cleaning services by janitors and custodians, these buckets are designed specifically for mopping.
Some of them come with special features added onto a standard bucket, such as a wringer, which easily removes water from the mop. Another notable feature is a spout to pour out dirty and soapy water easily.
These buckets are also adequately sized to carry around large volumes of soapy water. As they are meant to hold dirty materials and strong cleaning products alike, they are usually made of plastics.
Storage
Buckets in a household are a common storage choice. Due to their easy stackability, variety of sizes, and ease of access, it is easy to see why they are ideal. In fact, these buckets can come in a plethora of materials that change what you can store in them.
More giant metallic units are ideal for more heavy-duty materials and items. For example, they are a perfect choice for garden sheds to store tools and gardening soil. On top of that, making it easier to store and transport them are handles for easier lifting. And having a lid on the bucket can allow you to stack these storage containers on top of each other.
Alternatively, plastic options or even wooden buckets are available for more delicate storage to lend an aesthetic addition to any space. Different color finishes allow them to fit in with the décor or style of any space, be it indoors or outdoors. Sizing also varies to fit in with any constraints you may have when it comes to space.
Sand Bucket
For those who have children in their homes or simply love the beach - a sand bucket is a great idea. It is simple to use for children, thanks to its plastic and light build. Of course, any bucket could technically be used at a beach as a “sand bucket,” but the lightweight nature and bright colors are what make this particular type shine.
A day at the beach will be made much more pleasurable with a sand bucket to build a sandcastle, fill water in a moat, or collect seashells. Bright colors help them to stand out and be found easily after playing in the sand.
Car-Wash Bucket
Not to be confused with the prior mopping bucket, a car-washing bucket serves a similar purpose of cleaning. Of course, these buckets are identical in purpose; they can be differentiated in the build and features of a car-washing option that makes it easier to clean a car.
One such difference between this variant and the mopping bucket is the size. Car washing buckets are generally smaller in size for easier maneuverability around a car. You wouldn’t want to scratch your car while cleaning it after all.
An ergonomic handle is a must to help with carrying the bucket around with one hand easily. Another feature of car washing buckets is a grit guard to prevent scratches. All these features and the design of a car-washing bucket together make it ideal for washing vehicles over other types.
Ice Bucket
Usually made of metal or glass, these buckets are insulated to hold ice without it melting. The ice bucket is an ideal option for parties or home bars, providing easy access to ice without having to repeatedly go to a freezer.
They also come with special features to help store ice more efficiently so that it doesn’t melt within minutes. Of course, handles on the sides or top that fold away will help transport the ice around easily. Furthermore, a few variants come with a lid to lock in the cold air and increase the insulation, making the ice last longer.
Ash Bucket
A simple bucket with a simple task, an ash bucket is simply for convenience’s sake. For homes with a fireplace, it will remove the need to carry the ash outside for disposal repeatedly.
Positioned next to a fireplace, you can store ash and coals over time and dispose of the entire bucket when it fills up. An attached lid is a cherry on top to ensure the ash won’t spill or be spread in the air. You wouldn’t want to risk all the ash staining your furniture or floors.
Gardening
Gardening can be a demanding physical task or hobby. To help cut down on the strain, as well as increase your efficiency, gardening buckets would be a good investment. Due to its build and special features, you will be able to tend to your garden with ease.
One unique feature of the gardening bucket is an attached adjustable strap. By wrapping the strap around your waist, it will let you carry around the bucket. As the bucket is attached, you won’t have to pause to bring your bucket around constantly. It also frees up both hands for work instead of constantly going to and from your bucket.
Saving time and energy, as well as potential body aches, a gardening bucket has multiple advantages for home gardeners.
Additionally, buckets can be used to store your plants. There is little to differentiate a bucket from a traditional flower or plant pot. This allows for a beautiful way to bring nature into your home. Hanging buckets holding your favorite flowers and plants will brighten any room.
Industrial Pail
In the event that you are doing some DIY work around the house or are working with industrial materials like paint or cement, industrial pails are the standard choice. Typically made of plastic or metal, these buckets allow for the safe storage and transport of the materials being used.
A typical industrial pail is the paint bucket. Two-gallon buckets are perfectly sized to hold paint safely with a lid to store it when not in use. Small DIY paint jobs are handled with ease with these pails at your disposal.
For larger projects, there are five-gallon-sized pails to accommodate heavy-duty materials. Be it for cement or mixing mortar, the volume of this larger bucket has ample space to help you along with any project you have.
Party Favors
Using small buckets as party favors is an excellent use for their size. Due to their easy-to-carry, palm-sized nature, using them as individual party favors is a no-brainer. Many are made of plastic due to their durability and availability in different colors and styles to match any party theme.
Continuing from the party favor theme, they can also be used to display decorations and snacks. While these sized buckets may not have many practical uses in practical tasks, they make up for it in the potential of decorating parties and special occasions.
Selecting A Bucket
To determine which bucket is right for you, it all comes down to the material and design. Some materials do have advantages over others in functionality. Similarly, sizing and additional features attached to the actual bucket help them perform specific jobs better.
Plastic and metallic buckets are multi-purpose and more durable than the glass and wooden variants. Depending on the job or task you have, a specific design can change how efficiently you can get the job done. Matching the right build to a suitable material is how you should go about selecting the right bucket for your needs.
Final Words
When having all these different materials, designs, and uses available, you can see how choosing the perfect bucket for a task can make a vast difference in your experience. It is simply a matter of combining the suitable material with the right build.
Be it for decorating or manual work, the perfect bucket for you is somewhere out there - built just for your specific needs. All you need to do is make the right pick!
At worst, it may even take several days. And considering that the artist has to wait for each layer of paint to dry up before progressing, it not only is a nuisance but can seriously hamper productivity.
But don’t you worry because in this article we have listed all the hacks and tricks that you need to know to quickly dry out oil paint.
Give it a read!
Learn How to Make Oil Paints Dry Faster
Paint
Before we jump into more nuanced and genius ideas of quick dry-times, we need to deal with the most basic part of the whole endeavor, i.e., paint.
When it comes to Earth colors, go for the paint which uses Iron Oxide as the pigment source. It will dry up significantly faster than other kinds of paint.
You can get the information of the pigment source, most probably, from the manufacturer’s website but sometimes it’s even labeled on the box and the retailer’s website.
Hues with Cobalt/Lead
When it comes to hues - shades with a mixture of pigments, try to opt for the ones that have cobalt and lead in the pigment mixture.
Metal or metal oxide pigments dry up faster than natural pigments. We have witnessed that with iron oxides as well.
All oil paints use some sort of oil as the emulsifier of the paint - generally, linseed, walnut, or poppy.
It is a well-known fact that oil paint that uses linseed oil as the emulsifier dry up significantly faster than ones with walnut or poppy oil - with walnut being better than poppy in that regard.
So, if drying time matters a lot to you, go paint with linseed oil. You can find that information from the manufacturer’s website as well.
Other tools
Apart from picking up the right paint, you’ll also need to use different mediums and additives for serious improvement in drying time. Here are a few things that, according to us, should help you in that pursuit:
Glue chalk gesso is a primer that absorbs a significant amount of oil from the base layer of the painting, hence, allowing it to dry up faster. It also makes the canvas and the painting much more durable.
To properly apply the gesso, use a sponge brush or a special brush called a primer to apply the gesso on the canvas. Apply only a thin layer of gesso on the canvas, and once done, let it dry thoroughly.
If you are really on the crunch, then one thing that would help is the use of a smoother surface of canvas than a textured one.
Surfaces with texture will accumulate more oil than a smoother surface, especially, when it comes to the base layer.
On the other hand, a smoother surface won’t do this. And because of this, a painting done on a smooth canvas will dry up much faster than one done on a textured canvas.
Tweak Your Process
Certain protocols can also be adopted while painting that’ll aid in the drying process. The following are some methods that will be a substantial help in that pursuit.
Mix with [easyazon_link identifier="B006PGEQ2G" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" link_id="193215" type="link"]Linseed oil[/easyazon_link]
We have already mentioned how paint with linseed oil dry up way faster than paint with other oils like walnut and poppy.
Therefore, it’ll also be helpful if while painting, you mix the paint with linseed oil on the palette. This simple method will result in substantial improvement in the drying time of the painting.
Colorful painted on concrete wall. Abstract background. Retro and vintage backdrop.
Make it thin
Always keep in mind that, thinner layers of paint will dry up significantly faster than thicker layers. There’s no voodoo behind this. Of course, if the applied layer has more oil then it will take significantly more time to dry up.
To thin out the layer of paint you can use turpentine, which is one of the most popular mediums used for this purpose. There are also other alkyd mediums like [easyazon_link keywords="Liquin" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" link_id="193216" type="link" ref="misen"]Liquin[/easyazon_link] that can achieve the same result and be harmless unlike turpentine.
Keep in mind that these solvents are to be handled with care because they can have hazardous effects. So, read the labels carefully and handle these solvents with utmost caution.
One tricky but effective method to make your painting dry up fast is by using a heat gun.
You have to be cautious when using a heat gun to dry up the painting because if it is too close to the surface, it can tear up the paint and completely ruin the artwork.
So, be sure to hold it up at least a few inches above the painting and gently hover it on the painting to get the perfect result. From our testing, the ideal temperature for the gun will be somewhere around 130 F.
Less number of layers
The less the number of layers you have in your painting, the faster it’ll dry up. Not only that, but it’ll also make finishing the painting a lot less time-consuming.
Therefore, we advise you to plan out your painting before you pick up the brush. Count the number of layers that you’ll have to use to finish the painting and if there’s any way to cut the layers down, do it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when applying the base layer, make the paint as thin as possible. The base layer is the main culprit of accumulating excessive oil. So, if it’s possible to apply a thin coating for the base layer, it’ll significantly reduce the drying time.
Fast Drying Paint for Base Layer
The base layer of paint is one of the most notorious causes of excessively long drying time. So, it’s a no-brainer that if you apply proper precautions when painting the base layer, it’ll significantly improve the dry-up time.
Always, opt for paint with iron oxides, cobalt/lead and/or linseed oil for painting the base layer. If your base layer dries up fast then the subsequent layers as well.
Bonus Hack. One simple hack for base layer painting is to use acrylic paint rather than oil paint, if possible. It’s a known fact that acrylic paint dries up extremely fast when compared not only to oil paint but also every other medium.
Room
After using all the above tips and tricks while painting, when it comes to actually leaving the painting to dry in a room, keep the following things in mind.
Room Condition
For quick drying times, maintaining the condition of the room is extremely important. If not done so, the painting will take ages to dry up and in the worst case scenario, might even get ruined.
Of course, the room where you choose to dry up your paintings should have the least humidity possible. Keep it well-lit with natural light - through glass-paned windows. But also make sure that there is no dust in the room.
And according to us, the perfect temperature should be somewhere around 70 F.
Tools That’ll help
There are certain gadgets that should help you maintain the condition of the room. Of course, the primary goal will be to control the humidity.
The obvious tools for that purpose will be to use a dehumidifier. A cheaper option is a table fan but to use a table fan, you will have to keep the room squeaky clean - free of dust.
It’s an excellent choice to install an air conditioner in the room because it can do both the jobs of a dehumidifier and a table fan while also keeping the dust in check. But of course, it’s a much more expensive ordeal.
Conclusion
So, that’ll be all for this guide. We hope that the tips and tricks we mentioned in this article help you achieve a substantial cut in drying time.
Some of these methods need a significant investment on your part, so, we’d recommend you to take time and properly plan out your painting process well advance in time.
With that, we wish you well in your artistic endeavors and thank you for reading.
Dried paint brushes happen to the best and the most cautious of us.
How many times have you had a burst of creativity, got a great idea in your head, ran into your studio, set up your canvas only to find that all your brushes have dried acrylic paint on them and are now unusable?
Next morning you wake up, go into your studio, only to find your beloved paintbrush has now solidified into one single mass of paint-hardened bristle. Despite your best efforts to untangle, separate or wash the hairs, they are not yielding whatsoever.
We understand how bad it feels. Because of that, we have compiled this guide to walk you through all the separate options you have on how to revive a stiff acrylic-coated paintbrush.
Note: Be forewarned though, that the methods listed below might not be able to help you out as some brushes might just be far too damaged, especially if you've kept them that way for an extended period of time. These methods should only be used as a last resort after all simpler methods have failed.
How to Clean Dried Acrylic Paint Off Brushes
What Kind Of Bristles Are On Your Brush?
First things first, you need to know what kind of bristles are on your brush. They are broadly categorized into two types:-
Synthetic Brushes
If your brush has synthetic bristles, then in all likelihood removing hardened acrylic from them is an absolute lost cause. If washing with soap and water aren't working out, then you've pretty much exhausted all your options. It's very hard and almost impossible to get acrylic paint out of synthetic acrylic paint brushes.
This is because synthetic bristles simply do not hold up to the kind of harsh chemicals you need to use to get those clumps of paint coating off. They will probably, break down if they come into contact with harsh chemicals.
You can try out the methods listed below, but we can't guarantee that it'll work. But then go ahead, try it out. After all, you don't have anything to lose, do you?
Natural Bristles
If your brush is made out of natural bristles (hog, squirrel, badger bristles, etc.), you'll have a much easier time trying to get the dried-out paint off them.
These bristles are way more suitable for harsh chemical washes. Because of this, we highly recommend buying natural brushes. They may cost a little more, but they make up for that in durability and clean-ability. They'll save you a lot of money in the long run.
So without further ado, let's get down to what solutions you can use to get that dried off paint out of these brushes.
How To Get Dried Acrylic Out Of Brushes
Acetone, Nail Polish Remover
Acetone is the primary component in most nail polish removers. You can find it in most medical and cosmetic stores. Thus it would be pretty easy to get your hands on some acetone.
Dipping your paintbrush in an acetone solution will let the acetone penetrate the bristles and get rid of most of the acrylic buildup. The paint simply breaks out of the bristles and dissolves into the solvent.
Tip: Acetone solutions are quite pungent. Hence, they should be kept out of reach of small children and ideally in a room with a lot of ventilation, so that the smell airs out quickly.
Rubbing Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly found in rubbing alcohol is another excellent choice. It has considerably less odor than acetone and works much in the same way.
The solvent penetrates right into the bristles and dissolves the paint sticking onto them. In fact, most acrylic paint removal kits you find online are basically made out of this ingredient. It's just repackaged and sold under a different brand name.
Hence, if you want to hold on to your hard earned dollars, just get the generic isopropyl alcohol. They work nearly identical to the acetone solution.
Steps On How To Use These Solvents
Once you've gotten a hold of these solvents isopropyl alcohol or acetone, the rest of the process is pretty straightforward.
Step 1
Fill up a glass jar with the solution of your choice.
Step 2
Dip the brush into it up to the level of the ferrule.
Step 3
Let it soak for a few minutes.
Step 4
Take the brush out
Step 5
Rinse with warm soapy water, preferably dish-washing detergent.
Step 6
Repeat process until all the paint clumps are gone.
The process is pretty basic and should be able to get rid of most acrylic buildups, especially if your paintbrush hasn't been in that state for too long.
Hand Sanitizing Gel
Your ever faithful hand sanitizing gel now has another use - it can be used to clean the debris off your acrylic paint brushes.
Hand sanitizing gel has pretty much the same chemical makeup as the solvents mentioned above (it uses ethyl alcohol instead.) As a result, it can be used to achieve the same results, in the same way.
In fact, we would prefer this over the others because it's easier and requires no apparatus. All you have to do is squeeze out a bit of it onto your palm and then rub your brush thoroughly and vigorously until all the debris is removed.
Repeat this process a few times, and all the clumps of paint should come out.
It's a manual process, and it might get a little messy, so ensure you have enough water handy to clean your hands and the brush afterward. Use warm soapy water for washing, just like we mentioned before.
Other solvents you can use:
Ammonia solution,
Denatured Alcohol or
Lacquer Thinner
However, using these solutions might be dangerous and pose a safety risk. In our opinion, it just isn't worth it.
Note: In all the processes that we have listed above, remember to ensure that your brush does not stay in prolonged contact with these solutions.
Don't just dip it in the solution and leave it overnight. This can be disastrous for your brush, and all the bristles might get frayed or broken.
What Else Can You Do How to Prevent Dried Paint Brushes
If you've tried out everything we've listed above, (if one of the methods mentioned above didn't work, it's highly unlikely another one will) you can still try out a few manual methods before completely abandoning hope and giving up.
Use An Old Comb And Manually Remove The Clumps
If all fails, get yourself an old comb you no longer use and use it to try to scrape off all the paint gunk of your brush. The finer the teeth on your comb, the more success you'll have with this method.
The first thing you do is wet the brush with a little water and apply a little oil. This will add some strength to the bristles and also, allow the paint clumps to slide off them a little more efficiently, while you run your comb through.
To ensure that you don't break the bristles or pull them out of the ferrule, make sure you grip the bristles and hold them firmly in place at the base near the ferrule. Doing this should prevent any accidental breakage.
Give Your Paintbrush A Trim
If you simply can't get all the paint out, the next best thing is to give the brush a trim. Hey, it's better than simply throwing it into the trash, isn't it?
Besides, you can use that trimmed brush for other painting purposes, for example, stippling. You can even get really creative with your paintings by using differently trimmed acrylic paint brushes. You might just turn a mishap into something marvelous.
Preventive Measures
As the old adage goes, prevention is always better than cure. You'll never have to go through the whole process above if you only had been more careful in the first place.
But it's not all about carelessness. These kinds of things are bound to happen unless you have a set routine or a due process in place.
How to Prevent Dried Acrylic Paint Brushes
Always Keep Water Handy
Liquid acrylic is water soluble but not dry acrylic paint is not. When you dip your brushes into the water, the paint breaks off.
It's always a good habit to keep a jar of water handy and somewhere inside your field of vision. So that when your eyes automatically wander there, you'll remember to dip the brushes in there and take it out.
While this is not much of a problem during painting as you'll be using different colors on the same brush, but you might have a few acrylic paint brushes you use once or twice and then keep separately because you don't need them presently. In all probability, you have a separate space for these brushes - the less frequently used ones.
A good idea would be to keep a jar of water alongside these brushes as well. Thus again, as soon as you're done with them, you dip the brushes in the water.
Make A Schedule
We get it! Making a schedule is annoying, painful and definitely not an artsy thing to do. But it does have its benefits though.
But if you set aside a specific time out just to clean the brushes, you can rest assured that there will never be any acrylic build up there.
Note: Very often we wash our brushes but not all the way through. As a result, some paint is leftover at the base of the ferrule or the center parts of your brushes. These areas are often overlooked and cause problems later on.
So when you're taking a timeout to wash the acrylic paint brushes, take your time and wash them as thoroughly as you can. It just takes a few seconds more.
What this break will also do, is give you a fresh perspective on your painting. You take a step back, look at your painting, and you might just figure out exactly what it's missing or how you can make it better.
Keep Regular Check
If you left your paint on your brushes overnight or only for a few hours, it might dry up, but you won't have any problems cleaning it up with any of the processes mentioned above.
However, the longer the acrylic stays on your paintbrush, the harder it becomes to salvage that paintbrush. If multiple days or weeks have gone by, it can be immensely hard to clean it up.
Thus if you keep a regular check on all your painting supplies, that situation will never come to pass, and your clean acrylic paint brushes will remain clean brushes, dried paint will be a memory of the past.
Final Words
In closing, we'd just like to remind you that the processes we talked about earlier have a relatively high chance of working, but only if the dried paint is not too old.
If the paint is not coming out, rubbing the brush extremely hard will not help your case. On the other hand, it might just break the bristles.
Remember to not let the paintbrush lie in strong chemical solutions for too long; just keep it there for a few minutes.
Don't even keep the bristles immersed in water overnight as this might bend the bristles.
If you've tried everything and it simply isn't working out, then you just have to accept it's time to bite the bullet and get yourself a new set.
Folks looking for cr123a batteries that promise long-lasting performance must opt for the Duracell Lithium Battery. Lithium batteries from Panasonic, Rapthor, and Enegitech are also reliable options because of their versatility and outstanding performance.
The best cr123a battery is widely used in smoke alarms, security systems, and other devices.
And rightly so, since the nominal voltage of these lithium batteries is 3.0 volts. Interestingly, these cylindrical batteries have a shelf life of seven to ten years.
So, are you looking forward to purchasing a cr123a battery for a smoke detector? If yes, dive in to explore the nine excellent options that are worth every penny.
POWER FOR A WIDE RANGE OF DEVICES – The Duracell 123 3...
LONG-LASTING POWER – Duracell high power CR123A Lithium...
Sitting atop our list is our favorite Duracell cr123a 3V Lithium Battery that is designed for peak performance in high-drain devices.
Equivalent to the 3V EL123, DL123, and CR17345 battery types, this cr123a lithium-ion battery is compatible with various devices apart from smoke detectors. Coming with a shelf life of about ten years, Duracell supplies its battery in a range of options– one, two, four, six, and twelve-packs, so you’re spoiled for variety.
Unlike other batteries, these ones are long-lasting and can power your device for about 30 months. So, if you can spend a tad bit, we suggest you give this Duracell battery a go.
Looking for a cr123a lithium battery for your smoke alarm that can perform well in extreme temperatures? Panasonic has got you covered with its 3V Photo Lithium batteries that function well in temperatures ranging between -40°F and 158° F.
These non-rechargeable lithium batteries boast a capacity of 1,550 mAh and provide 3 volts of power, making them perfect for smoke detectors. Their versatility doesn’t end here, as you can use them in high-end flashlights, cameras, and other devices.
Weighing only about 4.5 lbs, these batteries come in multiple packs for user convenience. However, they last only for about four months, so you might as well order extra packs for future use.
Remind: 1.These batteries are non-rechargeable. 2. Not...
1650mAh High Capacity: Each CR123A 3V lithium battery has a...
High-capacity, reliable, and long-lasting– the Rapthor cr123a lithium non-rechargeable batteries are a perfect alternative to alkaline batteries.
Packed with 3 volts, each unit offers a capacity of 1,650 mAh– undoubtedly, one of the highest capacities that you can get with cr123a batteries. So, rest assured, they will power your smoke detector for a long time.
Furthermore, they are UL-certified for built-in PTC (pressure, temperature, control) protection against overheating and over-current. Besides, they come with a shelf life of 10 years, so you can store them without worries.
The batteries are covered with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can return them if unsatisfied. The only downside is that you cannot use the Rapthor cr123a batteries for Arlo cameras.
【Fits For】 These 123a batteries can use for Smart Lock,...
Sold in a pack of six, the Enegitech cr123a 3V lithium non-rechargeable batteries are compatible with a variety of smart devices. Therefore, you can use them to power flood and freeze sensors, laser pointers, and flashlights along with smoke detectors.
Thanks to the high-quality cell used in manufacturing, the batteries can be stored for up to ten years. These batteries are equipped with an EPTC smart protection chip that makes them safe for use in every setting.
As each of them offers a capacity of 1,600 mAh, you can rest assured that they are built to last long. However, the brand offers these batteries only in six-pack options, unlike the others that offer multiple packs.
Basic Info - EEMB Non-rechargeable CR123A battery NOT for...
10 Years Shelf Life - Low self discharge (self-discharge...
Searching for lithium batteries that work in both extreme hot and cold environments without malfunctioning? Your search ends here because EEMB cr123a lithium batteries power smoke detectors in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 185°F.
Each of the 3V batteries has a capacity of 1,500 mAh, which means they are high in energy density and will last three to five times more than alkaline batteries. Therefore, you can use them in your smoke alarm without thinking twice.
Available in multiple packs, these batteries are UN and CE-compliant, and UL-certified, which makes them a dependable option. Other than smoke detectors, you can insert these batteries in camcorders, electronic doorbells, and other devices.
Known for manufacturing the highest-capacity batteries that are high in durability, Bevigor doesn’t disappoint us when it comes to its cr123a 3V lithium batteries. Supplied in only an eight-pack option, these 3V lithium batteries have a power capacity of 1,500 mAh, ensuring long-lasting performance.
In addition to being UN38.3, UL, CE, and ROHS safety-certified, these batteries are tested under strict quality control standards to make sure they pass every criterion.
As no harmful compounds are used in manufacturing these batteries, you can store them for upto ten years in the storage box. Though these batteries are perfect for smoke detectors, you can also use them to power Arlo cameras, electric meters, electronic doorbells, and so on.
Ideal for a wide range of applications, the NVI Lithium 3V Non-Rechargeable Batteries are perfect for powering smoke detectors.
These 1,650 mAh batteries are designed to be safe for use both indoors and outdoors, and their CE, UL, and ROHS certification testify the same. On top of that, they feature PTC protection thermistors to prevent batteries from overheating.
Highly striking is the fact that each battery is equipped with a safe air hole and an explosion-proof cap. To top it off, these batteries are anti-explosive and anti-corrosive, thanks to their thick steel shell design. Not to forget, these batteries work well in extreme weather ranging between -40°F and +140°F.
Available in multiple options from one-piece to 50-piece packs, these are 3 Volt non-rechargeable lithium batteries , weighing less than 0.04 pounds.
PKCELL certainly lives up to its tagline, “Green energy, easy life,” and that’s why its batteries are free from mercury and cadmium. Like others on the list, these batteries score high on versatility and are compatible with smoke detectors, torches, cameras, and other electronic devices.
And as they come with a rating of 1,500 mAh, you can rest assured that they will last longer than most options. Note that these batteries aren’t safe for use in extremely hot regions.
NOTE: Not recommended Compatible with Arlo security cameras,...
High-performance 3V lithium batteries, Replacement for any...
With a 1,650 mAh capacity, these 3V batteries from FARSAIL are a reliable option for smoke detectors because they are designed for high-drain devices. Other than that, you can use them in digital cameras, flashlights, medical equipment, and other high-tech devices, except for Arlo cameras.
What’s more, these non-rechargeable units can be used as a replacement for any standard 3-volt lithium battery like 123a, cr123, and 123.
If stored properly, the batteries can last for as long as ten years without losing their efficiency. Designed for long-lasting performance, these units can withstand freezing and humid climates ranging from -45°F to 185°F.
CR123A Battery For Smoke Detector Buying Guide
Still unsure which cr123a battery will be the right choice for your smoke detector? –You’re not alone! Like you, there are many people who often get stuck in the decision-making process, especially if they’re a first-time buyer.
But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with this buying guide, where we’ve mentioned some important factors that you must keep in mind while shopping. Let’s check them out.
1. Battery Life Of Lithium Batteries
Let us ask you a question-- what are cr123a batteries popular for?Of course, they are much sought-after for their exceptional battery life and extended durability. So, the first thing you must check is the battery life the brands offer with their battery sets.
In this regard, always check the power rating mentioned by the brand in the description of the product. While some prefer batteries with 1,500 mAh capacity, others opt for a battery rating of 1,650 mAh . Ideally, going for batteries with high ratings is the best bet because you won’t have to replace them soon.
Many alarm manufacturers mention the power rating and the battery size that are compatible with their devices, so make sure you check the instruction manual.
2. Shelf Life
Another crucial factor that you must consider is the shelf life of the batteries since they are often stored as a backup for extended periods. When shopping for batteries for your smoke alarm system, look for options that come with a shelf life of at least ten years.
3. Budget
Rarely do cr123a batteries come in single packs; most brands sell them in multiple packs ranging from a two-piece to 50-piece options. Make a budget so that you don’t spend more than required.
And when purchasing batteries, weigh the price with the capacity offered because some brands offer more units at a lesser price.
CR123A Battery For Smoke Detector Verdict
When it comes to smoke detectors, cr123a lithium batteries make a great choice because of their large power capacity and shelf life.
From budget buys to high-end options, they are available in various price ranges, so finding the one that suits your budget won’t be much of a problem. Before we call the curtains for the day, here’s a quick rundown of our favorites from the list.
One one hand it gives you a lot of time to think and manipulate the colors on your painting. On the other hand, it might get frustrating to wait for the first layer to dry up before you put in the next layer.
The malleable nature of oil paints, in addition to the depth, and vibrancy of its pigment quality, makes oil color the choice of paint for many artists. If only there were a way you could plan out the drying time and maybe speed it up as well, so you could be more productive.
So How Long Does It Take For Oil Paints To Dry?
The short answer for this question is that, "It depends."
There's no definite way to know for sure how long it will take. It could be as little as a day and as long as five days to a week.
Most artists generally accept that it's a long process and they don't have any problems with it. Instead, they have come to love the process, because of all the time they get during painting. This time allows them to experiment and try out new and novel ideas with their paintings.
Here in this guide, we'll list out the different factors that influence and lengthen drying time, and then we'll write down a few methods by which you can combat these factors and speed up the process.
Factors Which Decide Oil Paint Drying Time
Environmental Conditions Like Temperature, Light, Humidity
The local climate of the place where you do your painting determines to a large degree how long it will take for your paint to dry.
The best possible environment for quick drying is, of course, dry arid areas like a desert or somewhere inland where there are no water bodies. The worst possible situation is a cold and wet place, somewhere like London.
What Can You Do To Speed It Up
Warm, dry air is best. So if you have a radiator in your house, keep it close to the radiator. But not too close though, or the oil on your painting might start cracking up.
Basements are more humid than the rest of the house. So don't set up your wares in the basement. Instead, consider a well-ventilated area like a garage or a room with a lot of windows.
Also, try to keep your paintings in a well-lit place. Storing them in continuous darkness is going to make the paint slowly turn yellow.
The Pigments and Colors You Are Using
Each oil-color pigment (red, black, white, blue, etc.) has a different composition. This is because different colors are made from various separate sources, which can be artificial or natural.
Unlike acrylic colors, oil colors don't exactly dry up, i.e., they do not evaporate. Instead, they get oxidized, which is a chemical reaction between the paint and the oxygen present in the air. Depending on the chemical makeup of the particular paint, it might take longer for certain colors (up to a week for some cadmium hues) or shorter for others ( one or two days for cobalt blue).
Here's a quick rundown on how long it takes for the most common paints to dry up, oxidize.
[easyazon_link identifier="B004O79MIQ" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273919"]Alizarin crimson and most other reds[/easyazon_link]
While there isn't really anything you can do about how long it takes for the colors to dry, you can't be expected only to use colors which have a quick drying time. That will be severely restrictive for your painting. So if you want to utilize your entire color palette, here are a few workarounds which will be a big help to you.
- Paint in layers
One of the best features of oil painting is that you can paint in layers. Paint one layer, and then paint more layers on top of it to make a detailed, intricate painting which has depth and realism.
A very commonly used principle taught in most art schools and employed by most artists is the "fat over lean" principle. This principle basically means that the thin layers go under the thicker ones. The "fatter" layers are painted over the "leaner" ones.
The bottom layer or the base layer of the painting is called the underpainting. This is where you define the general layout and organization of your piece. All your basic shapes and elements get drawn on this layer.
Most underpaintings (the bottom-most layer) are made with one or two colors which are of a quick-drying type (like burnt umber.) You can expect this paint to dry up by the end of the day or take a maximum of two days. Make sure to keep the layer as thin as possible also. This will also speed up the drying process.
This technique is also known as "slow over fast." The 'slower,' more detailed layers are painted on top of the 'faster' mono or bi-colored layers. This practice also prevents cracking of the upper layers.
When you're painting the upper layers, our suggestion is just to let nature run its course and dry the paint out over the due course of time. This is how oil paintings are meant to be done, and this is what makes them so brilliant. Be sure to store your art in a safe place, away from kids and pets.
- Make An Underpainting Of Acrylic Paints
Oil painting is incredibly versatile in that it can be used to paint even over other types of colors like acrylic. Now painting an underlayer with acrylic has its advantages and disadvantages.
The primary advantage is that acrylic dries a lot faster than oil colors. It will take a maximum of 30 minutes and will dry almost instantaneously if you're painting outdoors.
The disadvantages, however, are that acrylic becomes considerably darker when they dry up and also give off a plastic feel that many artists intensely dislike. It simply lacks the fluidity of an oil painting. Because of these disadvantages, it is very rarely used by artists in spite of it's exceptionally fast drying time.
If you're hard pressed for time, this is the best method you have to speed up your painting considerably, maybe at the cost of a little quality.
- Work On Multiple Paintings Simultaneously
This is another trick widely utilized by painters everywhere. While one of your paintings is drying, follow up and continue on an old painting or start a new one.
This technique will help you to be productive while not losing touch with your creative process in the middle of long breaks while your paint dries.
The amount of oil used in your painting and the oil-to-color ratio is also a very important factor in the drying time of your paints. The less the amount of oil used, as in the 'thinner' the paint layer is, the faster it will dry.
There are also different types of oil solvents available on the market. You choose the most suitable one depending on the amount of fluidity and consistency you want in your painting.
When it comes to different oils, the fastest drying oils are [easyazon_link keywords="Linseed oil" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273923"]Linseed oil[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link keywords="Alkyds" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273924"]Alkyds[/easyazon_link].
Safflower oil is a moderately fast drying oil while the slowest drying oil is Poppy Seed oil.
Most people use linseed oil for painting, whereas poppy seed oil is excellent for keeping your paint brushes wet in between painting sessions. Alkyd oils are not a traditional, natural solvent and are made out of an alkyd resin.
What Can You Do To Speed Up The Process
You are not entirely at the mercy of the elements when it comes to the kind of oil solvent you are using. There are a few methods you can apply which can significantly expedite the process of drying of your paints.
- You can [easyazon_link keywords="use oil paint thinner" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273925"]use a paint thinner[/easyazon_link]
Paint thinners are usually made of an odorless mineral spirit like ether or they are made out of turpentine. Applying these thinners to your paint thin the oil paint layer itself, which makes for quicker drying. Remember when we said, thinner layers dry faster than thicker layers.
These solvents aren't without their set of problems though. The first problem is that they give your oil painting a watercolor-like consistency. Thus you should ideally only apply these solvents to the first layer or the underpainting.
The second problem is that if you apply too much of these thinners, your painting might dry so fast that it peels off. This again makes paint thinners suitable for only the bottom-most layer where it won't cause serious harm to your painting.
Make sure you get the artist grade products as the standard variants are incredibly harmful to the environment and also produce toxic fumes. If you're really in a hurry, we would suggest you use turpentine over mineral spirits like ether as they generally work much faster.
- Use an [easyazon_link keywords="alkyd medium" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" link_id="193558" type="link" ref="misen"]alkyd medium[/easyazon_link]
Alkyd colors are also frequently used to hasten drying times and have of now, become a staple in most studios. They are made of pigment and oil-modified alkyd resin, which acts as a binder. This causes the paint to dry more rapidly.
Alkyd oil colors offer all the buttery feel and the versatility of oil colors but with a much quicker drying time. They start drying an hour into the application but remain wet, as in, workable for many hours after that. Some artists think alkyd paints are a little sticky as compared to traditional oil colors.
A good idea would be to substitute some of your most frequently used oil colors with alkyd replacements. Because these colors will be used in a number of mixtures, it will speed up the overall process of painting.
However, do remember that although regular oil paint can be layered over alkyds, alkyds should never be layered over oil. The less flexible alkyd may crack, ruining your whole painting.
Artist drawing with acrylic paint
Final Words
Although the techniques mentioned above will help speed up the process of drying, most of them are best utilized in the bottom layers only.
You can use paint thinners in the top layers, but that might hamper the fluidity of the painting which defeats the purpose of oil painting in the first place.
We recommend you use the techniques mentioned above on the underpainting and then paint the layers above the traditional way. The fluidity and buttery feel is what gives oil painting it's edge and drawing "naked" will help you get a better appreciation of how the colors work and blend together to create a masterpiece.
Well, that's it from us. Thank you for reading. Until next time!
An increasing number of students are wondering whether a standard college or university degree is as valuable in the current job market.
Many prefer jumping into the work environment, racking up experience to secure a job with good pay. The trend has only gone up due to higher college fees, leaving many students with debts that are extremely tough to recover from. Due to this shift, there are those who are doubtful about the next career move.
Thankfully, at this juncture, students don't face bleak prospects in the absence of a college degree. They can opt for several jobs, many of which require just a high school diploma. Some might need licenses, certification courses, or even hands-on training.
But, one can do away with schooling and a formal degree even if they aim for cushy employment opportunities. And we've offered a comprehensive guide for such career options.
Let's dive into it without any further delay.
Career Options | High Paying Jobs With Little Schooling
For the sake of brevity, we have divided the career options in different categories.
Trade Professions
Plumbers
Clogged drains and toilets are common problems in every household. It is often a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. If one doesn't mind working with their hands, then becoming a plumber is a good career choice.
People are willing to pay a good amount of money for the handiwork, but plumbing is a bit more complex than clearing out drains and toilets. As such, a high school diploma is sufficient, but one can go to a trade school or dive into an apprenticeship.
As per the data provided by the BLS or US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is likely to be a 16% growth in the field. This translates to an additional 75,200 openings apart from the current workforce of more than 480,600. Plumbers take in a fair amount of money annually, in the ballpark of $55,160. They make a steady $26.52 per hour for their services.
Electricians
It turns out that not many people might be needed to change a lightbulb, but one must have the right person for the job. Although colleges have taken precedence over trade schools in recent times, it has led to the dearth of skilled tradespeople like electricians.
The vacuum is about to be filled, with several people flocking to the vocation, which makes it a smart career move at the time. One might train via online programs or join apprenticeships to learn on the job. Notably, in the latter scenario, an apprentice doesn't make as much as a fully licensed electrician.
BLS estimates that the number of jobs for electricians will increase by 20% by 2022. The massive jump is reflected in the median pay, which comes to around $56,180 annually. Electricians stand to make $27.01 hourly for services rendered. Moreover, by 2026, there is likely to be 59,600 openings. Long story short, this field sounds promising for anyone starting out a career.
Commercial Transporter
A commercial transporter or driver is a seldom considered career option due to the timings of the job. The absence of a nine to five schedule often puts off candidates who don't take to the idea of long hours on the road, driving trucks.
Despite the apparent negatives, becoming a commercial driver is easy and rewarding. Firstly, all one needs is a CDL or commercial driver's license issued by the state. Many undertake certification programs to get an edge, but they're not a requirement for the job.
Truckers can find work easily with companies looking for capable drivers, or might go an independent route by opting to become an owner-operator. BLS lists the median annual pay as a commendable $45,260, and commercial drivers make around $21.76 every hour. While the current workforce is strong, the profession is expected to add at least 108,400 openings by 2026.
HVAC Technician
Heating and cooling systems are integral in every household, but installing or maintaining them is quite cumbersome. This is where an HVAC Technician or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning expert comes in.
The expert's duties and responsibilities include overseeing the installation process, troubleshooting or repairing equipment as needed, while providing customer service and technical support. They also need to be involved in the design, layout, and installation of low-voltage wiring.
While most technicians prefer a postsecondary education at a trade school, many opt for a long apprenticeship period, where they can learn on the job. In some states, licensing also requires passing a written exam.
As things stand, BLS reports that the median annual salary for professionals is around $48,730. They rake in $23.43 hourly for services too. While the option might not be as popular as some of the others, HVAC Technicians are poised to see 48,800 openings added to the existing workforce.
Office Careers
Retail Management
If working with bare hands is not someone's cup of tea, there are several comfortable office jobs as well, which don't need much formal training but pay quite well. Most people have experience in retail somewhere along the way, usually during summer internships while at school.
While the job can be quite demanding, the position as a retail manager does pay well. Moreover, there are frequent burnouts, which is why companies try to retain good managers with a host of incentives, including monetary perks. During application, one must keep in mind that the job requires a degree of customer service and usually has unusual shift hours.
As per BLS, retail managers bring in a laudable $126,640 median annual salary. The high-stress job also pays $60.89 hourly for services. It might not be for the faint-hearted, but the profession stands to see nearly 28,900 new openings by 2026.
Paralegal
The law requires a lot of grunt work, but lawyers rarely have time to go into all the details. Due to the heavy workload most successful law firms have to handle; they delegate some of the detailed tasks to paralegals.
They mostly deal with the paperwork, drafting documents, and conducting research before presenting it to the lawyer who can then take it to court. While becoming a lawyer requires one to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on a degree, opting to be a paralegal is relatively simple. One merely has to have an associate's degree program.
Paralegals manage to bring in around $51,740 each year, as per BLS. Their hourly wages are estimated to be around $24.87. While many already choose this profession, there are likely to be nearly 41,800 new openings by 2026.
Claims Adjuster
Just as everybody needs insurance, the companies need claims adjusters to estimate how much should be paid out on a case to case basis. Understandably, not many people like claims adjusters since they determine how much money a person who's suffered a loss should get from the insurance company. But, it is a comfortable and honest living due to the money that can be made.
If one wishes for upward mobility in the workplace, a degree does come in handy. But, entry-level positions do not require any additional education. One just needs proper analytical and interpersonal skills, which need not be acquired from college classrooms.
Going by BLS estimates, a claims adjuster usually makes around $66,540 a year, and their hourly wage is nearly $31.99. However, there aren't any projected openings in the future as the industry is expected to maintain a steady workforce.
Loan Officer
People are always looking for loans, and they go to banks usually. Thus, the establishments are swamped with applications, but regular bankers don't usually evaluate them. The task falls upon loan officers. Once again, it is not exactly an enviable job as the individual has to carefully review the application and then decide whether the bank might grant the loan or not.
Usually, the job is a little technical, so a background in accounting and business is definitely preferable. Moreover, some job postings specifically look for loan officers who have completed their bachelors' degrees. That said, the requirement isn't set in stone, and one might find opportunities in the profession by combining experiences of working in a bank and some college coursework.
The professionals make nearly $63,270 in a year, and their hourly income is around $30.42, as per BLS. It is a good time to choose to be a loan officer since the field is likely to see 36,300 new openings by 2026.
Engineering and Construction Careers
Architectural Drafter
While some jobs need not require a specialized degree, they do need knowledge of certain subjects. An architectural drafter certainly has their job cut out for them. Their task is to take the plan that the architect has drawn up and then put them in an electronic format, with the help of the AutoCAD software.
Vocational trade schools offer knowledge that is suited for the job. What's really crucial is that drafters can be certified by the American Design Drafting Association. Employers don't normally ask for it, but getting certified means the individual has an edge due to their understanding of nationally accepted drafting practices.
One must be familiar with how to use the AutoCAD software too. Thus, focusing in high school on mathematics, science, computer graphics, and design are beneficial for those who want to opt for this career. The ability to draw freehand is an added perk. BLS estimates drafters make nearly $56,830 a year and bring in around $27.32 per hour.
Construction Manager
Construction projects are extremely complex affairs where several aspects need to move like clockwork. It requires handling numerous moving pieces, simultaneous tasks, and subcontractors. At the same time, attention must be paid to ensure that things are done correctly and safely.
The construction manager is responsible for handling all of these matters, and while the job sounds complex, it is not. Associate programs are sufficient to provide the know-how and certifications needed to jump into the field.
Moreover, the pay is also lucrative, as one can understand from BLS reports. Construction managers make around $95,260 every year and bring in something in the ballpark of $45.80 every hour. That said, the most exciting part is the prospective growth in the industry, with estimates indicating at 44,800 new jobs by 2026.
Civil Engineering Assistant
A civil engineering assistant is actually a technician who helps the civil engineer in planning, designing and building highways, infrastructure projects, or bridges for industrial, residential, commercial, or development projects. However, the job doesn't need one to go to have a college degree. Getting an associate's degree is enough if the technician has an eye for detail.
Although the field is not too fast-growing, the job is best suited for those who enjoy their workdays being unique. BLS estimates indicate that civil engineering technicians can make as much as $53,410 in a year and bring in about $25.68 in an hour.
Not only is the pay good, but there are likely to be some openings in the coming years as well. Research indicates that around 6,600 new openings are slated to appear by 2026.
Medical Careers
Respiratory Therapist
While most would consider that breathing troubles warrant a visit to the doctor, the professionals treating such patients are often respiratory therapists. These individuals aren't doctors themselves but are licensed thanks to the associate's degree. As such, one does need education beyond basic schooling but can avoid the expenses of studying medicine and becoming a doctor.
Respiratory therapists stand to make an impressive amount of money each year, based on the BLS reports. The median annual earnings come to nearly $61,330, while the hourly earnings are $29.48.
It is also an exciting time to be a respiratory therapist since the industry is likely to see growth in the coming years, with 30,500 positions opening by 2026.
Medical Sonographer
The diagnostic medical sonographer resorts to imaging equipment as well as soundwaves in order to get images of different parts of the body. These are known as ultrasounds. Furthermore, they analyze these sonographic images, which help doctors diagnose and treat the patient's problems.
With an improvement in sonography technology, medical professionals are finding new uses for it each day. Thus, there are strong growth prospects in the field. Moreover, a two-year associate's degree is sufficient for entering the profession.
One is likely to be attracted to the job due to the pay. BLSreports suggest sonographers make nearly $68,750 a year and $33.05 an hour. The field is supposed to see almost 21,100 new positions by 2026.
Nurses
The medical field always requires nurses, but there are different categories, depending on how much schooling one wants to complete before entering the profession.
First off, we have the CNA or certified nursing assistants. Here, a basic certification program is needed, but the potential for earning is limited. Instead, most people prefer to gain working experience as a CNA while enrolling for other certifications.
It brings us to LPNs or Licensed Practical Nurses. A certification program is required in this case, and the caregivers perform more hands-on duties in hospitals and other institutional settings. But, the opportunities for advancing are limited.
Finally, we have RNs or registered nurses. Normally, one opts for a bachelor's degree in nursing to reach this position, but it is also possible through an associate's degree. Their task is to supervise the nursing staff while making active decisions about the patient's care. The cerebral nature of the task ensures that remuneration is higher, but the education needed is also more extensive.
As per BLS, RNs have a median annual salary of $73,300 and hourly earnings of $35.24.
Lab Technician
With a growth in the medical industry, facilities are coming up at an amazing speed. However, behind-the-scenes growth has to match this pace. To give you an example, every sample collected at a facility reaches a lab where the medical technologists run the tests with the help of their assistants, who are known as technicians.
While the position of a technologist requires a high degree of knowledge and extensive education, it is relatively easier to become a technician. An associate's degree is enough to land the job, making it a coveted post for many who are eager to jump into the workplace after schooling.
Lab technicians earn around $53,120 a year, while their hourly wage is in the ballpark of $25.54 as per BLS reports. It makes the career option lucrative, which explains why there's growth with 42,700 positions about to be added by 2026.
Oral Hygienist
An oral or dental hygienist is a licensed professional who is registered with a dental association or such similar regulatory bodies. The best part about the job is that one just needs an associate's degree for it.
Some might find the job a little unsavory since they have to examine strangers' mouths all day, but the chances of progress in this field are massive. Reports indicate a massive boom in the oral hygiene industry headed in the next decade. Thus, professionals might find themselves faring better than those with college degrees.
BLS reports that oral hygienists make $76,220 a year while their hourly income is around $36.65. Since the industry is looking at almost 40,900 new positions by 2026, the prospects look really bright for anyone considering oral hygienists as a vocation.
Technology and Computer Careers
Network Administrator
The job of the individual, here, is to ensure that a company's computer infrastructure remains in stellar working conditions. Notably, the job is quite stressful at times, with problems requiring immediate attention and swift resolution.
A network administrator mustn't just fix problems but has to proactively anticipate and stop them. It requires a fair amount of knowledge and skills, which is why technicians generally need educational accreditation. One might opt for an associate's degree and other certifications like CompTIA Network+ or CCNP.
An administrator makes $83,510 a year as per BLS, which makes it quite a coveted job for the salary. The hourly earnings are around $40.15. Since the field is poised to see a growth of 24,000 new openings by 2026, it is clear that becoming a network administrator is a popular choice among many.
Computer Programmer
While being a computer programmer can open many doors, one doesn't need a bachelor's degree for it. There are free online resources to learn the coding languages, and it can be further supplemented with some courses. But, hands-on training is the best teacher in the world of programming.
Since there are several coding languages, it is easy to find one with relatively lesser competition. Staying up to date about the technologies used by companies nearby can also help programmers get hired quickly.
As per BLS, they make around $86,550 a year and $41.61 hourly. Since computer technologies are increasingly becoming an indispensable part of our lives, the field is only expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Web Designer
Businesses increasingly have their own websites, and though there are DIY tools, companies prefer to hire experts to design the sites. This is primarily because most business takes place on the website, which becomes a reflection of the company.
Web development is an exciting field because here, one is judged by the skills they have, not how they acquired them. Although some prefer to obtain a professional degree, web developers can be self-taught with no formal education. Learning HTML, JavaScript, and CSS can help one become a good web designer.
The pay is good, and as per BLS, a web designer in demand can bring in around $73,760 a year, while their hourly income is $35.46. One expects there to be nearly 24,400 new positions by 2026.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer's talent is their ability to create. While it can be developed through formal education, this is primarily a self-acquired skill. Most graphic designers today need to be well-versed in handling computer programs. But just knowing one's way around a designing program is not enough. One also has to be able to create something beautiful with it.
Since this is best learned while on the job, the profession calls to many who want to start working without extensive schooling. Luckily, the job pays well, too, as BLS reports, graphic designers, make around $52,110 per year. Their hourly income is nearly $25.05. The field is always booming, and one expects there to be 11,100 new job openings by 2026.
Final Words
Wrapping up, most traditional degrees aren't all they are made out to be. While research shows that STEM students rarely end up working in the same fields that they studied for, humanities students have it even harder. They need to augment their degrees further before landing a job.
If one thinks broadly and puts some faith in vocational schooling, the return on investment is much higher. We've provided a detailed guide of some of the best paying jobs, which show potential for growth but don't require a lot of formal education.
Based on your choice, you should decide whether there are additional courses you can enroll for or places you can gain experience from. Following this list will help you snap out of indecision regarding your career, so you can seize the day.
On that note, we will sign off. Till next time!
Wish to paint a landscape that got you mesmerized during a recent trip? It’s time you learned how to blend oil paints.
Complicated as it might seem initially, blending top grade oil paints is a technique that can help you create the most beautiful artwork. Notably, it’s also utilized for creating more realistic pieces of art and allows you to paint oil over acrylic.
But like every other oil painting technique, blending will require you to be clear about several essential aspects. Like, how long do oil paints last and take certain precautions in the course of the task. So, today we thought of penning this guide to take you through everything you need to know. Let’s get going then!
How To Blend Oil Paints
To blend oil colors the right way, you’ll need regular practice and will have to apply appropriate techniques. Notably, this includes a clear understanding of the best oil paints and the processes of mixing different hues effectively. That’s why we’ll be discussing each of these essentials to help you become a pro at blending oil paints.
A. Understanding Colors
If you wish to blend oil paint like a pro, you must master the technique of playing around with different colors. After all, the quality of the blend will depend on how you choose and combine the right colors. And if you’re using the blending technique for achieving realism on the canvas, it’s even more essential to understand how to mix the oil colors and blend them.
1. Beginners’ Color Palette
Newbies in oil painting should start their journey with only a few hues. And gradually, they can expand their choices as they gain confidence in this type of art.
At the start, it’s best to choose hues such as Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Lemon Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Burnt Umber, Viridian Green, and Ivory Black.
2. The Primary Colors
It’s most likely that you’ll know the colors that are regarded as primary — blue, red, and yellow. Unlike other shades, you can’t get them by blending other colors. Rather, you will be able to blend these colors to obtain a variety of other colors.
3. Secondary Colors
The mixture of different combinations of primary colors gives rise to a secondary color. For instance, if you combine red and blue, you’ll obtain purple. The mixing of blue and yellow creates green while combining red and yellow provides you with orange.
The best part about oil colors is that they allow you to play with any primary color to create a number of secondary varieties. For instance, you can get a lighter or darker shade of orange using such combinations. Note that the key to learning color mixing is the knowledge of altering the kind or vibrancy of colors.
This color mix is referred to as a hue in the field of art. And to get a more realistic hue, you can combine more than one secondary or primary color.
4. Complementary Colors
It’s a must to understand the complementary colors while mixing different shades of oil paint and blending them beautifully. This is because certain colors combine well with others. For instance, dark and light blues blend effectively, while blues also match well with greens.
You might have already come across the term complementary colors, such as red-purple or blue-green. It’s essential to keep in mind that using complementary colors becomes more of a technical practice as you go about painting realistically. Again, it will take substantial practice to fully master the art of color mixing.
B. Choosing The Right Brush
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of colors, the next most essential factor to consider is the paint brushes you’ll use for blending. Obviously, you’ll get different varieties of paint brushes meant for producing different effects. The following are some tips to help you understand which brush you’ll have to choose for each effect.
1. Quality Is The Priority
Your paint brush should be of the right quality so that it can make the desired difference in your oil paintings. Avoid going for brushes for which the bristles spread or split too much.
Yet another problem with cheaper paint brushes is that the bristles might loosen with time or get stuck. Thus, you’ll want to ensure that the brush you’re purchasing belongs to a trusted or recommended brand.
To test the brush quality, you can check its spring. You should do this by brushing it against the hand to ascertain how its bristles respond to the brush strokes. Note that this is a good sign of the likely response of the brush to each stroke.
2. Going For A Suitable Shape
Given that there are several shapes of brushes to pick from, let’s talk about the right varieties for blending. Remember that if you use the right brush, it will be much easier to get the desired effect.
With regard to blending, the go-to option is a Filbert paint brush. This brush comes in an oval shape, has a thick ferrule (metallic part), and consists of medium to long hairs. As such, you’re sure to have better control with every stroke.
The Two Best Blending Techniques
1. Blending With Two Colors
Step 1
Begin by applying the colors you wish to blend opposite to each other. Apply two separate brushes or clean the brush in between to ensure the two colors are unmixed. Note that you should keep a gap between the colors as that will help create a smooth combination.
After this, you’ll have to:
Blend colors on a practice sheet of paper before working on the painting
The amount of paint you use depends on the texture you want to add
If you wish to add a thick texture, use more paint and vice versa.
Step 2
At this point, you’ll have to combine the colors on the palette. Notably, this will be a mixture of the colors you utilized beforehand. Now, try to maintain uniformity in the mixture as much as possible. Include the same amount of every color and combine those colors smoothly using the paint brush.
Step 3
The blended color should be applied between the two that you used. Fill the gap between the two colors fully while applying the mixture color. But you’ll still have to wait to blend the colors. First, wash out the paint brush using a paint thinner so that you’re able to get a perfect blend.
Step 4
It’s from this step that the blending process should start. You’ll have to move the brush back and forth between each of the three colors (including the mixed one).
Act as though you’re making a “Z” pattern; the paint brush should go zig-zag between the unblended colors and the mixed color. Following this, you’ll have to brush up and down between the two colors. Then keep a close watch on the color as it blends into the combined color in between.
Step 5
Unlike acrylic paint, these colors provide you with ample time to blend them uniformly and effectively. Use fresh paint on your colors if the paint gets dried up too quickly.
This will wet the paint so that it can blend again. And when you’re satisfied with the output of the blending task, keep the painting aside to dry fully. On a side note, oil paint takes between 3 to 7 days to cure entirely.
2. Tinting Oil Paints
Step 1
First, you’ll need to determine the location of the light source in the room you’re painting. Your object will have to be tinted at the spot where the light falls directly on it.
Select a position for the light source, and accordingly, you must plan to tint your object. Mark the light source to ensure you are able to keep track and don’t tint and paint the wrong portions. Now, combine the shading and tinting on the object to create a realistic perception of depth.
Step 2
You’ll have to apply the base color at this point. As with shading, apply the base color everywhere except the area you plan to tint. And for that part, you should leave an unpainted patch that you can fill in later on.
Sketch your object with strong lines so that you can omit painting the potentially tinted portion.
You should use charcoal, ink, or pencil to sketch the object
For instance, if the object is a banana, you should add yellow as the base color.
Step 3
Next, you’ll need to combine the base color with white on the palette.
It’s the intensity of the light source that will decide the amount of white you’ll have to add to the color. If the source is too bright, such as the sun, you should add more white. But if it’s dim like a light bulb of low wattage, you should add less white. In case the object is a banana, you’ll have to mix white with yellow.
Step 4
Finally, paint the mixed color in the unpainted spaces around the center. You’ll then have to start blending the mixed paint and base color by moving the brush back and forth, following a zig-zag pattern.
Now, wait till the paint is blended evenly, and then find a secure spot to place the canvas for drying. Coming back to the example of painting a banana, you can apply the yellow-white mix to the unpainted spaces, primarily in the middle of the artwork.
Blend Oil Paints Final Thought
Hopefully, blending oil paints doesn’t seem complicated to you anymore. You might have understood by now that blending paints the right way amounts to developing a clear idea about the different color types and using the right tools and techniques. So, pick the brush and paints, and get started with your next artwork!
But before we call it a day, we’d like to share a pro-tip with you. Make sure you try out different color combinations, apply complementary colors, and even try blending with different shades of a single color for the technique. This way, you’ll discover the more effective color mixes and those that you should avoid.
That’s about it for today. See you next time!
Most woodworking professionals would agree that a table saw is an important machinery in their workshops. As such, choosing the right one becomes crucial.
A table saw should be versatile, portable, and packed with exceptional safety features. Now, as far as the Bosch 4100-09 is concerned, most woodworkers say that it is one of the best performing table saws.
But, is it so? Well, today we’re going to find out. Bosch is one of the leading manufacturers of top-grade power tools and accessories.
Naturally, the Bosch Worksite Table Saw is the ideal choice for DIYers and woodworking professionals alike, thanks to its robust combination of power and portability. What’s more, it delivers top-notch precision, which allows you to cut through a wide range of wooden materials effortlessly.
If we have piqued your interest, let us take a look at the capabilities of this table saw in detail. This will help you decide whether to buy it.
Bosch Worksite Table Saw With Stand Review
Key Specifications
Before buying any woodworking machinery, you should have knowledge about the specifications of the model. Here, we have highlighted some of the key aspects of the Bosch 4100-09 unit so that you can quickly decide if it fits your requirements.
Measurement:39”×29.75”×21”
Power:Electricity (corded)
Motor: 4 HP, 15 amp
Warranty:1-year limited warranty
Table dimensions:21-1/2’’x 28’’
Weight:92 pounds
Blade diameter:10”
Blade speed:3,650 RPM
Size of dust collection port:2.5” in diameter
What Do You Get In The Box
These are the things you get in the box
The table saw
SquareLock rip fence
A push stick
An adjustment wrench
Multi-functional blade wrench
Stand
Throat plate insert
Miter gauge
A guard system consisting of a barrier-guard device and anti-back pawls
Bosch Features
This unit is packed with a ton of features that make woodworking very easy. Let’s take a detailed look at some of its top features.
Portability
Portability is one of the many aspects, where the 4100-09 table saw from Bosch stands out from most of its competitors. Weighing around 92 pounds, it is a relatively lightweight table saw, which makes it very portable.
For professional woodworkers, it is a very important feature as it allows them to easily carry it from one workstation to another. Meaning, all the spare parts, safety tools, and essential accessories can be conveniently stored inside the main body of the table saw without compromising on movement.
Cutting Capacity
The product sports a 40-tooth carbide blade that easily fits into the 5/8” shaft of the motor. But, you can also use an 80-tooth blade for cutting veneered panels.
Its unique shaft is compatible with different types of blades, including dado blades. What’s more, you can change them in the blink of an eye; all you have to do is pull the locking lever and use a wrench to remove the old one.
Further enhancing its cutting capacity is its unique tabletop that measures around 21-1/2’’x 28”. But you can extend it to 40” by using the locking level and extending the tabletop to your right.
Doing this will help you to achieve an 8” cutting capacity on the left and a 25” cutting capacity on the right.
Safety Features
The Bosch 4100-09 comes with optimal safety features, thanks to its Smart Guard system which consists of adjustable blade guards, anti-kickback pawls, and a riving knife. The best part about it is that you can easily attach or detach the components without any additional tools, making this product extremely flexible.
Now, if you have used a table saw before, you would know that kickbacks are a major problem, which must be dealt with ingenuity. And this unit handles it extremely well due to the inclusion of a high-quality riving knife, also known as a splitter.
Finally, as far as the blade guard is concerned, it ensures that there is enough clearance between your hands and the blades, taking safety to the next level.
Design
The unit boasts an aluminum tabletop, giving you ample space to work.
But especially pleasing is its sturdy design which makes it worth the investment. Users worried about longevity will love its durable metal construction, which can handle regular wear and tear with ease.
Additionally, thanks to its pneumatic wheels, the Gravity-Rise stand enables you to move the table saw without any difficulty. Also, you can adjust the height of the stand as per your requirements, which is an added advantage.
Motor
It is powered by a robust 4 HP motor that can cut through thick hardwoods easily. And even though it is not the most powerful product that you will come across, it does a decent job for most parts.
You will find that the motor delivers a blade speed of 3,600 RPM, but you can tweak it depending on the task. However, that doesn’t mean it compromises on user experience because it comes with a soft start feature that reduces recoil and noise.
Furthermore, it is integrated with the Constant Response Circuitry from Bosch. Meaning, the unit can keep a check of the power consumption when it is under load and adjust the torque accordingly.
Overall Functionality
You need to have a certain amount of woodworking knowledge and experience to operate the Bosch 4100-09. However, it suffers from various shortcomings that affect its functionality, thereby restricting the variety of tasks users can perform.
For starters, controlling the blade is not that simple as the height of the wheel is controlled by the handwheel, which you cannot lock in one place. Though it doesn’t wobble much during operation, we feel that a locking feature would have added more stability.
Moreover, despite having positive stops at 90 degrees and 45 degrees, adjusting the bevel angle is not easy. Not to mention, the bevel scale tends to be inaccurate at times, which makes it suitable only for rough cuts.
Pros
These are some of the advantages of using the Bosch 4100-09 table saw.
Outstanding Features
It comes with a Smart Guard system, which prevents accidents by ensuring that the machine does not jam or kickback during use.
Plus, the riving knife lets you use blades that are wider than those available with the unit. This means that you may have to purchase additional components for the best results but we must tell you that assembly isn’t easy. So, first-time users may find it difficult to get it ready.
Highly Functional Fence System
The fence system is one of the best on the market and you can glide through the rail, thanks to its Sqaurelock Rip Fence. Moreover, you can lock it easily and carry out small precision cuts without any problem.
Integrated With Constant Response Circuitry
The product’s powerful motor is integrated with the Constant Response Circuitry, which helps keep track of the blade’s rotational speed. Additionally, it helps you manage the output without impacting the performance of the blade and prevents sudden speed oscillations while using the unit.
Top-notch Portability
Weighing around 92 pounds, the Bosch 4100-09 is relatively lightweight, so you can move it easily in case you need to switch worksites. Plus, its Gravity-Rise table deserves a special mention as it is equipped with wheels that deliver portability.
Compatible
This model is compatible with dado blades that let you carry out different types of cuts. Meaning, it is highly versatile so that you can work on various projects.
Cons
Just like any other machinery, the Bosch 4100-09 also has its disadvantages. Here are some of its most common problems.
Poor Dust Collection System
The 4100-09 mostly does a decent job when it comes to dust collection. It features a 2.5-inch dust port, which you can connect to a vacuum to remove most of the debris. However, don’t expect it to collect all the dirt particles as it does not come with a dust collection bag.
Understandably, we were not impressed with the performance. It might still help you clean a room but you will have to undertake further measures to ensure that all corners are spick and span.
Reduced Rip Capacity
In our opinion, the 25” rip capacity is not enough for cutting large pieces of wood. For example, if you intend on cutting wide sheet stock on a daily basis, the product’s output may not match up to your expectations.
We suggest that you use it for light-scale or moderate projects for the best results.
Difficult Bevel Adjustment
Adjusting the bevel angle is quite difficult, to say the least and you might need assistance to alter the settings.
Alternative Table Saws To Bosch
After reading thus far, if you feel that the 4100-09 model from Bosch is not the right product for you, consider going with these options mentioned below. Needless to say, they are all highly efficient table saws.
The Bosch 4100-10 is an upgraded version of the Bosch 4100-09 unit and both these models have a lot of similar features. For starters, they come with a 4 HP motor, allowing both units to complete different tasks with aplomb.
Now, the former can be bought with a Gravity-Rise stand; however, the model number is different. Also, it looks a lot different from the one you get with the latter, meaning there could be variations in output.
What’s more, the 4100-10 features a 24-tooth blade which is better suited for rip-cutting wood, whereas the 4100-09 model has a 40-tooth blade.
Founded in 1924, Dewalt is one of the leading power tool brands in the US. On that note, allow us to introduce you to the DWE7485-QS table saw which is powered by a 15 amp motor.
Understandably, it has a substantial capacity and can carry out high-quality and accurate cuts at 5,800 RPM. Speaking of cuts, what caught our attention right from the start was its 24-tooth blade which can make short work of different materials.
Upon purchase, you will find that it comes with a wide range of accessories, including anti-kickback pawls, a riving knife, a push stick, and wrenches so that you can change the blade. Plus, it features an onboard storage, which comes in handy for keeping all the tools organized.
However, despite all the good things, it has a rip capacity of 24.5,” and an 8.5-inch blade, which we don’t think is sufficient for cutting through large wood pieces.
Next up, we bring you another quality alternative to the Bosch 4100-09 from Evolution Power Tools, a prominent name in the table saw industry. Whether you are a DIYer or a professional woodworker, this machine can help you get the desired results.
Even though it is a bit bulkier than the 4100-09 model, it is more versatile in its functionality. For instance, by using its 28-teeth, 10-inch R255-TCT multi-material blade, it can easily cut through a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, aluminum, plastic, and mild steel.
Moreover, the blade is made of Japanese tungsten steel, which makes it highly durable and long-lasting. But another advantage is that you can use it to make precise crosscuts without any hassle.
It also comes with a hi-torque gearbox that helps in minimizing motor stress, thereby improving its performance and longevity. That said, we have noticed a few performance issues.
You will find that its collapsible frame does not come with detailed assembly instructions, which is pretty disappointing. As a result, assembly takes time and could be frustrating.
Pros
Highly durable
Backed by a 3-year warranty
Can cut through a wide variety of materials
Cons
It doesn’t come with detailed assembly instructions
For over 50 years, JET has dedicated itself to manufacturing a wide range of top-quality woodworking and metalworking machines. And the Jet Table Saw is another prestigious addition to their woodworking repertoire.
It features a robust 15 amp motor that can cut through thick materials easily. But, for us, the main highlight of this product is its wheeled stand, which collapses quickly for storage, portability, and quick setup.
We also found that it weighs under 100 pounds and is slightly on the heavier side to provide stability during operation. Further adding to its stable output are the anti-kickback pawls and a European-style riving knife for working on heavy-duty tasks.
Furthermore, it is backed by a 3-year of limited warranty, which is something we truly appreciate. However, the downside is that the fence is a bit difficult to adjust, and it is more expensive than other models.
Pros
Professional woodworkers consider it as their go-to product
Our next item is a quality product from the Japanese powerhouse, Hitachi, the new Metabo, a brand that has been in the business for over a century. So, it should not come as a surprise that their 10″ Table Sawis in our top recommendations for alternatives to the Bosch.
Just like the latter model, it also comes with a soft start feature that minimizes noise and recoil during startup. Now, excessive recoil can lead to safety issues, so Metabo has ensured optimal protection with the integration of an electric brake. It stops the movement of the blades instantaneously in case of any accident.
Moving on, as far as the cutting capacity is concerned, it sports a 10” 40-tooth blade, which can cut through thick materials easily. Meaning you need not worry about performance issues.
But in case it encounters a problem you’ll be pleased to know that it is backed by a 3-year warranty. Hence, you can expect it to perform efficiently for a very long time.
SKIL is a very popular brand among woodworking professionals, and hence it requires no introduction. The 3410-02 Table Sawis a highly budget-driven alternative to the Bosch 4100-09 and could be a suitable choice for those looking for a reliable cutting machine.
Thanks to its heavy-duty steel stand, woodworkers can set it up in a jiffy. This is further helped by the fact that it weighs around 67 pounds, which makes it a lightweight option. But keep in mind that it does not have wheels underneath, so you may need help with installation.
Lastly, people who are on a tight budget will love its affordable price tag, which makes this unit all the more valuable.
As you already know, Dewalt is one of the oldest and most reliable power tool brands in the US. So, it made sense to add another robust product to the list.
The DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw is a premium, powerful and accurate product. Weighing about 100 pounds, it is not the lightest option that you will come across. However, the base can be folded, which certainly helps in portability.
It features a 2 HP motor, which can handle medium to light cutting jobs. However, it may fail to compete with the other options mentioned on this list because of its relatively reduced motor power.
Now, as far as the blades are concerned, they deliver precise cuts. Not to mention, they are retractable and ensure safety for users. Naturally, it is a good alternative to the Bosch 4100-09.
Pros
Portable
Delivers precise results
Good value for money
It has a decent motor
Cons
The miter gauge is not great
What Are The Various Categories Of Table Saws
There are 3 main categories of table saws on the market:
Cabinet
These table saws are large in size and are mostly used for heavy-duty professional work; hence they need fairly big workspaces. Moreover, cabinet saws deliver accurate results but are more expensive than other table saws.
Benchtop
Benchtop models are perfect for DIYers and individuals who are starting out new.They are much lighter than cabinet table saws, making them highly portable and easy to store.
Also, if your workshop has limited space, you should go with a model in this category.
Contractor
The contractor is another popular category of table saw and features robust motors that can perform all types of cutting tasks with ease.
Although a bit heavier than benchtop models, they are lighter than cabinet table saws. But despite their robust design, they have spacious tabletops, which helps in cutting large materials.
Factors to Consider When Buying A Table Saw
Let’s be honest; choosing the right table saw that meets all your requirements is easier said than done. In this section, we have mentioned a few important factors that you should keep in mind before making a purchase.
Blade Compatibility
While choosing a unit, it would be best to ensure that it is compatible with dado blades.
The stacked variant utilizes two blades with a few chippers positioned between them. On the other hand, the wobble design offers excellent adjustments but cuts unevenly with more possibility of a tearout.
That being said, both types of dado blades will need a table saw with an extended arbor for better grip and extra space. For this reason, we strongly recommend going with a model with a lengthy arbor.
Build Quality
The build quality is another factor worth considering, as it plays a crucial role in determining the overall value of a table saw. Since buying any model requires a significant amount of investment, you should always go with a unit that offers durability.
You must check the materials with which the table saw is made, as it affects both the performance and longevity of the machine. As far as performance is considered, the material should be able to minimize vibration; otherwise the cuts tend to be inaccurate.
Now, the primary materials used in table saws are cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic. Among them, cast iron significantly reduces vibrations but is heavy and expensive.
Plastic, on the other hand, is inexpensive but flimsy and, therefore, vibrates the most. So, we suggest choosing a product that is made of either aluminum or stainless steel as both efficiently control vibrations while being lightweight and portable.
Portability And Size
Portability is something that all professional woodworkers should look for in a table saw, as they have to carry it from one job site to another. It doesn’t necessarily have to be lightweight, but it should come with a sturdy cart stand.
Motor Power
Believe it or not, the motor power is as important as the build quality of a table saw as it has a direct impact on the torque. In general, strong motor power comes in handy when you cut thicker woods.
So, in that case, you should always opt for a model that has a higher HP, amps, and rotations per minute. However, if you cut medium and soft hardwood, a medium-powered option will do the job.
Fence Quality
The quality of the fence may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when purchasing a table saw, but it is a noteworthy factor nonetheless. An ideal rip fence should be adjustable, and it should lock well to the table.
Dust Collection System
People with allergies and breathing issues appreciate machines with efficient dust collection systems. That said, the main problem with machines with poor dust collection systems is that it allows dust to build up inside them, which takes a toll on the tool’s productivity.
As a result, it lowers the cutting effectiveness of the blade and may cause it to wear out quickly. For this, all woodworkers should aim to purchase a table saw that comes with a big dust vacuum port.
That being said, the best option would be to go with a model that features a dual dust collection system and a vacuum port on the blade guard.
Safety Features
Table saws are usually very dangerous machines to use, which is why safety is a major concern. However, most models in this day and age ensure that they are packed with a ton of safety features.
For starters, they come with the blade guard, which makes it easy to remove or adjust the blade as per the user’s requirements.
Apart from this, anti-kickback pawls are also necessary as they reduce wobbling and provide stability. Speaking of stability, you will also find that some models come with blade brakes that shut down the machine in the blink of an eye when it touches the skin.
Understandably, these are some of the most practical safety features your table saw should have.
How To Safely Use A Table Saw
These are some safety tips that you need to follow while using a table saw to avoid the risk of getting injured.
Wear Ear And Eye Protection
You should always wear proper ear protection while using a table saw. Since it is a large and heavy-duty piece of equipment, the saw blades can be exceedingly loud and may damage your eardrums. Hence, we recommend buying disposable earplugs or earmuffs that don’t cost much in order to protect your hearing.
Additionally, you could wear safety goggles while cutting wooden materials as it will prevent the debris and sawdust from entering your eyes.
Consider Using Clearance Inserts
If you use the table saw for cutting extremely thin pieces of wood, it would be best to use an insert to avoid injuring your fingers.
Those who don’t know, an insert is a thin piece of wood that sits between the blade saw and the side fence to create a buffer zone while cutting thin wooden boards. Doing this prevents your fingers from getting too close to the blade.
Use A Splitter, Push Stick, Or A Push Shoe While Cutting Thin Materials
While you are cutting short and narrow pieces of wood, your hands might not have sufficient clearance between the side fence and the blade. This is why you should always consider using a notched sled or a push stick that guides the wood along the cutting line.
Now, certain push devices come with adjustable features to easily fit different wooden materials. You can also buy these accessories from your local lumberyard or purchase them online from e-commerce stores.
Never Use Warped Boards
Never even think of using bent, warped, or water-damaged wooden boards because disfigured wood will lead to uneven cuts. This will in turn produce kickbacks, which obviously, is something you would not want.
Don’t Forget To Install The Blade Guard Properly
Blade guards play a very crucial role in ensuring safety. It keeps your fingers safe and deflects debris away from you.
Nowadays, it is easy to hook guards to the blades. All you need to do is fit it on top of the blade and secure the plastic clamps or screws for a tight fit.
Also, if the blade guard does not come installed, there is no need to worry. You can buy it from the manufacturer by visiting the brand website.
Know The Location Of The Emergency Button
In case of any accident or a severe kickback, you should immediately turn off your table saw. Most models feature a massive paddle or button; simply press it to turn off the unit in an emergency.
At times, it is possible to push the button with the leg if your hands are preoccupied.
Never Wear Loose Clothing Or Hanging Jewelry
While operating your table saw, you should never wear clothes, such as ties or loose sleeves that can get caught in the blade.
We have found that loose and baggy clothing could get trapped in the machine and pull you into it. And believe us; it is nothing like Charlie Chaplin’s movies so you could get seriously hurt.
Plus, people with long hair should tie it up before operating the machine.
Always Read The Instruction Manual Carefully
Ensure that you read the instruction manual carefully before installing and using your table saw. Even though the functionality of most models are similar, it might vary depending on the brand and the year of manufacture.
The reason you should read the instructions carefully is that they will provide a clear knowledge of every part of the table saw. You will be able to learn about its different components and how they operate.
This will come in handy when fixing any accessory or to disarm the unit during an emergency.
Tips To Maintain Your Table Saw
Table saws require regular maintenance to function efficiently without experiencing hiccups. Here are sometable saw maintenance tips.
Check The Alignment
In most cases, table saws don’t require an alignment provided that it’s not a lower-ned model. Either way, it is best to develop a habit of checking the alignment every time you start working. Doing this will ensure overall safety and deliver precise cuts.
On the other hand, bad alignment can cause many problems, including kickbacks, uneven cuts, and burnt wood edges. Hence, you need to ensure that you are using a straight blade.
To check this, you can place the blade on a flat surface to ascertain whether the saw is vertical. One way to be sure is to look at the splitter or the riving knife which should perfectly align with the blade. Also, don’t forget to check the stabilizing accessories like miter gauge stops, rip fences, and miter slots; the latter should be parallel to the blade.
Overall, it would be best to check all the components that could affect the cutting angle because some parts will require realignment more than the others.
The Cleaning Process
Most woodworking professionals and DIYers often tend to overlook this maintenance step. You must clean and lubricate the parts from time to time in order to prevent tool failures.
Firstly, ensure that you have unplugged the table saw from the power source before gaining access to the internal parts you want to lubricate. We suggest going through the user manual before doing that, ensuring that you know how best to clean them.
After having cleaned the internal components, it would help if you lubricate them with a dry silicone-free lubricant, especially the trunnions and gears. However, do not use wet lubricants as they collect more dust and debris, thereby forming a gum-like material that may harm your table saw.
Polishing And Caring
Always ensure that the tabletop of your model is smooth and well-polished. A dirty surface drastically affects the quality of your work and could reduce the lifespan of the machine.
On the other hand, having a clean and polished tabletop means the materials will slide smoothly allowing you to make varied cuts.
So, as a rule it would be best never to put any kind of food or beverages on them. Also, if you notice rust, sand it gently with a block of wood and sandpaper.
Another valuable tip is that you should always wax and polish the parts in direct contact with the wood, such as the outfeed and rip fence.
Consider Replacement
By following the steps mentioned above, you can extend the lifespan of the vital parts of your table saw. But, if the condition of the components does not look good, you might have to consider replacing them.
So, if your table saw gives out weird vibrations while you are working, turn it off immediately. Then without further delay, get it diagnosed by a professional mechanic.
You should also note that the saw blade is the most common part that needs replacement as it becomes dull quickly if you use the tool frequently. But, if you don’t want to get new blades, at least ensure that you use a blade sharpener for much-need longevity.
Bosch Worksite Table Saw with Wheel Stand FAQs
These are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Bosch 4100-09 that we have answered. We strongly recommend reading it carefully to clear all your doubts.
What is the Bosch 4100-09’s country of origin?
Bosch is a US-based brand, but its power tools are made in China, including the Bosch 4100-09.
What is the cost of the Bosch 4100-09?
The Bosch 4100-09 table saw would cost you between $500 and $600, making it one of the high-end models. Rest assured, it will be well worth- the investment.
Can I use the Bosch Table Saw professionally?
Despite having a moderately powerful motor and excellent blade rotational speed, the Bosch 4100-09 is not meant for large-scale or heavy-duty projects. As such, it is an ideal choice for DIYers and hobbyists rather than professional woodworkers.
What are the materials that I cut with the Bosch 4100-09?
You can use this product to cut wood but not other materials such as steel, metal, or plastic.
Is using the Bosch 4100-09’s Smart Guard system mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory to use the Smart Guard system of the Bosch 4100-09. If you want, you can operate it without installing this safety feature. However, we do not recommend you doing so as it is highly risky.
What are the dust collection options of the Bosch 4100-09?
As mentioned before, this product comes with its own dust-collecting feature. But, if you consider adding additional equipment for enhancing the functionality of the dust-collecting system, you can do so by using these two vacuum hoses:
Do I have to remove the riving knife for dado cuts?
No, you don’t have to remove the riving knife for dado cuts because it is unremovable. So, to carry out dado cutting, you need to slide it down until it reaches the tabletop.
What are some of the best brands of table saws?
Some of the popular table saw brands that have been consistently manufacturing quality units are Bosch, Dewalt, Skil, and Jet Power Tools. The table saws from these brands have always met the demands of the customers.
Verdict | Is The Bosch 4100-09 A Clear Winner?
Now, coming to the main question - Is the Bosch 4100-09 a clear winner? Well, without a doubt, it is highly beneficial for people looking to purchase a top-quality table saw.
Its powerful amp motor can easily slice through thick woods, which is something professional woodworkers look for in a table saw. And to manage the power for a stable operation, it features a Gravity-Rise stand, allowing buyers to use it on uneven surfaces.
Apart from this, it comes with exceptional safety features, which is a bonus, especially for first-time users.
However, it is not accurate and hence is best for making rough cuts where precision and half-angle play a minor role. But, this does not overshadow the fact that it is affordable, portable, and durable.
Overall, the machine is safe, easy to use, and built with premium-quality materials. So, if you are looking for a portable and heavy-duty table saw, the Bosch Table Saw could be your best bet.
Both are discontinued products, and no longer available on the market. So far no updated products available.
All campers and travelers already know that the Coleman Roadtrip series consists of the LXE and the LXX. Still, most of them are confused about their differences – and their confusion is genuine. Both the LXX and LXE are popular camping grills because they have great features and are completely portable. Both of these models have similar features; so, which of the two should you choose?
Due to the reason that campers and travelers can get confused between the two, we decided to share a Coleman Roadtrip review where we compared the two greats. We will be mentioning the major differences between them order to help you determine which is perfect for your needs. Before we begin the comparison let us talk about the similarities of the products in the Coleman Roadtrip series.
Coleman Roadtrip Series Review– The Similarities
The series consists of the older LX and the focus of this review – the LXX and the LXE. Both these products can be pulled away easily as they can be folded up and moved with the help of its caster wheels present on the sides.
Both these products consist of the insta-start matchless lighting system that will automatically light up your grill. Now that we have mentioned the similarities, let’s get into the main topic of our review – the differences.
Portable propane grill ideal for tailgating, picnicking, and...
Delivers 20,000 BTUs of heat across 285 square inches of...
This product from the Roadtrip series is quite easy to operate and use. We found that with just a few tries, you will be able to assemble the entire product on your own. Another great advantage of this product is that any of Coleman’s grates can be interchanged and used according to your grilling requirements.
Due to the interchangeability, there isn’t much that cannot be cooked by the Roadtrip LXX. When it comes to cooking space, this product offers its users a total surface area of 285 square inches.
The Coleman Roadtrip LXX boasts some key features such as its matchless ignition system, side tables, and steel hooks for its grill tools. Along with these features, the burners in this product will be able to provide the total heating power of about 22,000 BTUs/hour.
Portable propane grill ideal for tailgating, picnicking, and...
Delivers 20,000 BTUs of heat across 285 square inches of...
This next product from the Coleman Roadtrip series is quite easy to use and move around. Alongside this, the product is also quite easy to assemble on your own and can be put together in just a matter of seconds. The product has a surface that offers space for cast iron grilling. This can then be backed with a pot support that needs to be bought separately.
Since we are on the topic of cooking space, the Roadtrip LXE offers its users with a cooking space of up to 285 square inches – which is the same in the case of the LXX. Moving further, if you wish to use this product, all you have to do is push a button and you are ready to go. Lastly, the cumulative cooking power of this product stands at about 20,000 BTUs/hour.
Comparisons Between the LXX and LXE
To be completely honest, we found that both of these products had a lot of similarities. Both of them had been specially designed to be easy to operate, versatile and most importantly – quite portable. Due to these similarities, common customers can find it hard to make a decision between the two. Well, we would like them to know that there are, of course, some parameters that make these products different from each other.
1. Cooking Power
The very first difference between the two products is that they have different cooking powers. The LXE model offers a figure of about 20,000 BTUs/hour for its users while the LXX offers its users a slightly higher 22,000 BTUs/hour.
2. Cooking Space
Besides simple cooking power, another important consideration is that the number of members that can be cooked on the grill. The LXE works at the lesser 20,000 BTUs but still is large enough to cater food for about 15 people. With the slight difference in cooking power, it results are still quite impressive.
3. Build Quality
Another aspect by which both of these products are different is because of their build qualities. The LXX model from the Coleman Roadtrip series has been found to be made of more durable steel as opposed to the LXE models. Both of these models have side tables but the difference seems to be in the case of their hooks. The hooks used in the LXXv have been made of stainless steel whereas the LXE features plastic hooks.
4. The Thermostat
Finally, another section that differentiates both these products is in their thermostats. While this may be a minor difference, all beginners or first-time users can make choices accordingly. That said, the LXX model can be bought with a completely adjustable thermostat whereas the LXE model has nothing of this sort. Naturally, beginners would like to work with the LXX because of this helpful advantage.
So, there you have it, folks! You know all the differences and similarities of the Coleman Roadtrip series. You can go out and make your purchase while keeping all the above considerations in mind, whatever you choose, you are right!
These are both good products, simply choose the one that fits your needs better!
None of us like it when we have bugs hovering around during our evening walks in the garden.
So how to get rid of them in the best way? Well, there are lots of options available, both chemical and natural. Going for chemical insecticide sprays may give you quicker and more effective results.
But we are all aware of how harmful they can be for our health. So, a natural solution to this problem will be much healthier. Growing insect-repelling plants in your home garden or planting them in small pots indoors can be a great way to deal with this problem.
The trouble is that there are quite a lot of such plants available. And not all of them are equally safe and effective. So, we help you in your search with this list of the 27 best plants that repel flies and other unwanted insects.
Too many mosquitos anywhere are a nuisance and often cannot be dealt with using vaporizers. Moreover, studies have revealed that vaporizers are harmful to health and their use should be avoided.
Insead, keeping a lantana plant can be much more effective as its flowers have a powerful effect against mosquitos. It acts as a natural repellant and has no harmful effects on adults.
So, if tackling mosquitos in the backyard has become a headache for you, a lantana plant is a great option to go for. Growing it in tropical climates is quite easy and butterflies are also attracted by its flowers.
But note that this plant can have toxic effects in children and pets, and hence, should be kept away from them. The best way to plant it would be to put it in a hanging basket or container on the patio.
Plants belonging to the Allium family are known for repelling insects of different kinds, including aphids and rust flies. Most of these insects are known to destroy vegetable gardens and can be effectively tackled by such plants.
A member of this family is the Allium Giganteum plant which has beautiful purple flower heads adorning stalks with a height of 6 feet. Plants that benefit from having this flowering plant around include cabbage, potatoes, carrots, kohlrabi, and tomatoes.
So, keeping this plant in your garden will not only make it prettier but also keep away unwanted insects or pests. Furthermore, the strong fragrance released by these flowers is also disliked by mosquitoes. So, they are never found around these plants.
This is a great choice if you are in search of a plant variety to keep away flies, mosquitoes, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and more. Tansy has attractive yellow flowers and can grow up to a height of six feet though most tansy plants generally reach up to three feet.
You will generally find tansies near squash or cucumber plants since they work as good companion plants and also help to ward away predators. Apart from this, you can also plant a tansy around flowering plants or other vegetables.
However, this can be fatal to animals and hence should be avoided if you have livestock at your home. Even if it is planted away from them, the seeds might spread across the pasture lands or fields and start growing there. Notably, the oil extracted from tansies is also used to create a powerful repellent spray.
This herb is quite popular as a cooking ingredient, but do you know that it can also repel mosquitoes and flies? Its pungent smell drives away cabbage moths and several other bugs in vegetable gardens.
Rosemary is especially effective in areas with dry, hot weather and can be planted in various places in vegetable gardens. However, with the right protection and care, they will also stay evergreen in different growing zones. You can even grow them in containers, which helps in shaping these plants into beautiful ornamental pyramids.
Rosemary oil which is extracted from the plant and processed afterward also helps in adding flavor to the food. Interestingly, a few drops of this oil can be added in the diffuser of a room to keep it free from mosquitoes and flies.
Also widely known as citronella, this ornamental herb can grow upto a height of 4 feet and a width of 3 feet within 4-5 months. Interestingly, it is used to make special candles called citronella candles which help to get rid of mosquitoes.
Citronella is actually the natural oil found in lemongrass, which repels mosquitoes as they dislike its smell. So it serves well when planted close to seating areas or walkways. Also, it can be planted in large planters so that it can be moved around for efficient pest control.
Note that a citronella plant may be difficult to get hold of and is often labeled incorrectly. A true plant will have long narrow leaves and look like a pot of grass.
This plant also has a number of culinary applications due to the fragrance of its narrow leaves. As such, it is used for flavoring many dishes and for salad dressing.
The flowers of a marigold plant have a distinctly unpleasant smell which keeps tiny insects away from the backyard. This smell also repels aphids, mosquitoes and even rabbits coming close to the flowers.
Pyrethrum, a common and powerful ingredient of insect repelling products, is found in Marigold. Moreover, the vibrant orange and yellow shades of the flowers enhance the beauty of any landscape. An amazing fact about Marigolds is that the roots of these plants are popularly used by farmers for repelling nematodes. However, it might take as long as a year to show positive effects.
But the insect repelling properties of the plant don’t end here. They also release a compound called limonene, which slows down or interrupts the forage of whiteflies hovering around tomato plants. So, if you are thinking about growing fresh tomatoes, this plant will be quite helpful for you.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums benefit cucumber and tomato plants near them by releasing an airborne chemical that repels most predaceous insects. Such insects include wooly aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Besides, the flowers of the plant also act as a trap for aphids.
This plant has a variety with yellow blooming flowers that benefits almost all the vegetables you know of. It keeps away all insects that might plague vegetables like radishes, kale, tomatoes, collards, kohlrabi, cucumbers and cabbage.
Hence, it will be best to plant nasturtiums along the edges of your vegetable garden. Also, when planted around patios and along flower beds, this flower will protect the nearby plants from unwanted insects.
You can make a natural homemade insect repellant using basil leaves to ensure pesky insects don’t disturb your fun during the summer. Not only will it help to keep away all stinging bugs, you will also love its pleasant fragrance.
Some simple steps have to be followed to make this spray. All you will need is about 4 to 6 oz of fresh basil leaves and 4 oz of boiling water. Let the leaves stay for a few hours in the water and then remove the leaves.
Finally, add 4 oz of vodka to the basil-water solution and your repellent is ready. Store it in the refrigerator and use it while you are sitting outdoors.
Furthermore, oils in the basil plant can repel thrips, mosquitoes and flies. So, you can protect your vegetable produce by planting it around your garden as well.
This plant is quite popular for being a healthy source of food. However, very few people know that it is also useful as an insect repellent for gardens.
Interestingly, Parsley has a unique way of dealing with insects. It attracts predator bugs which are predators to other insects. At first thought, this might seem like more trouble, but is actually quite effective.
For example, if a snail is crawling its way forward to a plant, there will be another kind of bug to stop it. Besides, parsley is hated by beetles; hence, sprinkling a few leaves on the vegetable bed will repel these harmful insects.
Generally, farmers who grow tomato plants prefer to keep parsley along with the plants. This is done to attract the wasps as they help in killing hornworms which can destroy tomatoes.
This beautiful flowering plant is undoubtedly among the best options to adorn your garden with. Besides the gorgeous purple color that adds elegance to any garden, it has a very sweet fragrance. As such, it is used in adding aroma to homes, closets and clothes.
However, surprisingly enough, this fragrance deters any mosquitoes, gnats, flies and other unwanted insects from coming near it. So, to keep your garden or backyard pest-free, you can plant lavenders in the sunny areas over there.
A lavender plant mostly thrives in regions with hot, sunny and well-drained climates. It is also a very easy plant to move about and has several varieties to suit your growing space and climate needs.
There are smaller ones which can be potted and placed at different spots around the property. Thus, these plants can make for attractive home decor and also help in pest control.
This is another flowering plant that serves a dual purpose by beautifying your garden and protecting it from insects. It is available in several bright hues.
Keeping it in a vegetable garden helps repel some of the insects that might bite vegetables. In fact, farmers regard it as one of the best natural pesticides. Apart from this, petunias also repel leafhoppers, hornworms, asparagus beetles and squash bugs.
Petunias are immensely popular primarily because they are easily available, and that their hues make any space look absolutely adorable.
Furthermore, they require minimal maintenance, so you don’t need to take care of them now and then. Just make sure that they are planted in sunny areas, and you’ll have your flowers standing tall in all the places.
Chrysanthemums help repel several bugs and insects such as roaches, fleas, ticks, spider mites, and aphids. However, they might not be so effective on mosquitoes.
Notably, the insect repellent property of chrysanthemums makes these flowers an essential ingredient in aerosol bombs, room fresheners and many pet shampoos. The pyrethrum present in these flowers can kill both flying and jumping insects. As such, they make for an efficient natural alternative to synthetic chemical products.
For getting effective results, you should place these plants strategically inside or outside the house. This way, the windows can be kept open without having to hear the buzz of insects. Also, the chrysanthemums look quite beautiful against a background and hence make a nice addition to any garden or home.
Not many of you may know that this immensely popular culinary ingredient can also be used to repel insects. Sprinkling a few dried bay leaves around the house will make you realize how powerful it is as a repellent. You won’t find cockroaches, ants or fleas for a couple of days.
These leaves have a pungent smell which helps to ward off the pests from any place. You can keep these leaves around trash cans, under cabinets and appliances, and on the countertops. Although, they might have to be replaced after a few days as the smell fades away.
However, keeping the home clean becomes much easier this way and you also don’t have to worry about the release of any toxic chemicals. And bay leaves are believed to have as potent effects as commercial insecticides, which puts you at an advantage.
The most amazing feature of this plant is that it can thrive naturally in any environment. For example, it adapts easily to shallow, dry or rocky soil, hence thriving in a herb garden won’t be difficult for it. However, it must receive proper sunlight in the place where it’s kept.
A lemon thyme plant is particularly useful for keeping away mosquitoes. Although, you have to crush a few of its leaves and rub it between your palms to release the repellant chemicals. Before you rub the crushed leaves on your body, you should check whether its natural properties will have any effect on your skin.
For this, rub a slight amount of the crushed leaves on your forearm to check for any reactions. If no allergic reaction occurs, you are safe to enjoy this natural mosquito repellent any time you are outdoors.
This perennial can easily be planted into landscaped beds or placed in planters on a patio. Most of you who have herb gardens at home might be aware of its repellent properties. Sage plants must be grown under direct sunlight, but can also thrive in spots with partial shade in the hotter regions.
Insects generally dislike its powerful odor, both when its leaves are intact on the stem or when they are crushed. Burning a few leaves can also help if you’re planning to gather around a fire. You get a sweet incense when the leaves burn, which is unpleasant enough for most insects.
Precisely, most insects usually repel the smell. And you can also be free from worries of mosquito bites while you are seated near the smoke.
These beautiful flowering plants may not be the best repellant, but have a powerful fragrance that hummingbirds and butterflies love. This comes from a chemical compound called coumarin found in these flowers. Coumarin is popularly used in mosquito and bug repellant sprays.
However, the unwanted visitors in your garden such as mosquitoes dislike the smell of this chemical. As such, these small and fuzzy flowers can be a great addition to all flower beds or can be plated at the edges.
These flowers produce beautiful pink, white and blue blooms during fall and summer season. So they can complement any bouquet easily. Thus, planting floss flowers in any fertile soil around your home isn’t a bad idea at all.
In earlier times, this plant was believed to draw in cats to the fields to prevent the menace of rodents. Catnip was kept by farmers around the foundations of their barns as well as homes. It can also directly repel a lot of insects and even mice when planted in areas opening into your house.
A chemical called nepetalactone present in the catnip plant does give out an odor that attracts cats. But the same odor also acts as a repellent for insects such as cockroaches, flies, deer ticks and mosquitoes.
This plant can be grown quite easily and doesn’t need much maintenance other than just daily watering. While both saplings and seeds can be used to plant them, the ideal seasons are during fall or spring. Generally, it grows upto a height of 3-4 feet, with the whole plant covered with pretty purple flowers.
The four o’clock plant gets its unique name from its tendency to bloom during late afternoon. It has a poisonous foliage which kills insects in a short while after they start feeding on it.
Thus, though some beetles love to feed on its flowers, they can hardly complete the meal. Its flowers attract the insects through their smell and hence act as baits.
Hence, four o’clocks are excellent plants to place on the corners of vegetable gardens. This plant can also be planted in the backyard to control infestation by mosquitoes. The flower extracts are effective against several mosquito breeds.
However, these plants also have poisonous effects on humans and animals. Hence you should choose a safe location for planting them.
If you regard a plant’s beneficial properties to be as important as its appearance, geranium is an ideal plant to keep in your home garden. This plant is a popular ingredient in mosquito-repellant sprays. Moreover, it can repel a wide variety of insects.
Growing it in your garden would mean you can enjoy your time there both during mornings and evenings.
Notably, these plants grow well in sunny and dry climates and grow at a fast pace also. Their flowers produce a lemon-like aroma that can repel typical insects such as snails, beetles and slugs.
Due to this, geranium is used as a companion plant for different fruits and vegetables including cabbage and tomatoes.
Mint leaves find use in a variety of food products and recipes for its aromatic properties. But not many of you might know that it has insect repellent properties as well. Planting mint in your home garden works as a repellent for all insects including mosquitoes.
Furthermore, the oil from mint leaves can be extracted and mixed with apple cider vinegar or witch hazel to make a natural mosquito repellent at home.
However, growing the plant from the seeds can be a lengthy and challenging task. Instead, you can go for a potted mint plant. Also, mint plants might spread aggressively when they are planted on the ground and can take over other plants.
So, they are grown in small or medium-sized pots which are kept in separate spots.
Belonging to the largest group of carnivorous plants, pitcher plants render an exotic look to any garden. To maintain these plants you just need to water them from time to time so that they can catch their prey.
Insects are trapped in their U-shaped pitchers, which are actually specialized leaves having a combination of nectar, color, and fragrance. Inside the pitcher is a slippery surface with hairs facing downward. On entering it, the insect falls or slips into a pool of water where it dies of exhaustion while trying to escape.
A variety of bugs and mosquitoes are attracted by the scent of these plants and hence you are sure to have a pest-free home. Insects that fall prey to pitcher plants include ants, flies, snails, beetles, slugs and many more. They can be kept in any spot in the house since all it requires to thrive is sunlight and water.
The leaves of a wormwood plant have a resinous particle that can be used as a natural insecticide. Picking some of these fresh leaves and rubbing them on your arm or on clothes helps to keep flies away. You can also dry the leaves and make a bundle out of them to place it in closets or near doorways.
This plant is also popularly known as absinthe and has been used for medicinal purposes since the ancient times. Wormwood plants were also widely used as a flavoring agent for some beverages.
However, due to its powerful properties and negative side-effects when consumed in large quantities, it has been banned in many countries. Externally applying any part of the plant is safe but before using it in any other way, make sure you consult a doctor.
This woody plant with a strong scent has disinfectant properties and repels many kinds of insects. Its powerful properties make it most useful when left in its natural surroundings. Use the parts separately only if you know about the correct usage of the plant and its extracts.
The rue plant grows to a height of about 2 feet, has bluish leaves and can tolerate poor soils easily. It can be a good addition to perennial gardens as it provides you with a natural fragrant border besides keeping all insects away.
This plant is best grown from its seeds during the spring, and can reseed every year with the correct environment. However, the leaves of the rue plant are the most powerful when it is kept from flowering.
This small plant will only grow to a height of 10 or 12 inches, but has umbrella-like leaves and beautiful white flowers, which look great in shade gardens. Its flowers also produce a fresh and sweet fragrance that is loved by all.
Sweet woodruff is popularly used near bulb plantings as it repels flies naturally. You don’t need to dry or cut the plant to get the effect. It can also be used for adding a fragrant smell to sitting areas.
All you have to do is plant it within patio pots by propagating from the existing garden plants. Just make sure that the soil stays moist. Furthermore, planting sweet woodruffs near decks and porches is sufficient to keep away flies. However, this plant can be invasive and take over the garden if you’re not careful enough.
This is another carnivorous plant that eats many small insects that are small enough to fit inside its trap. As such, the leaves can close tightly to protect the digestive fluids inside from any bacteria. Venus flytraps thrive in acidic soil but need good drainage along with moderate sunlight.
This plant’s digestive process takes three to seven days, after which the trap reabsorbs the digestive fluid before reopening. Interestingly, although these plants are carnivorous, they can stay for nearly two months without eating any insects.
Ideally you should grow venus flytraps outside, so that they get enough insects to eat naturally. However, if the infestation becomes too problematic, you can go for an affordable pest control service since it would deliver results faster.
Pennyroyal plants, which are usually used for decoration purposes, have also been found to repel most biting insects. But its use as a repellent must be carried out with caution.
You can rub the fresh cuttings of the plant to release the aromatic oil into clothes and caps. However, neither the plant nor oil should be consumed without the advice of a physician.
Pennyroyal plants in your garden will help in deterring most bugs from your vegetables. They can be planted around or even under your plants as they are low-growers.
Notably, these plants are a member of the mint family and hence can become invasive in a short while. So remember to re-transplant them during the fall season or simply rip them out.
Considered as having a wide range of health benefits, the eucalyptus is also famous for its silver-dollar foliage. Interestingly, it was registered in the US as a miticide and insecticide in 1948, and is indeed a handy plant to have around for pest control.
Note that this plant has a variety of species, some of which can even reach a height of 130 feet. As such, it would be best to choose a small variety for your garden, which will grow well when planted in pots. Eucalyptuses produce a potent smell on their own which can deter flies to some extent.
Although, the oil obtained from the leaves is much more potent and may be crushed from the leaves and rubbed on, or extracted for further use. A really effective natural insect repellent spray can also be made by mixing this oil with water.
Conclusion
With this, we come to the end of our list and we hope you found it helpful.
Before we sign off, we would like to offer you a tip for choosing one or more suitable plants for home. Make sure you measure the amount of space to be dedicated to the plant. Accordingly, you can choose a herb or flowering plant which can fit comfortably in that space.
So, go on and select a suitable plant to grow in your garden! You will soon be free from the irritating buzz of insects all around.
In today’s world it is not at all easy to live in a large, traditional house. The prices for everything have been skyrocketing and the future does not look like it will give us any kind of respite. The mortgage business crashed the world market in 2008 and it hasn’t picked up entirely still. Plus, the traditional house can be too common and mundane to live in. Humans crave novelty. We are susceptible to boredom and being turned off by the mundane. We always need something new for ourselves.
So, looking for alternative housing ideas, both for satiating our creative zeal and for saving on the cost, is a step in the right direction. Thankfully, the world is bulging with an overabundance of ideas, and here are some really amazing and affordable alternative housing solutions for the cost-saving creative in you.
Realistic Alternative Housing Ideas to Consider
1. Pallet Home
This is something you might have never really imagined doing. A house made of pallets? Yes, I know. You understand a pallet bench, or a pallet swing or even a pallet bed. But a house? Well, turns out, you actually can make one. It really isn’t something fancy, but it definitely is something you can make for cheap and make it look unique. Plus, you can power it up with solar panels, something that is cost effective too.
Buying a prefab house is actually a smart thing to do. There are companies who will make it for you for as cheap as $10,000. These prefab cabins come with a porch, beautiful windows and wall decor. You can modify it into a better house.
Today’s housing market leeches your money faster than you can make it. This is the saddest part of the current generation. There are slimmer and slimmer chances of buying prime property. And if we are to go ahead and do it, the insurmountable debt looms over us for as long as it possibly can. So, buying a dilapidated property in a country is an option you should most likely go for. The above displayed properties are a great example.
4. Manufactured Home
Sometimes you just want to have a full fledged house. But, building one from scratch is definitely going to cost you a lot. The cost of labor and materials will be really high. So, if you want the experience of a big home for you and your family but also want to save on both time and money, buying a manufactured house is not that bad of a deal. It also gives you the option to select the exact amount of space you actually need to live, so you can choose which house to live in.
It is my absolute dream to live in an RV. I am an adventurer and someone who wants to live on the go. I mean, don’t you get bored of living in the same place and seeing the same stuff around you? Taking your home wherever you go is sort of the best thing that can happen. Because, no matter where you are, your home is with you.
RV homes are extremely comfy and they can be renovated for a far lower price than an actual house. You can essentially cook and do just about everything in an RV, and yes, you can fit a bathroom in it too, though the sewage cleaning takes some effort.
More details at hdadventuring.com
6. A Silo Home
What’s crazier than living in an RV or a home made out of shipping containers? Have you ever, in your wildest imagination, thought of living in a silo? A silo? Yes. Of all places you can think of, a silo is an amazing option to go with. A silo home has an extremely unique perspective for you. A silo is essentially used to store agricultural produce. But, you can use it to make a home for yourself. What I love about this idea is the interesting fact that a silo is round. So, when you get to tweaking, refacing, remodeling and decorating inside it, you are doing so in an extremely unique space. You are doing so in a house with a round wall that does not end.
No extreme corners can be weird at first but are actually very soothing. It is very different for a change, and creates equal space everywhere. Now, how many partitions you end up making in it is all up to you, and the choice of partition walls and the decor itself is left to the imagination. There is so much that you can do with it. Moreover, the exteriors do not need to be in their original drab state either. You can paint and decorate and even reface the exterior to your liking.
More details at niftyhomestead.com
7. Straw Bale Home
Have you ever thought of using straw bale to build an entire house? No, right? Neither did I. But this amazing straw bale house just left me awestruck. It looks distinctly mediterranean and something that’s right out of 16th century Iberia. What’s amazing about straw bale is that is is a terrific insulator. So, if you’re in a place that is susceptible to colder climate, this is a fantastic option to go with. You can also reinforce the house by following a few simple steps, and voila! You have a lovely and unique home that will shield you from the harshness of winter.
O yes. After an RV, a shipping container is my personal favorite style of housing. Shipping containers might look dour and remind you of sea and fish stink and some shabby and shady visuals from noir films, but once you set onto the task of turning a container into a home, the result is absolutely gorgeous! It is not as heavy on the pocket as many other modes of alternate housing, and is truly a more creative choice to go with. There is just so much that you can do with a single trailer. From making a porch for it to growing a garden on top of it, the options are many. Moreover, it doesn’t need to just be a single bedroom house. You can take more than one trailer, attach them in unique shapes and have a full fledged house for yourself.
Source Unknown
9. Earth Berm
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. This famous line written by J. R. R. Tolkien, the legendary Oxford professor and author of the Middle-Earth legendarium as the opening words of his very first novel has been embedded in my mind ever since I was a child. I too want to live in a hole in a ground like a hobbit. An earth berm is just that. An earth berm is an underground home that has only its front facing entrance area out for the world to see.
Not only is this idea extremely unique and the execution beautiful to look at, but the insides of such a home can be very earthen and you often don’t need to fully furnish the walls. You can use the rocks as a natural element in your house. The temperature in such a house is also very well balanced. This is something I definitely want to create, preferably in proper hobbit style.
A tiny house should never be an insult. Large space does not make a great home. Home is really what you make it. And a tiny house is a winner in so many aspects that there should be no complex to be felt for its size. You can build it using bricks, stone or wood and will reduce the cost of materials drasticall. Not only does it save a whole lot on expenses and space, it also makes you have a really comfy place to live in. It is also easier to build and easier to manage and yes, easier to decorate. So, you should consider this seriously.
O yes. We are in that territory again. Moving away from traditional building materials to create something truly outstanding. How about plastic bottles? Plastic is an environmental and global pest. Plastic does not decompose and it has polluted the world as much and way much more than it has helped it. Because of how easy it is to make and how easier it is to make things out of it, plastic is manufactured at an alarmingly mind bending rate. So, we do need to think of solutions to recycle it and use it to save the environment.
One way is to put it in a chipper and grate it and use it with road building material, another is to use it to create walls and well, an entire house. And you don’t need to particularly leave the walls bare and ugly. Covering them up is possible. So, you could give this a shot and do the environment a great favor.
What is a geodesic formation? According to the dictionary, a geodesic shape is related to the shortest line possible between two points on a curved surface or a sphere. That sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Building a geodesic home gives you the option of having a house that looks like a true architectural wonder, something people will look at in awe and with their jaws dropped. What’s great about going with this option is that they do come in kits. Yes, you don’t have to make them from scratch.
You do get manufactured kits to set up your home, with layers of furnishing included. So, it’s time to impress people with an energy saving and awe inspiring house they will remember for as long as their memory serves them.
When you think of building a home, what materials come to your mind? Brick? Stone? Wood? Steel? How about cloth? Yes, a home made of cloth but not a blanket fort. This is what an earthbag really is. Taking a whole lot of feed, rice or cement bags, and filling them up with soil, dirt and earthy stuff, you can make a home for yourself. Just use these bags like bricks, stack them up and then cover them once done.
You can make your own earthbags, though that would be a time consuming and exhausting job. Or you can just buy them and then make your earthbag house to your satisfaction. What you can do with an earthbag house is that you don’t necessarily need to conform to a rudimentary shame for your home. You have the liberty to experiment with it whichever way you want.
I used to have a tree house when I was a kid. It was not in the city, rather in the forest. We used to own a bunch of getaway resorts on a small mountain top. And at the very top of this top there was a great tree and on it a lovely tree house with a jacuzzi in it. Trust me, living in a treehouse is a rewarding experience. So, enhancing it more is actually an option you can go for. A spirit sphere tree house is a treehouse that is spherical in shape, reminds you of Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas and gives you the feeling of living inside some futuristic rocket stuck in the middle of a jungle.
There won’t be enough space for an entire family to live, but it will be good enough for a single person or a couple to reside in. The decor inside a spherical living compartment is always a delightful challenge, and so you have the added bonus of relishing such a prospect.
Cob is a very eco-friendly material to use for building a home, and also a material that is both unconventional and beautiful. There is this very exotic appeal to cob houses and the options for engraving upon their walls, both on the inside and the outside, are many. Plus, they are considerably cheaper than other alternatives. You can definitely try to make one on your own.
An Earthship sounds like something right out of a science fiction novel or television show. It is something you would think is the name selected for a story on Syfy channel. And it definitely does look like one too. This incredibly futuristic and fantastical design is not only hi-tech in its allure and a little trippy, it also is extremely eco-friendly and very sustainable. An Earthship house is basically made out of materials that have been majorly recycled and it fuels itself using eco-friendly and renewable sources of energy. From rainwater harvesting to solar panelling for electricity, an Earthship is tailor-made for the off-grid style of living.
More details here earthship.com
17. Hemp Concrete
Hemp has several uses and is a material that needs to be used in a more mainstream way than it is right now. There are so many applications of hemp that will make our day to day lives easier, it baffles me to see it being an alternative. From cloth to paper to making other three dimensional stuff, hemp is sturdy, and long-lasting. In fact, you can use hemp to make concrete and build a home for yourself. Hemp concrete is cool in nature and really smooth in texture. You can make it yourself and start laying the foundation for your home.
More details here thehempbuilder.com
18. Boat
A boathouse is usually something that means you own a boat on which you have made a small house which is now floating in a river or a lake or in the sea for you to live-in during your summer holidays or weekend getaways. But, what if you could take a dilapidated and discarded boat that has long served its masters in the water and has retired from the arduous journeys of its youth? What if you could save such a boat from being rummaged for pieces and ripped apart mercilessly to breathe new life into other things or newer boats?
Yes, you can give such a boat a nice retirement and a family by turning it into a proper house on land. It also benefits you of course. It won’t cost much to buy off a boat that has no real use left, and it will be really fun to decorate it with sea themes and doll it up beautifully. Plus, people will be in awe of your home. A real sense of pride, I must say.
A bus house is not too different from an RV, but what it does add to your option is more space. A big bus is longer and wider, naturally to accommodate more people. So, when you remove all the seats from the equation, and in fact, retire the bus for a stationary living, you will essentially have space equalling a studio flat, but with the option of decorating it in a much more stylish way. You can basically let your imagination go wild with this one.
I love treehouses for many reasons, and when I mean a treehouse in this context, I do mean a full fledged home where a family can live in comfortably and use amenities of all sorts in. You can create several levels for the tree house, from a four squared porch area that has nothing other than seating furniture, to having a couple of small rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. It can be done. And if you want it, you can also make it. It really isn’t that costly to make one.
More details here motherearthnews.com
21. Yurt
Yurts are native to people in Turkey, Siberia and Mongolia. They are collapsible tent houses made out of refurbished material like skin, felt or if bought commercially, a sturdy cloth. Yurts are extremely affordable homes and they can be experimented with on the interior to have beautiful decor. Moreover, they are very sturdy and can be padded up with additional insulation. There is also the fact that you can just collapse it, wrap it, stuff it and carry it away with you if you want to move.
I grew up watching and reading National Geographic. My father is a longtime National Geographic Society member. So, reading up on far and unique settlements was inspiring as a child. An igloo has definitely been on my list of alternative housing. But, how can you have an igloo in the middle of a city which does not have a perpetual cold climate? Are you really up for spending a lot of money and creating a lot of greenhouse gases to fulfil such a crazy dream?
Well, you actually don’t have to! A modular igloo is interesting to make, because it can be created out of styrofoam. Styrofoam is incredibly sturdy and extreme weather resistant.
Traditional African houses are very unique. They have this oblong shape that gives them this different appeal. They are not A-shaped and they are conical, yet they are long and tall. So, if you’re up for something so unique, you can actually build or order for prefab african houses. They do not require a lot of money and are very simple yet beautiful.
Mobile homes do carry this bad image with people that they are meant for low-income earners. It’s frankly an obnoxious idea. A home is a home and a home is really what you make of it. There has been a drastic rise in popularity of mobile homes. They are easier to maintain, do not take a lot of space and can be refaced and remodelled in a number of ways. So, why not save yourself the hassle and go for something as quaint as this?
I have traveled in old trains. I have traveled in almost all sorts of trains, because, let’s admit it, trains are so fun to travel in! They have this perfect blend of nostalgia and hope and it is such a delightful experience to go on long journeys while living in trains. So, what if you bought an old train box car/bogey? There are many trains that are completely out of service. Their parts have been thrown away into junk yards and are probably not even used for scrap.
Some are just recycled or melted, some ripped apart for other uses. You can save a box car’s purpose and give it a new lease at life, while being at rest, by turning it into a house. There is just so much that you can do with an abandoned boxcar and for cheap an expense, you will be surprised.
A housing co-op is like a commune, but not something that you establish outside of city limits or deep in the forest. There is nothing esoteric about it. In fact, a housing co-op is as transparent as it gets. You get together, you get a large piece of land, you all pool money together, for everything from construction to the amenities, and in that way you reduce the cost drastically and share the burden equally. You can either find such a co-op or start one.
A baugruppen is like a housing co-op, but it is a little more specific and allows people to select the kind of people they want to build a community around. Moreover, it removes any hassle of a developer and in that way drastically reduces the cost of construction. People look after the needs of each other and just generally build a trustworthy society. This idea has been gaining popularity of late and it’s not too radical for you to perhaps start one near where you live.
Yes, I am not fond of apartments all that much, but when done right, they can be amazingly warm and cozy and beautiful. Tiny apartments remove any need of unnecessary space and give you a sense of comfort. Moreover, they are far cheaper than traditional houses and big apartments and easier to maintain too. Plus, there is so much you can do to decorate a tiny apartment.
A green wall home is basically a fully thriving garden that is grown vertically on walls. You can create a 360 degree living garden by turning every wall in your house into a garden. Now, it is up to you to decide if you want to implement this idea on a small scale or a large scale and if you want to keep any of this indoors or not. But, it is an eco-friendly and refreshing idea to mull over.
I have lived in an apartment because I couldn’t afford to live in a big house. But, before I moved into an apartment, I used to live in a beautiful triplex. Triplexes and duplexes are not something you can outright term as alternative modes of housing, but they are definitely easier on your pocket, all the while giving you the comfort and feel of a proper, traditional home. You can have more than one person who isn’t a spouse or a relative living in a duplex or a triplex, so that helps.
So, which style of alternative housing appealed you the most? Do you think you can use a bunch of these ideas and create a unique house for your own? There is definitely enough possibility to do just that. Let me know what you eventually come up with! Happy building!
When we use art for entertainment, it’s usually speed painting that comes to our mind.
True to its name, it’s all about painting within a specific time period. Every different competition has a varying time limit. In most of the shows for speed painting, when the painter is painting, some music is played in the background, so as not to let the audience get bored in the stipulated time-period.
This limited-time usually ranges from a few minutes to hours. So, while you are practicing, please train yourself to perform and create your pieces within certain time limits. Here, practice becomes mandatory more so because unlike other pieces of artwork, in speed painting, you cannot go back and add any details or finishing touches after your time is up.
It’s a prerequisite in both traditional and digital forum.The more you practice, the better you will get, and there are no other shortcuts to speed painting. Eventually, as you improve at things like proportion and perspective, then you’ll be able to create your pieces with speed.
Featured Illustration Courtesy of Eve Skylar
Watching different videos on speed painting and observing and learning the different techniques used by artists may help you to improve your skills. You’ll be able to understand the pattern of work and you can begin to emulate them while practicing them on your own.
10 Tips and Tricks for Speed Painting
Illustration Courtesy of John Sommo
1. Fill the Blank Canvas
Try using a big brush to put down some strokes of different colors, textures, opacity, and tone on the blank canvas. If you want, then you can change your brushes in the process, but always stick to a big brush as it will ensure good speed and prevent your urge to paint anything specific.
Your focus should be on filling the canvas with texture and color and not painting any particular design. Mastering this technique can get tough, but the effects created in the end by following this tip is the best. It prevents the blank canvas from acting as an obstruction to your creativity.
2. Use of Custom Shapes
The ability to create custom shapes is a powerful tool for you as an artist. You need to doodle various abstract shapes by using a hard brush. But you need to repeat, copy, overlap, and transform those shapes as you use them while creating different pieces of art.
When you know how to make some basic shapes, it will, in return, help you to draw them quickly and accurately. These shapes are fun, simple, and fast to make, and with the right amount of practice, you can save time speed painting.
3. Use the Gradient Tool
After you have set the tonal values in your image, you need to focus on getting the base color right.
Using the gradient tool will help you to correctly select your colors for every nook and corner of your sketch. For instance, the color of the ground, then the base of the building, the skyline, and the defining shade between the land and sky.
If you want a color palette that appears even, then you can use the eraser tool to blend the different colors.
4. Let Boredom to Spark Creativity
When you’re bored, try to sit around and experiment with different textures. You will be surprised by the variety of things that you can create on that canvas, by just doodling around. Even creating some weird textures, will give something to add in your collection, which is a unique design made by you and can’t be recreated.
It reflects on how you can use boredom to motivate you on creating some exciting artwork.
Illustration Courtesy of John Sommo
5. Limit Your Brushes
Before you start your session of speed painting, you should practice with your custom brushes. It is essential to keep a limit while selecting the range of brushes according to the theme of your art.
Without having to worry about the brushstrokes, you can focus more on your design and shapes that will make you productive and efficient. Using only a limited set of brushes might take some time to master, but you will be saving time during your process of speed painting.
6. Build Your Photo Library
It is vital for you to have a reference library irrespective of your style of art. There is plenty of reference material available on the internet, but nothing beats the knowledge which you can gain if you collect them on your own.
By going out in the world, you’ll be inspired as you find different cloud formations or landscapes, or even different scenery, contrast, and exposure. It will all help to build your imagination or also give a spark to a new idea.
7. Select the Tight Photographs
When you’re trying to blend and merge different photographs, then it is vital to select the right images. If you try to include a photo with a completely different source of lighting compared to the others, then you’ll end up wasting more time on fixing the problem, or you might dismiss the picture.
Illustration Courtesy of Michael Mowat
8. Add Complexity
When you are trying to create an intricate painting, you need to make full use of the custom brushes and the available textures. You can find several free textures and brushes on the internet.
Select the ones that will break the internal shapes used in your composition. Get yourself a variety of brushes such as a sleek chalk-like one, and round-tipped one, or a rough, chunky gravel one and even a soft flat brush.
9. Don’t Over-tell
If you’re trying to tell a complex story through your image, then the canvas space should be divided into smaller portions to distribute the various storytelling elements accordingly.
You should focus on selecting only two or three elements that your image should speak about.
When you choose several elements, it will be challenging to come up with an impressive and iconic composition.
10. Experiment
Try to find different experimental and fun methods which will help you form exciting compositions and ideas.
If you have the foundational knowledge of art such as color, values, and lighting, then there can be endless possibilities. There are many painting software with some great tools that you can use for experimentation of your work (e.g., when you don’t like to start painting directly you can find different shapes and create a collage by using the clipping, transform and smudge tools).
Watch these speed painting tutorials to observe different artists at work!
The video demonstrates the process of digital painting that is followed in making four types of environments from the ground up.
As you watch the artist creating different forms, you’ll be able to understand how you can use these techniques for the oil or acrylic painting. The way the artist uses broad strokes for creating a sense of incredible movement and depth in the water and clouds emulates the traditional mediums.
In this video, the idea of a portal illustrates how texture and light are being used. Before the artist adds the tightening lines and the compositions, he adjusts the entire color scheme. The selection of relaxing music and cheerful colors makes it a soothing combination to watch.
One of the highlighted sections in the video is to watch how the tutorial starts with a rendering of black and white.
3. Painting Process: Sacrifice
The artist in the video demonstrates a process of intricate illustration with speedpaint. It also has speech bubbles where the artist explains everything that he’s doing.You’ll be able to observe how this skilled digital painter creates an amazing artwork because of his strong command of proportion, light, and perspective.
You can watch this tutorial when you are in a state of mind to learn some skills and relax at the same time. The artist has taken only one and a half hours to complete the design, which is quite impressive, considering the level of intricate details used.
It starts with a black and white classic digital line sketch, which is like a pencil sketch and then the artist builds up the piece from there.
To get the woodsy and shadowy tone of a particular scene, the artist first uses intense colors and then layers it with translucent colors on the top.
The concept used in the gesture drawing looks quite different from the end product of the piece being created. Certain elements, like the boats in the water and the cave walls, turn out in a way that you would not be able to guess by seeing the original sketch.
The artist in this video uses rough and broad strokes to build up the entire scene.
Watch this video to understand how highlights and complementary colors have been used to build up the form. Even though the scene in which the artist is painting did start with a dark color as the base.
In this tutorial, you’ll see how the artist builds up a small mushroom village by using solid underlying colors, a layer of translucent color, and a simple base sketch.
It is one of the most impressive pieces of the environment that has been created in this list of tutorials.
If you want to learn some techniques that will help you to build up detail and texture quickly, then you should watch this video. The artist is creating a forest scene with the use of blending and stamping techniques. The scene has been entirely created without having to sacrifice interest or the concept of realism.
The minute details in the scene have been added by using different texture brushes.
Watch this video to see how the artist uses a stunning combination of tracing and layering. To create an impressive detail and depth in a short period, the artist uses translucent color layers along with photographic elements.
In this tutorial, the artist uses broad brush strokes to create the base, and then subtle details are carved out with highlights. The colors used to create this beautiful piece is stunning!
You can go ahead and add this video to your informative or soothing playlist.
The artist starts this piece by building up the tone and textures before starting to freehand the different forms in the scene. There is no base sketch used for creating this piece, while you’ll be stunned by seeing the blending techniques that have been used.
While watching this video, you’ll be glued to the screen because the artist is pretty quick as he completes the piece within fifty minutes.
In this video, the piece being created is completely done with a free hand. You’ll get to see the artist progressing from the use of broad background strokes to finer ones.
The artist starts with the use of grayscale and eventually adds different subtle colors to create a brooding, dark scene. Distortion and surrealism complement each other in this piece.
If you like painting architecture, then you’ll enjoy this tutorial as it also provides a perspective guide. The artist has used a gradual build-up of different colors along with texture brushes and shapes to create this piece of art.
In this tutorial, there is a fun switch in the technique being used in the making of a sci-fi cityscape within an hour. The artists first start with making a digital perspective grid and then uses freehanded light, broad brush strokes to create the base of the scene.
The artist also overlays the texture, instead of creating the details by hand, while some photographic elements are also included to give the artwork an ideal realistic outlook.
Here’s an impressive demonstration of using the different texture brushes in Photoshop. The artist is creating a monochromatic scene; therefore, texture plays a central role.
The depth and details of the surface are beautiful, and so is the atmospheric perspective that has been used by the artist in this video.
The dark fantasy scene in this video is created by the same artist of the previous video.
In this tutorial, you’ll be able to see how the artist handles the atmospheric perspective, and texture along with a dramatic lighting and a minimal color palette.
In this video, you’ll get a good description of rendering with beautiful colors, layered sketching, and impressive composition. The final image is noteworthy, especially if you’re a concept artist or interested in characters.
Let’s change the chapter to look at how characters are created!
The process of creating the showgirl also comes along with comments where the artist gives her explanation to everything that is being done.
You’ll find some fascinating techniques being used by the artist in this video. She places the figure in a 3D environment to understand the perspective before creating thick lines that need to be thinned out to give a refined shape.
Here’s another tutorial of creating a piece with some incredible freehand skills. The artist uses some impressive lighting and texture details that helps to bring the creature to life.
The contrast between the creature who is created with extreme details, while trees and the girl are just merely suggested helps to create the mood of the artwork. The girl in the scene is made to appear calm, while the beast is terrifyingly enormous.
In this video, you’ll see how the artist goes through some different concept sketches before finalizing the posture for this character.
The focus in this video is on the dramatic lighting and the stunning costume design. This is the first video on this list that demonstrates a detailed armor on a particular character. The rendering of the armor is first done in black and white before layers of color is applied.
The artist in the tutorial puts the central focus on legendary creatures: Pokemon. There is plenty to learn from this tutorial, especially from how the intricate details are made in the base drawing.
You’ll understand how to create many different subjects and creatures in a particular piece without making space appear chaotic or messy.
The techniques used in this tutorial are also present in the other listed videos. The artist first starts by drawing an accurate digital pencil sketch, and then the solid base is layered with transparent colors.
It’s exciting to watch how the artist creates photorealistic details by just using shadows and highlights on a base color, without having to introduce any new colors.
A sharp contrast intensifies the differences between the two subjects, which is created by using complementary colors.
The hand sketching technique used in this video tends to work for both traditional mediums and digital art.
The artist starts rendering using a lighter color and then uses darker shades to sketch on top of that to refine the lines and shapes; then continues sketching until the artist is satisfied with the piece.
The final piece looks like a black and white classic character rendering, while the form builds up by just the value.
The sketchy and illustrative quality of this impressive creature design has been built up by using broad brush strokes, then small brushes are used for refining, and finally, it’s layered with texture.
A blurring technique and use of repeating shapes help the artist in the video to create a sense of drama and an atmospheric perspective in this piece.
Watch this tutorial to understand how, with a few simple colors and basic shapes, the potion bottle takes its form.
The genre of speed painting usually focuses on scenes and landscapes, but this video focuses on the details of a particular subject. The potion bottle is made up of primary forms, which will be quite simple for a beginner in digital painting to understand. This video is less intimidating than learning to create an entire landscape or a character.
The artist in this tutorial creates a sword weapon prop within a time frame of thirty minutes. As you watch this concept sketch, you’ll be able to understand the expert handling of broad brush strokes and the importance of lighting in creating any pieces of art.
the ones that will break the internal shapes used in your composition. Get yourself a variety of brushes such as a sleek chalk-like one, and round-tipped one, or a rough, chunky gravel one and even a soft flat brush.
Final Words
Focus on learning the different techniques of speed painting and understand the basics like color theory, gesture, anatomy, and composition it will come of great use.
As you gain the required skills for painting a beautiful piece of art, then you need constant practice to ace the game. With speed painting, you’ll be able to build your confidence, only when your groundwork for creating art is polished well.
Till next time, keep practicing!
Note: The links to the tutorial were working fine when we wrote the article. But if you can’t open a particular link, then it must have been taken down due to copyright claims.
Modern artists usually favor two kinds of mediums for putting life into their fabulous creation, that is, Graphite and Charcoal. In this quick description, we analyze the two commonly used methods, thereby, enlisting the pros and cons of both.
If we look back at history briefly, the assumption that ‘Lead’ was used as a material for pencils was prevalent during that age. The fact is, real lead wasn't used in the pencils. Lead, essentially, is a toxic material. Therefore, its use was strictly banned henceforth.
Chemically, both Graphite and Charcoal originate from the same element, Carbon. Graphite is an isotope of Carbon, i.e., two different forms of compounds coming from the same element.
The hexagonal molecular structure allows lesser friction, causing ease in sliding movements. This is also one of the reasons why graphite is used as lubricants. Without going into the scientific details, we must enlighten you with the distinctions.
Therefore, the question which pops up in mind instantly: ‘What is the difference between the two?’; or ‘Which one should I use for my sketches?’. This also because - both look the same, like a pencil, yet are different in so many ways.
The answer is simple. The two are differentiated according to requirement, specification, and application. So without further ado, let us delve into the nitty-gritty of the two media of drawing.
Graphite vs. Charcoal
Graphite | How is it used?
The core of pencils is usually made up of graphite which is coupled with binders that make the pencils structurally hard. Sketches can attain thinner lines with more binders in the mixtures, apart from obtaining lighter shades.
On the contrary, lesser the number of binders, softer the graphite will be. As a result, the shades will be thicker and darker. The terminology of pencil shades, according to hardness, darkness, and lightness, is done with the help of a combination of letters, with numbers in the prefix.
The various shades lie in the range of 9H to 9B*, with 9H being the lightest and 9B* the darkest. Generally, the range of graphite pencil kit lies between 2H or HB to 6B.
That said, it is also essential to know that not all pencils within the range of 9H to 9B* are necessary for artists. Range in between HB-6B is more than sufficient for most.
Interestingly, some of the artists manage to sketch using only two or three types of shades. In cases of spontaneous actions, working on smooth paper remains ideal for graphite pencils.
Graphite works best for paper below the dimensions of 9 x 12 as we are dealing with pencil which finds it difficult to mark large areas. Even woodless graphite pencils are of excellent quality but do not obtain a high marking area in the paper.
Additionally, if pressed hard, graphite pencil produces an unwanted glare, which makes it difficult to be photographed. Time-consuming fix for this problem is by layering the darker areas with darker shades of pencil.
Merits
Using Graphite pencil does not allow any form of smudge or mess to creep into your work
Ideal for beginners, or sketches in small, confined areas
Demerits
Graphite pencil works are often time-consuming. This is due to the fact that it takes time and effort to cover large areas of the paper
These pencils produce an undesirable shine which downgrades the appearance in several ways
Charcoal | How is it used?
Charcoal is a product formed by burning wood, which is primarily made up of Carbon, like graphite. Drawing similarities from graphite, lighter the charcoal, darker will be the shade, while harder the charcoal, lighter will be the shade.
Primarily, the two forms of charcoal are - sticks and pencils. Also, the powdered charcoal is blended along with resins and clay, which is then pushed into the pencil core. Willow Coal, synonymous with Soft Vine, is the best-known type of charcoal when it comes to quality.
Much like in the case of graphite, charcoal pencil shades range from HB to 6B. However, the one unique quality of charcoal is that the sketch artist can rotate the sticks to manipulate different forms of line thickness and styles.
Many a time, artists prefer soft consistencies of charcoal due to the ease with which it fans out, creating almost the perfect blend. Similarities of sketch work using charcoal can be drawn with oil paintings, due to the smoothness of area coverage. All you have to do is place a stick on its periphery, in order to cover large areas at one go.
Also, drawing with charcoal remains ideal for beginners as the work is easily erasable, nullifying errors. Flawless work using charcoal pencils can be achieved by using textured paper, which also remains suitable for drawings over large areas.
Furthermore, it is observed that using charcoals in drawing creates lots of fuss and mess. If not appropriately acclimatized, pictures tend to create a lot of smudges. Further, imprints from fingers can easily be traced on the work, if not dealt with caution.
Additionally, the use of charcoal pencils do not promote fine-drawing as the surface area of contact is larger.
Merits
Faster mode of drawing, when compared to graphite
Less time-consuming and optimal for large area drawings
Obtaining drawings with darker shade is much more comfortable
Heavy strokes coupled with a large contact area with paper, meaning bolder sketches compared to graphite
Demerits
Working with these types of pencils induces smudge marks and fingerprints all over the paper
Also, a heavy charcoal pencil kit does not help with its mobility
Need for caution is a must using this type of tool
With the detailed discussions above, it can be safely assumed that both Graphite and Charcoal have their own sets of uses, benefits, applications, pros, and cons. Therefore, it is absolutely up to the personal choice of artists to make a desirable piece of art.
Most homeowners would agree that scrubbing is a cumbersome way to get rid of stains. Thankfully, there are clean steamers available to make the job easier.
However, choosing a good quality steam cleaner that is durable, versatile, and easy to use isn't all that simple. As you know, there are a ton of options available on the market, so selecting the right one among them can be complicated and time-consuming.
Now, to help you, we have written this review-based guide discussing two of the best steam cleaners: the Vapamore MR-100 and the McCulloch MC1385.
Sporting multiple features, both these models are highly versatile and deserve your attention. So, without further ado, let's find out which model is better.
McCulloch MC1385 or Vapamore MR100? | Steam Cleaning Battle
1. Overview
Before we dive into the reviews of these two products, let us quickly overview the exceptional features of both cleaning machines.
The Vapamore MR-100 is one of the best multi-purpose steam cleaners on the market. It sports a compact design and is known for not using any corrosive chemicals. Instead, it uses clean water to remove grease, grime, and stains while killing mold, mildew, germs, and dust mites.
Naturally, it can wash dirty floors with ease, be it in the kitchen, toilet, or garage. Also, users can use it for outdoor purposes without any hassle.
Now, as far as the McCulloch MC1385 is concerned, it features a unique design, which makes it stand out from other conventional steam cleaners on the market. It is a very reliable unit and does a decent job at cleaning tough-to-reach spots.
Like the Vapamore MR-100, it doesn't use corrosive chemicals and solely depends on clean water for grime removal. You will find that it delivers a shiny look on most floors while also killing microscopic bacteria and organisms to keep your family safe.
2. Versatility
Versatility is an essential feature that separates a quality steam cleaner from cheaper models. So, let's find out which machine is more versatile.
The Vapamore MR-100 has a ton of attachments and tools, meaning you can use it for various cleaning tasks all over the house. For example, thanks to its triangle attachment, users will find it convenient to wash tight spots effortlessly. Additionally, the small-sized brush helps you remove the dried grout stuck in pet cages, cleaning grills, and bathrooms.
You will also find that it has a unique tool that specializes in killing bed bugs and bacteria from computer chairs, sofas, and mattresses. What's more, we loved its handheld component, allowing users to carry it easily while steaming out grime.
On the other hand, the McCulloch MC1385 steam cleaner comes with 20 useful tools that make it extremely easy to use and flexible for various purposes. For us, the main highlight of this unit is its central floor mop attachment, which you can use to disinfect hard materials such as wood, laminate, and tiles. On top of that, it has all the necessary accessories for cleaning windows, mirrors, fabrics, hob grills, and BBQ grills.
Verdict: McCulloch MC1385 or Vapamore MR100?
Both these steam cleaners are extremely versatile, primarily because of their quality attachments. Having said that, we feel that the McCulloch MC1385 has more to offer in terms of features which gives it the edge.
But, the Vapamore MR-100 doesn't lag behind, thanks to its lightweight and compact design, which makes it highly portable and easy to store.
3. Water Tank And Steaming Process
The water tank and the steaming process determine the longevity of both these machines.
While testing the Vapamore MR-100 steam cleaner, its massive water tank caught our attention right from the start. The stainless steel boiler can hold up to 1.6 liters of water, allowing a run time of 60 minutes. Plus, you can tweak the steam flow using a dial located in front of the unit.
Apart from that, it uses a robust 1500-watt heater to warm the water. When you press the start button, it gives out steam with uniform pressure. Similarly, if you release the button, it stops pushing out steam from the boiler, thereby ensuring that there is no wastage of electricity.
We also found that it utilizes its 1500-watt water heater to produce steam, thanks to its output of 4 bars. This helps users get rid of stubborn grime and stains without any difficulty.
Compared to that, the McCulloch MC1385 steamer machine has a 1.9-liter or 64-ounce water tank, which is slightly larger when compared to the Vapamore MR-100. Plus, it comes with an adjustable steam pressure system, thereby delivering a longer run time of over 120 minutes. And, just like its competitor, it also has a dial for adjusting the steam pressure.
Meanwhile, the steam produced by the McCulloch MC1385 is over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills bacteria, bedbugs, and other harmful organisms easily.
Verdict: McCulloch MC1385 or Vapamore MR100?
When it comes to water tanks and run time, McCulloch MC1385 has an advantage as you can use it for longer intervals compared to the Vapamore MR-100. Having said that, both models are highly efficient and stop steaming when you release the start button.
4. Extra Accessories
It is always nice to have extra accessories, as they allow consumers to carry out numerous cleaning tasks. Additionally, these functions play a major role in enhancing the overall user experience irrespective of your choice of steam cleaner.
As mentioned earlier, the Vapamore MR-100 is lightweight and features a compact design, but what you might not know is that it has an extra storage compartment. So, users can keep all their tools and attachments in a secure place.
Apart from this, it comes with a stick attached to the cap of the water tank, which allows users to check the water level. Finally, it sports a retractable 18-foot long power cord for enhanced flexibility, thereby making it easy to move while working.
On the other hand, the McCulloch MC1385 has an 18-foot power cord, but it is not retractable, which makes it difficult to carry this unit. Plus, the steam cleaner is larger, which could be an inconvenience for some users. w
You will also find that it has a top handle for portability and a pressure indicator, making it one of the best cleaners available right now. That said, the lack of a dedicated storage compartment puts the small attachments at risk of getting misplaced.
Verdict: McCulloch MC1385 or Vapamore MR100?
It is pretty clear that the Vapamore MR-100 has a lot of extra features when compared to the McCulloch MC1385. We believe that its dedicated storage compartment will prove handy for users while storing small attachments in an organized manner. Plus, its retractable steam hose adds to its flexibility and ease of use.
Therefore, the Vapamore MR100 stands out when it comes to extra features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens to the dirt when using a steam cleaner?
The heat coupled with the continuous steam discharge breaks down the dirt, but it still remains on the surface. You would need a steam mop or a wet cloth to remove the loosened dirt from the surface.
2. What surfaces should not be cleaned with steam cleaners?
You should not use steam cleaners to clean the following surfaces:
Delicate materials including thin plastics and silk
Food plants and industrial spaces
Porous materials such as marble, brick, and stucco
Materials like cardboard and water-based paints that might get damaged due to heat
3. Can you use a steam cleaner to clean the walls?
Yes, you can indeed clean walls using a steam cleaner. In fact, it is one of the most effective ways to get rid of stains and molds from walls and other surfaces. Just make sure the unit has a long steam hose for flexibility.
Final Thoughts: McCulloch MC1385 or Vapamore MR100
Steam cleaning is undoubtedly one of the most efficient ways to sanitize various surfaces and objects at home. Plus, the fact that it kills 99% of germs makes it an exciting acquisition. So if you want to get rid of all kinds of bacteria viruses to rejuvenate your home, a quality steam cleaner is a must-have!
Both these heavy-duty products have the potential to remove the most unpleasant and stubborn grimes, spots, and stains from a wide range of surfaces, including floors and tiles. Also, both can kill disease-spreading viruses and bacteria quite conveniently.
When compared, both steam cleaners perform exceptionally well. The McCulloch MC1385 has more attachments, a longer run-time, and a bigger water tank, similar to that of the oz water tank. On the other hand, the Vapamore MR-100 is backed by a lifetime warranty, has a dedicated storage tool compartment and a handy retractable steam hose.
So, whenever in doubt, you can refer to our guide and rest assured that you won't go wrong. That's all for now, bye!
Got to know of the Naturemill composter from a neighbor who was singing praises for it? Unfortunately, Naturemills has discontinued this product and are not found in the market.
But are you sure about whether this product will be suitable for your gardening needs?
Well, to answer that question, you need to look at a lot of facets of this product, including a few faults. Yes, it does have some minor ones; after all, which product doesn’t!
However, you’ll be surely impressed with the great features and benefits that this composter offers. We can say that because we’ve used it extensively for a couple of months.
In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the product from our experience. This will help you have a better idea about this composter than from just hearsay.
So, without any delay, let’s get started.
Naturemills Indoor Composter Review
Why Buy This Product?
Won’t you want each and every plant in your garden to get sufficient nutrients for their growth? Of course! And what if it can be done more efficiently than ever with a small unit at your home!
The most amazing part: the leftover parts of almost all kinds of food items can be used! So, you are sure to get the best possible composting solution. To find out how, let's look at each of its great features.
No Smell From Waste
Composting is undoubtedly the best way you can ensure that the plants get sufficient organic nutrients. But we do agree that the smell from a compost pit is not pleasant and completely understand your concern regarding this. And that’s one reason why we recommend you to go for this product because you won’t be dealing with any foul smell.
When you purchase the composter, you get a small box each of baking soda and sawdust pellets along with it. By using these components along with the raw material, you can avoid the foul smell of the nitrogen-rich leftover food and food scraps.
For further supplies of sawdust, you can get in touch with people from a nearby carpentry company or even a stable. Besides, this composter has an airtight seal to stop all the foul smell from escaping into the surroundings.
We found this most useful when our unit was kept in an area in the house with ‘high-traffic’ such as the kitchen. Another impressive fact is that the thick insulation which helps in temperature maintenance also traps foul smells effectively.
Small Size And Sleek Design
We never wanted our composting machine to occupy a huge space in the kitchen. That area is for cooking utensils after all! Not to mention the hassles and large area required for preparing the composts manually. This Naturemills composter came in the best size we could wish for and will be simply great for any small area or kitchen.
You can also get the product integrated into your kitchen unit with the help of a cabinet maker. This would be done just in the same way as a trash compactor. Ultimately, it not only helps to tuck the compost away from view but can also mask any smell.
In case you don’t have space for the integration, you can also leave it on one side of the kitchen top or in any other area. At first glance, the composter might seem like a coffee machine or any other high-end home appliance. Its fascinating sleek design fits easily in most kitchens, so almost none of the visitors would realize what it is.
Easy to Use
Well, we all know how time-consuming and tedious manual composting is. It requires going to the garden every time you have leftovers or food scraps to add to the heap. Often the food takes too long to break down and mixing big pieces of bread or tea bags properly also becomes difficult.
However, with this composter at home, you can easily forget about such hassles. All you need to do is collect food scraps from the kitchen at your convenience and add it to the compost basket of this small machine.
Mixing and mulching of the food takes place automatically after you plug in your composter. Forget about manually moving around the peelings and food scraps yourself. And the best part is that you will be able to add food of any type and any form, be it bread, cooked food, meat or dairy.
Just make sure to add a bit of baking soda and sawdust every time you add the items during the first week to balance the mixture. It will just take a week for the compost to be prepared, after which you should let it sit for another week before using it.
Use for Indoors or Outdoors
Although when we consider automatic composters, we think of using them mainly for indoors. But this one can pretty well be put outside in the garage or at an outbuilding if you lack the space in your kitchen. All that it needs to have is a shed above, and the rest is not a problem!
This feature has been appreciated by many customers as they don’t want the sound from the composter to be heard within the home. This crackling and low whirring sound comes from the blades which mulch and turn the materials.
It might become slightly louder if you add items such as egg shells, as they are more difficult to grind. So, if sounds such as these tend to annoy you, placing the product in a basement or a garage will be the most suitable option.
Large Capacity
With each week of work in the kitchen, peelings of vegetables, other kitchen scraps and leftovers pile up in the bin in huge quantities. If you are wondering whether that is too much for the Naturemills, let us tell you that it can handle upto 120 lbs. per month.
This quantity suits most kitchens quite comfortably, which is why you can free yourself from any such worries. Also, the compost that you get has a volume 70 percent less than that of the raw materials added to it.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although the Naturemills composter worked wonderfully to provide us with just the compost we needed for our plants, it did have a few faults. However, they weren’t major and didn’t make much difference in the product’s performance.
Firstly, we observed that adding certain items in their intact form can lead to those being tangled up or jamming the unit. Instances of such items are tough fibrous fruits ones such as half-rotten bananas or their peels.
Adding cilantro stems may also create a problem. So, we added such items by chopping them into small 1” pieces. This size ensured that the pieces didn’t get tied around the tumbling plates inside the composter. In this way, the problem was taken care of.
Also, on opening the unit for adding new compost, a blast of not-so-fresh air may be released. But again, that won’t be a problem if the product is somewhere in the basement. It is more so in smaller urban apartments.
Pros
Sleek design fits most kitchens quite well
Easy operation by adding raw materials and plugging in
Comes with a pack of sawdust and baking soda
Food items of all types and form can be added
Cons
Large food items can cause tangling up or jamming
Advanced Working Mechanism
At this point, don’t you feel like knowing about the amazing mechanism that yields such an efficient performance? So, now that we have talked about its different features, let us describe briefly how this Naturemills Composter works.
First we look at the different advanced parts within the product that help in making the compost. We then go on to explain how it is dispensed, which also has a special mechanism.
Electric Motor
This is the device that does the magic, by mixing the compost on the queue after every 4 hours. Also, it helps to conserve electricity by using just the bare minimum that is required. So, you don’t have to worry about any excess power consumption.
Air Pump and Filter System
A filtered fan system using activated carbon eliminates any foul smell and allows clean air to circulate throughout the unit. This is the reason why any odors from the composting process can’t reach outside most of the time. The little smell that you may get comes from the healthy bacteria which act as agents in the composting process.
The Spinning Blades
There are steel blades within the composter that rotate on their own timer, so that you don’t need to program them or press any buttons to start them. These blades break down larger pieces present in the raw material added.
Heater
Warm compost is always regarded as being better for the health of plants. To ensure this, a heater is present in the bottom part of the composter. It works to keep the scraps at the proper temperature for a rapid breakdown.
How Do We Obtain The Compost?
A divider tray separates the upper and lower compartments within the composter and normally remains shut. When the upper chamber is completely filled up, or the materials have been broken down entirely, a sensor on the top detects that.
As a result, the tray is rotated in the opposite direction to make the compost fall on a ketch tray at the bottom. You can collect the compost by bringing out this ketch tray. It also has a small basket on one side to collect liquid compost. You can use this form on your household plants.
A Guide On Naturemills Indoor Composter For You
No matter how efficient a product is, there are some precautions that need to be followed to ensure that it gives a sustained performance. Here are some basic points you need to keep in mind:
Don’t Add Paper
It is best not to add any kitchen roll or paper to the composter as it might get tangled around the rotating blades. Consequently, the composter may stop working. Ripping the paper into very small shreds will reduce the risk of clogging.
Don’t Add Citrus Fruits
Adding citrus fruits or peels will kill the bacteria cultures which are required for proper processing. So, it is advised by the manufacturers to not add such fruits.
Always Add Sawdust And Baking Soda
Remember to add sawdust and baking soda each time you add food items to the compost. You might not get a fully balanced compost with the right processing if any of those two are missed out.
Carbon Filters When Required
If you ever smell a strong odor, check the blades first to ensure they are working and mixing your compost in the right way. If the blades are working properly, use carbon filters in the filter part of the unit for preventing such odors.
Naturemills Indoor Composter Conclusion
With this, we come to the end of our review and we hope you have found it helpful.
Having a Naturemills automatic composter at home rules out all hassles involved in the general composting methods. Put all your waste materials from the kitchen into the unit, and it will do all the churning and mixing for you.
Furthermore, perfectly mixed and balanced compost is much more effective for your garden than the one made by traditional methods. Although it may seem a tad expensive, it is worth the investment.
So, go ahead and try out this Naturemills composter! And do let us know about your experience in the comments section.
Till next time!
The first thing you need to begin painting with your acrylic paints is, most definitely, a surface.
Unlike sketches which are done only on paper, acrylic paints are much more flexible in terms of surfaces they can be painted on. Hence, there are a number of choices you have when it comes to painting surfaces for acrylic paints. Today, we’ll walk you through a variety of them.
The major surfaces you can expect to see include hardwood, hardboard, canvas, watercolor paper, and metal surfaces. Other materials include masonite and plastic. You can also use fibreboard of varying densities for the same task, but generally Medium Density Fibreboard [MDF] is used.
We’ll go over some details of each of the materials listed above so that you can easily understand the pros and cons and then take the right call as per your preferences.
[easyazon_link keywords="Canvas and Stretched Canvas" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273370"]Canvas and Stretched Canvas[/easyazon_link]
Canvas is arguably the most common material used to paint with acrylic colors. It is easy to handle, very accessible, and easy to transport. This also makes it an ideal choice for larger paintings. The only way to determine how two kinds of fibers are different is to check the fibers. Cotton comes in at the bottom rung, while the most expensive ones move towards linen.
The other parameter you should have in mind is weight. Heavier the canvas, the better it is.
Canvas is available in two variants: Canvas Board and Stretch Canvas. Canvas board is the one that’s more readily available, but are of lower quality. Canvas board gets quite slippery over time, too. You can get over this initial slipperiness in two ways: Either you use a surfactant or you can use acrylic gesso to prime the surface and getting that satin smooth finish.
Stretch canvas, on the other hand, is pulled over a wooden frame. The canvas works best when [easyazon_link keywords="acrylic gesso" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273371"]primed with acrylic gesso[/easyazon_link], and is available in a number of levels of thickness based on your particular requirements.
Hardwood Panels
The hardwood panels have been popular among the artist crowd for hundreds of years now. Typically, hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, birch, and walnut have been used. These have a unique advantage, in that they last for a number of years - much longer compared to any kind of canvas. The typical disadvantage is that they end up being much heavier than canvas or others.
Do keep in mind the fact that hardwood panels can be expensive to use and to maintain, unlike canvas - hence, as a student or a hobbyist, you’re best off using a canvas. There are some brands which offer cheap birch wood, but these cheaper brands are prone to get warped and split with time.
If you’re knowledgeable about woodwork, it helps a lot - you can work with unused wooden panels which would otherwise be wasted in this context. You would be especially lucky if you find some that are lying around in garage sales or your own garage. These can turn out to be a very value-for-money proposition if the panel gets some care post-painting.
Medium-Density Fibreboard [MDF]
Medium density fibreboard is quite similar to masonite in nature. Most artists wouldn’t even know the difference between the two materials - but the proof is in the pudding. MDF manufacturing processes employ similar methods when compared to masonite, but the difference comes when the disintegrated wood fibers are combined with resin binder and wax.
Masonite is safer than MDF, because the resin used in the MDF manufacturing process contains formaldehyde which can very well seep out into the atmosphere if somehow the board gets cut. Chances of inhaling formaldehyde, then, increase significantly. That has been the case so far - safer alternatives are coming to the market, but it doesn’t hurt to take precautions nevertheless.
MDF is not as dense as masonite, but it is denser than plywood and panels made of particle wood. Although not as dense, it is thicker than masonite, which is just ⅛” to ¼” thick. For artists looking for a thicker range of support, MDF is arguably the better option. In conclusion, we’d recommend buying a respirator if you do somehow intend to cut into the fiberboard.
Hardboard Panels: Masonite
Coming to the safer, cheaper, but the admittedly less durable option - masonite comes in two forms, tempered or untempered. [easyazon_link keywords="Untempered masonite" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273372"]Untempered masonite[/easyazon_link] is generally paired with acrylic paint because tempered masonite uses oil and acrylic paint, as we know, cannot adhere to oil at all.
You don’t generally need a [easyazon_link identifier="B00DUV1G2C" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273373"]primer for hardboard[/easyazon_link], but most artists go in for [easyazon_link identifier="B000KNDMLG" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273374"]acrylic gesso[/easyazon_link].
Masonite gives you two distinct surfaces with different textures front and back. Masonite makes for a wonderful companion to any student or hobbyist acrylic painter, simply because it’s very cheap, and because of the durability masonite can provide. Coming back to the surfaces, the front surface is smooth and the back is rough but has a texture to it.
Masonite surfaces give you a wonderful value-for-money experience - and you can make it last much longer than canvas can, if you can keep it out of the termites’ way. The only possible problems with masonite hardboards are that that they may warp and bend over time. If you can put wood battening on the back and prime the sides, front and back, you’re all set.
Paper is a very versatile tool to be using with acrylic paint. If you can get your hands on archival paper of a sufficiently high quality, you’re bound to have a wonderful painting experience with acrylic paints. Certain manufacturers ship paper which is meant exclusively for acrylic paints, but you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing paper-based surfaces.
Acrylic Paper
This paper is meant exclusively for acrylic paints. It’s a thick card-like paper which comes in sheets or pads which support all kinds of acrylic paints. Generally, it’s a wise call to prime the paper surfaces front and back with acrylic gesso. This helps give a satin-like finish to the paper and preserves it for a long time to come.
Watercolor Paper
While it may not be immediately obvious, watercolor paper is a wonderful surface to be painted on using acrylic paints. There are two broad categories of watercolor paper: artists’ grade and students’ grade. As the name might suggest, the student grade paper is cheaper but not too high quality - perfect for the beginners. The professionals should stick to the other kind.
There are a number of watercolor paper varieties: handmade, mold made and machine made are prime examples. The students generally pick machine-made paper, while the artists stick to handmade paper. For those not quite willing to shell out enough for handmade but want to upgrade just the same - it’s best to go in for the mold-made paper.
There are also different textures available within watercolor papers, which are:
Hot pressed texture. This texture is smooth, gives impressive flexibility for detailed artwork, but is equally difficult to control with the paintbrush.
Cold pressed texture. This is somewhat harsher but is soft enough for your brush to flow over the surface.
Rough. This surface has pronounced teeth, and the brush doesn’t really “flow” over the surface. Best only for washes.
If you’re considering different colors to paint on, you get the most flexibility when it comes to watercolor paper. The most popular colors remain white and cream, however. The manner in which light bounces off the paper surface is best observed in watercolor paper.
Metal
This is one of the more offbeat choices you can make when it comes to painting with acrylic paints. Granted, acrylic paint doesn’t quitestick to the smooth surface of a metal, but with a bit of sandpaper, the rough surface you get makes it an excellent choice for painting using acrylics. You absolutely cannot use the same gesso you use to prime other surfaces, however.
A good use case is to have metallic items such as cups, jugs, picture frames or painting frames, with a jagged and toothy finish using hard sandpaper and then paint designs and patterns on top of that sanded metal surface. The end result often comes out to be unique, and since a lot of people don't do this, this would be a truly rare creation.
The same logic stated for metals stands here, but you don't have to do too much to glass. You can get pre-sanded glass very easily - hence, you're best off with such glass surfaces. When sealing a glass project, the best option at hand is to use a [easyazon_link keywords="polyurethane coating" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273375"]polyurethane coating[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link identifier="B00NTLQM04" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273376"]varnish with a glossy finish[/easyazon_link].
The matte finish can wreak havoc on the glass surface, so avoid it as far as possible - your glass has a unique glistening effect. This would be compromised by a matte finish on top of it. Acrylic paints can be used on glasses, vases, bowls, mirrors, etc.
Again, a smooth surface is on our hands. But we take our trusty sandpaper and get to work on this, just enough to remove the smooth and shiny upper coating on the plastic. What remains is a somewhat toothy surface, good enough to be painted on by a number of acrylic paints. The acrylic paint adheres well in this case.
Further, sealing the paint once you're finished with painting will prevent flaking to occur on any work you do on the plastic surface. You can do ornaments for Christmas trees, giving the old lawn chairs a makeover or your brown and regular flower pots which could do with a little T&C.
Bringing it all together
In this edition of Acrylic Prepping 101, you've just gone through several of the best materials available on the market for pairing your acrylic paints with. Each material has its own traits and its own character, which shows in the end result of your craft. For the most general purpose use, we recommend going in for canvas or hardboard materials.
In other cases, you're free to go in for basically any material which will let acrylic paint stick to its surface for a long time include metal jugs, plastic items of regular use and [easyazon_link keywords="glass panes" locale="US" tag="homesthetics0a-20" type="link" link_id="273377"]glass panes[/easyazon_link] which could do with some style thrown at it.
The options are endless when it comes to painting with acrylic colors - happy painting!
Super glue can be a pretty useful material for a DIY enthusiast. You can use it to put most broken things back together in a jiffy!
This fast-acting glue is not only strong but is also durable. In other words, it binds two surfaces together firmly for a long time.
On that note, many things we own today are made from leather, be it footwear, furniture, or apparel. And if they break or come apart, you may be tempted to use super glue instead of good old leather glue to put them back together.
But can super glue be used on leather surfaces? The answer is yes, you can, but only if the repairs needed are minor. For major repairs, however, it won’t be a very viable option. Also, removing any glue from leather, whether it is super or other adhesives, is a very tricky job if you don’t know how to properly remove that.
If you are wondering why super glue is not a viable option, keep reading because that’s what we have addressed in this brief guide.
FUN FACT | Do you know what looks like leather and almost feels like leather but not is leather? It's called faux leather!
And, of course faux leather is also prone to cuts and tears just like real leather. These damages can be fixed with specialized glue for faux leather.
So, without further ado! Let’s get to it!
What Is Super Glue, And How Does It Work?
As we have said before, super glue can be used to strongly bind two surfaces together. In this regard, the basic function of this product is the same as any other glue.
But the main point of difference between regular glue and super glue is the mode of function. Unlike standard glue, the latter acts relatively faster and can bind surfaces together in a short while. In addition, it is stronger than regular glue, due to which it is widely used for industrial applications.
Now, the primary ingredient in super glue is cyanoacrylate, which is what defines “super.” It is an acrylic resin that forms strong bonds almost instantly in the presence of hydroxyl ions.
These hydroxyl ions are found in water, and even trace amounts of them can trigger the compound to form bonds. The solvent of this glue contains water, and you can find water in the form of moisture in the air.
So, once you apply the glue on two surfaces, these water molecules trigger the cyanoacrylate molecules to start forming strong bonds almost instantly. This ultimately binds the surfaces together with a relatively strong bond.
However, once it has cured, further exposure to water may weaken the bond instead of strengthening it. That is why super glue is typically used to bind surfaces, such as wood, metals, or plastic together. Since they are non-porous, they do not allow any further contact with water molecules, due to which the bond lasts for a long time.
Can Super Glue Be Used On Leather?
Now that you know what super glue actually is and how it works, it’s time to get back to the original question. In that context, you can use super glue on leather, but only in small quantities, and for binding small portions of the leather surfaces.
Keep in mind that super glue is not designed to be used on leather surfaces. So, if you use it to bind large leather surfaces together, it will look fine at first but will most likely not last very long.
There are a few reasons why super glue is not suitable for binding leather surfaces together, which have been discussed below.
Leather Is Not Very Rigid
Metal, wood, and plastic surfaces are relatively rigid, due to which the super glue can remain bonded for a long time. In contrast, leather is a flexible substance that can be easily folded, stretched, or twisted. So, if the glue is subjected to such shearing forces, the bond might break.
If you apply it over a small area though, the shearing forces will be less compared to when you apply it over the whole surface. That is why it can be effectively used to bond small portions of the leather.
Leather Has A Porous Surface
The leather surface is highly porous compared to metal, wood, or plastic, which have no pores. And this porous surface makes it easy for water molecules to pass through.
We have already mentioned that after setting, the bonds of super glue become weak when they come into contact with water. Thus, the water passing through the porous surface weakens the bonds between the leather surfaces.
Super Glue Reacts With The Leather
The bonding process in super glue is an exothermic reaction, which means that it generates heat when it binds two surfaces together. So, if the glue is applied on a leather surface, the heat generated from the reaction may damage it.
As a result, the leather may become discolored or deformed. And that makes super glue unsuitable for binding leather.
What Glue Can Be Used On Leather?
While leather cannot be suitably bonded with super glue, there are other adhesives that can be used for it. Specialized glues, such as rubber cement or contact cement glue can be used instead. These adhesives are especially suited for binding leather surfaces together.
Can Super Glue Be Used On Leather Final Words
Super glue is indeed useful if you want to undertake some quick repairs. Its speed of action, strength, and durability makes it great for metal, wood, and plastic. But in the case of leather, you can only use it for minor repairs because of the reasons we have discussed.
However, you can use other glues for the purpose, which we have specified in this article. So, the next time you find yourself in a sticky situation with leather, you can use these adhesives instead.
And that brings us to the end of this short guide. We hope that it has been able to satisfy your curiosity.
So, until next time, goodbye!
As we start preparing for the hunting season things start to click, adrenaline rushes in, we tend to sharpen our sense, we are looking for more this season, it is natural and this is why 23 awesome completely free deer stand plans follow, they are here to help.
Whether you have considered building a deer stand before or not it does not matter, you will surely think long and hard about it after this article as we have featured the internet`s coolest, smartest and easiest plans for deer stands in one place.
We invite you to take your beverage of choice and browse through the super epic options below, take note that all of them are free and most have been vouched for by the communities that brought them forward, long story short, they`re super awesome !
We kick-start this super cool list with something basic but infinitely cool, hand-drawn deer stand plans for a simple hunting platform that portrays how the stand looks from front, back, top and side, everything you need basically. The guide includes a material list that ought to help you on your visit to the local hardware store, the plans are simple enough to be interpreted by any enthusiast whether they`re new to woodworking and carpentry or high-end professionals.
Take a breath of air and get started with your deer-stand, it is as simple as the drawing suggest but it is super practical. Needless to say that you`ll imagine yourself using it in the building process, you will enjoy the craft a great deal. More details here.
It is entitled The Outdoor Texan and it has a deer blind plan of 4x8, it can be constructed around 10 hours and it will cost no less than $300 if you purchase all materials, reclaimed wood would definitely minimize the costs.
The guide has several images that breaks the process into pieces and therefore it is relatively easy to follow, definitely worth considering.
A swift construct and an easy to use deer stand plan that you can build thanks to the list of tools, materials, diagrams and instructions provided. If you often use diagrams or photos to materialize your crafts than the tutorial that follows surely will suit you well. Keep in mind that you can easily scale this deer stand.
Comfortable deer stands can accommodate you for hours, they allow you to climb inside them and move around, waiting for that perfect moment. Not all stands are like, nor they should be. The following deer platform allows one individual to sit down and enjoy the forest atmosphere, feel its vibration in a simple setting while hunting. This platform is a great fit for short stays, secondary observation points. You can erect it rapidly and you can plant two or three in an your area rather than one single platform. Sadly the deer stand above is not accompanied by instructions but its simplicity is somehow self-explanatory. More details here.
Sadly this ideas is no followed by plans either yet it is an immense source of inspiration, hence its presence here. The design uses reclaimed wood, in case reclaimed pallet wood to shape a really nice observation tower, a quite roomy dear stand that is super easy to build and will also protect you for the elements, an idea worth considering if you plan to stay our more this year.
A beginner builder can craft this deer stand, a stand that would easily serve an avid hunter. The through tutorial that comes with the stand includes pictures and instructions that will help you in the process.
What is awesome is that the platform allows 360 view, a great feat. More details here.
If you were looking for a shooting house per say, this maybe it. The tutorial envisioned by HowToSpecialist.com includes detailed instructions and extraordinary visual aid that will guide you through the process beautifully, a time frame and and the materials required have also been mentioned.
Beginners in the woodworking universe will find this shooting house craft super easy to realize and more importantly, super practical.
The illustrations presented have little to no instruction but they present each step in the development process and considering that these platforms can be a little on the rough side one can easily imagine how those pieces would have to go together. A friend with basic woodworking skills and possibly tools would come in handy but you will definitely be able to pull this together on yourself too, worry not !
Yes, it is a homemade deer stand, definitely but in all truth, these are the ones that actually get results as they`re being envisioned by someone that knows how this works, they know what they actually need and how they are about to use the platform.
The tutorial bellow features great visual aid and pretty useful instructions that you will surely appreciate when you start the project.
Easy to realize tutorial, one that will be enjoyed by enthusiast and beginner carpenters alike. The guide contains step by step visual aid and a highly detailed material list that along with the set of thoroughly explained instructions can easily grant you a successful craft.
The pictures contained by the guide are solid proof of crafter`s passion, they showcase the actual build that can be followed by both beginners and experts, each picture can be read as a step by step tutorial and they actually should be read as such because a material list and written instructions are missing.
A friend with basic woodworking experience would help you a great deal in this situation but the craft is simple enough to follow regardless, worry not ! Simply start the project and you will soon notice how easy everything is !
If you are a landowner the deer blind makes a lit of sense, a circular or hexagonal deer blind makes even more sense as it allows you 360 views in full comfort. In the following forum thread you will find images that showcase the project`s development as well as advice from fellow hunters, advice definitely worth considering.
A simple box defines the volume of this deer stand but despite its simplicity we can state that this is by far one of the coolest constructs in our list as it simply looks rough, awesome. The setting above presents this box elevated from the ground, a position in which the hunter would definitely thrive but one that is not easily attainable when the platform is not using a tree.
If you are lucky enough to find on site something to elevate your box feel free to use it but keep in mind that it works well on the ground level too.
The guide follows comes with a material list, drawn deer stand plans and detailed pictures of the build that will help you a great deal; this is definitely a craft that should be shortlisted.
Multiple sections have been used to divide the super detailed deer stand plans of the deer hunting box above. The guide also features a material list and step by step instructions that go in great detail to help you create this deer hunting box and the ladder that serves it.
This too is a deer stand that you ought to consider, it is one of the most difficult crafts in our list but it is also one of the greatest and thanks to the detailed instructions that come with it you will have a blast building this epic mini-fortress.
A deer stand can be built to advertise your own windows ! That is definitely what the individual above did; he basically used his hinge windows in an epic deer stand and he started presenting it as a positive example, a good, cool way to use his products. The deer stand is nothing short of spectacular but it will surely take a dedicated individual to create such a cool little fort, too bad there are no instructions for this amazing construct, we will simply have to take it as inspirational.
An epic guide once again brought forward by HowToSpecialist.com portrays a deer blind carefully designed in Google SketchUp broken into a step by step tutorial that ought to offer beginners and enthusiasts alike the chance to complete the construct easily, hassle-free. Definitely a craft worth considering.
Smaller deer stands can be thoroughly designed and explained in free tutorials too and GardenPlansFree.com surely has a great showcase on that subject with the following guide, epically designed in 3D, possibly in Google SketchUp, all colored coordinated with a good legend, all epic.
Needless to say that really cool guide also comes with a material list, it has a step by step plan that you`ll love.
Yes, a second set of hand-drawn deer stand plans joins our ranks, these too are very detailed. They have been featured on the renown online library entitled Scribd and even their presence on the platform vouches for their quality reason for which we invite you to cast a glance over them, do no let the sketchy look discourage you. The rather small 4x6 deer stand that they so thoroughly represent is easy to realize and definitely worth considering.
A forum presents a super simple tower stand ready to sit two people, all detailed in pictures, a material list and deer stand plans alike, everything you need to build them in one place. People sharing ideas, people sharing crafts, epic stuff. More details here.
20. Awesome Deer Stand Tower
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A superb design, very much like the one above, a tad scaled. It features more details and it utilizes more wood to get the job done but it also offers more space and a taller vantage point. You can scale the deer stand plans above freely or you can wing it, the structure is super simple and requires little to no carpentry skills.
This too is a submission on a hunting forum and while it looks old, rugged, one can argue that is simply epic as it would take an individual an hour tops to create the deer stand if the ladder itself is purchased or assembled at home. Super simple, super epic solution for avid hunters that will certainly not break the bank, a simple deer stand that you can realize rapidly.
A super cool deer stand stands above, surrounding a tree, a super awesome cool hunting spot that contains a ladder, a platform with hand-rail and of-course, a small roof to protect you from light rain and provide some shade during the day. In the instructions one will find out that 16-foot ladder is required to complete the construct but to encourage that the guide provides specific measurements and detailed instructions.
You can actually download one PDF file where you will find the deer blind plan that is elevated above soil level, it is accessed through a ladder and it requires no trees to support it.
A lot of drawings and measurements ought to help you realize this blind but there is not much explained beyond the drawings, we do however encourage you take the time and cast a glance over the project, it may grow on you, it is definitely one worth considering !
Acrylic paints are popular when painting on canvas and for other arts and crafts projects.
So, can acrylic paint be used on skin? Although these paints can be washed off easily using just water and soap, they might not be the best option when it comes to certain applications, like painting on skin. Thus, most of the body paints for professionals or amateurs available in the market are free from acrylic paints.
Although acrylic face paint is not toxic, it can contain harmful chemicals because of which it might not be safe to use. On the other hand, washing off acrylic paint from your face or skin is another hassle you don’t want.
In this guide, we will go through why these paints are harmful to the skin and their viable alternatives. We will also discuss how to remove these paints safely and effectively.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
What Are The Ingredients In An Acrylic Paint?
A. Cobalt Pigment
This deep blue cobalt pigment came into origin during the 18th century and is more expensive than any other acrylic paint pigments. Paints containing cobalt pigment are mildly toxic and might lead to skin irritations, allergies, and asthma if inhaled. Ingesting the pigment can even lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
B. Cadmium Pigment
Discovered over a century later than the cobalt pigment, this pigment is used to create yellows, browns, and vibrant red paints. Cadmium being a rare pigment, isn’t seen in many paints nowadays. That’s good because over-exposure to it leads to severe health issues and it’s also carcinogenic.
C. Chromium Pigment
Chromium pigment primarily goes into green acrylic colors and can cause havoc in the form of allergic reactions and dermatitis. Any contact with this pigment makes the skin red, itchy, and inflamed.
D. Manganese Pigment
Manganese is found in foods like leaves and nuts, but the pigments used in acrylic colors are actually synthetic. Like other pigments, it’s toxic and can cause severe reactions on the skin.
Is Acrylic Paint Safe To Apply On Skin?
There’s been an ongoing debate if acrylic paints are safe to apply on skin or not, where one group believes it is safe, while others claim that it’s not. But we’d say that acrylic paints shouldn’t be applied on the skin.
The ingredients in acrylic paints aren’t pharmaceutical-grade ones, so there’s a considerable risk of causing skin redness, irritations, itching, and damage. Although there are products that are made especially for skin, these should also be cleaned and washed off quickly.
Here are some of the disadvantages of applying acrylic paint to the skin:
A. Toxicity
Acrylic paint is not toxic as a whole, but some of its ingredients aren’t safe to inhale or apply to your body. So, while using these paints, always wear safety goggles and a mask or respirator.
The levels of toxicity of an acrylic paint varies on gender, age, and how one uses them.
B. Hardens When Dry
Acrylic paints harden over time, owing to the presence of certain ingredients in them. So, it can be used for painting on a canvas or walls, but it’s not ideal for the skin.
C. Difficult To Remove
If you fail to remove acrylic paint off your skin quickly, it begins to dry and harden, making removal much more difficult. And peeling off the paint becomes very painful, so it's best to use warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol to get rid of it.
Is Acrylic Paint Safe To Apply On Your Face?
Face skin is the most sensitive skin of your body, so using acrylics on it is not advised at all. However, some might ignore these warnings and go on to color their face, and it might not affect the skin as such. But, you might put your health at risk by using these colors. An allergic reaction is quite unpleasant and painful!
Some have found a way to use acrylic paint with moisturizers or vegetable oil to make it less toxic, but it would be best if you go for non-toxic options available nowadays. Many of these are ideal for face painting, which you might be looking for, especially at children’s parties. These paints are easier to remove and safe to use on your hands, face, and the rest of your body.
Is Acrylic Paint Safe To Apply On Your Hands?
Avoid applying acrylic paints to parts of your body, including your hands. It not only causes irritation or potential skin damage, but children might also lick some of it, leading to poisoning, stomach distress, and even bleeding. So, make sure to keep these paints away from the reach of your children.
If your kid has swallowed some paint by mistake, wash their hands immediately and make them drink a lot of water. If you are concerned about them consuming a lot of paint, rinse their mouth with salt water, and take them to your doctor immediately. Also, brush their mouth and teeth to get rid of the paint.
Which Type Of Colors Are Safe For Face And Body Art?
There are many skin-friendly paints available on the market, but the ones worth considering are as follows:
A. Water-Based Paint
Water-based paints are probably the safest bet when painting the human body and face. After all, most of these paints available on the market today have to comply with a strict set of guidelines.
They are a great option for kids because these are non-toxic and highly washable paints.
You can use several types of equipment or tool to apply these paints, be it an airbrush, paintbrush, or sponge. The only downside is that they’re susceptible to cracking and rub off easily. And they are not ideal for use in a professional setup like a modeling event.
B. Metallic Body Paint
Another viable alternative for acrylic paints would be metallic body paints. Have you seen the street performers who look like silver or golden statues? These people use this type of paint to achieve a shiny, glossy appearance, mixed with a special liquid, giving them the appearance of a statue.
Be cautious while applying these paints as they might cause skin irritation due to the presence of the metal powder in them. And these don’t come off very easily compared to water-based paint. So, it’s best to stay away from these paints unless your performance depends on them.
C. Alcohol-Based Paint
Alcohol-based paint is primarily used for making airbrush tattoos or special effect applications. As these paints are water-resistant, they are best used in sunny and hot areas or for underwater body painting. They do not easily peel or crack.
That said, alcohol-based paints aren’t rub-proof and come off easily when touched, so be careful. Nevertheless, if this paint is left to dry, cleaning it might take some effort. You will need some rubbing alcohol and wait a day to get the color off your skin.
D. Latex Paint
Liquid latex or latex is also used as skin paint and is an ideal option for cosplayers, as it is less expensive than custom costume designs. Unlike other body paints, they won’t leave any residue on your body. Here are a few things to consider before using latex body paint.
To begin, check if you’re allergic to latex or not. You don't want any redness or skin irritation after applying latex body paint. Apart from that, refrain from using it in extreme heat to avoid the risk of getting heatstroke. Latex paints block the tiny holes on our skin and prevent it from perspiring. Also, keep these away from areas that are irritated or damaged.
Latex sticks to your skin like wax, so shave the body part before applying, otherwise, it will pull the hair when you remove it.
E. Henna
Henna is more of a traditional and plant-based body paint on the list of alternatives. This paint is extracted from plant dye and turns brown and ultimately red when applied.
These are quite common in Asian countries as well as coastal cities of Africa and are usable in several events. For example, in coastal cities of Africa, this is used as body paint for women about to get married. Women in these parts also use this paint as skin decor. And being made of plant dye, it’s completely safe for adults and their kids.
Moreover, its removal is not strenuous; you can rub a scrub gently over the paint to get it off. But stay away from black henna as it contains additional chemicals that might cause an allergic and ugly reaction on your skin.
F. Commercial Body Paints
Companies like Starlight produce body paints in masses for everyone to use. These paints are generally available in containers or spray bottles, contain no percentage of latex, and therefore, aren’t toxic. The company has complied with established guidelines and rules regarding the ingredients used, making it trustworthy and reliable. You can test these paints to check if they work well on you.
G. Markers
These aren’t those everyday markers you use in schools, college, offices, or anywhere else. Some companies have come up with special body painting markers that are only meant for body painting. So, it’s considered a non-toxic acrylic paint and safe to use on adults and children.
Although, some body markers are made only for a particular body part and can be dangerous if applied anywhere else. The companies generally mention these disclaimers on their product labels, so check them before use.
All the paint types mentioned above are safe for human skin and will most likely not cause irritation. But, it’s essential to apply them on a small part of your skin first as a patch test. It’s the best way to ensure the body paint works for you.
Step-By-Step Procedure To Paint Body And Face
A. Step 1: Get Your Tools Ready
Before you sit down to paint the body, prepare all the tools needed for the first body painting gig, which include:
Body paint and face paint kits
Brush or sponge
Water
Mirror
Wet baby wipes or towel
Spray bottle
Stencils
Use thin, round tip brushes for making more minor details and awide brushes for wider ones. You must keep at least three different types of brushes with you, each for black, white, and color paint. Having brushes dedicated to different colors prevents them from getting mixed.
Besides, get a plastic cup for water, which needs to be mixed with paints, and wash the brushes once done. Any sized plastic cup will work wonders. Moreover, keeping a few washcloths to wipe your brushes is essential. Purchase cheap ones if you're painting regularly.
Choosing body paint that suits your body the best is probably most important. Note that these paints must be of cosmetic grade, suit your skin tones perfectly, and shouldn’t cause any harm to your skin.
B. Step 2: Prepare Your Skin
To begin, decide how you would like to have your face painted. If you’re not sure about it, ask the professional makeup artist to show some face painting designs for you to choose from. Once you’ve decided which one to go for, check for any residues or oils on your skin. If necessary, apply a moisturizer to your face to help the paint adhere to your skin.
C. Step 3: Paint Your Skin
Start with adding the design base using a sponge. For that, dip the sponge tip into the water. Don’t soak the sponge thoroughly into the water as you need only a few water drops on it. Dip the wet corner of the sponge into the color you’ll paint your skin with and move it in circular motions to get the paint on it. Dab the sponge gently on your face to apply the color.
If you need a more vibrant color, soak the sponge even more in water and then paint. To get a more intricate design, you’d need to add another layer of color to the base. Select a color that goes well with the base, and use another sponge for further application. Make sure that both colors contrast each other well for your design to stand out.
For example, if you’re painting a butterfly and the base of its wings is purple, use blue rather than yellow. Use the dry section of the sponge to blend both the colors together.
Keep the paint to dry for a few minutes, and touch it with your fingertip to ensure it has dried well. If the paint comes off on your finger, keep it like that for a few more minutes, and once it's completely dried, continue painting.
Now, take out a thin brush to add more intricacy to the design. For that, dip the brush into the water, but don’t make it dripping wet. Make light strokes for more minor details while making thicker lines; use the flat side of the brush. In case the brush stroke goes out of the way, or you’ve made some error in its design, use the baby wipe to clear it out.
D. Step 4: Finish Up
Once the design is complete, wash your hands well using water and soap, especially around the cuticles and nails. The longer you wait to wash off the paint, the harder it is to remove.
Does Acrylic Paint Wash Off Skin?
Acrylic paint dries quickly and coats evenly, but it can be strenuous to wash it off your flexible skin if it hardens up or you’ve made a mess. However, your skin is non-permeable and oily so the paint won’t harden up soon. Here are a few methods to get rid of your body paint.
A. Method 1: Using Water And Soap
Step 1
If the paint hasn't hardened yet, treat the area right away.
The paint becomes much more difficult to remove as it dries and hardens. So, rinse the affected area with warm water. The heat of the water loosens the paint that has begun to dry and should wash away naturally. Washing the skin weakens the hold of paint as the skin gets slippery.
Step 2
Now mix a liquid detergent or hand soap with water until it lathers. Wash the painted area thoroughly by applying a firm pressure using a damp cloth or hand.
Traditional washing soaps or dish soaps are effective in this respect as they contain certain abrasive compounds and elements which wash off the dried-on stains.
Step 3
If a single application of soap and water has worked wonders and cleaned off your paint, it’s time to call it a day. Otherwise, you will need to repeat the entire process until the paint fades and washes away. You can even use a scrubber if mere hand pressure isn’t working well.
B. Method 2: Scrubbing With Baby Oil
Step 1
Wash the painted area with warm water mixed with liquid detergent or soap to loosen the paint and lather it. Try to get most of the acrylic paints off using water and soap, then dry the area before applying baby oil.
Because of the repellent relationship between oils and water, the baby oil won’t stick to the paint. It is the reason you should dry the area well using a towel.
Step 2
Squeeze out a few drops of oil onto the area and gently massage it using your hands. If the stain is very stubborn, you can use a sponge or cotton ball to get rid of the paint. Baby oils contain specific compounds that can break and dissolve the dried-on oil and acrylic-based paints.
Also, these oils are gentler on your skin than paint removers that contain harsh chemicals as their primary agents.
Step 3
In this step, you will rinse the loosened-up paint using warm water. If it cleans up your skin, you take the day off, or you will need to apply baby oils to get rid of the remaining stains.
An added benefit of using baby oils is that it leaves your skin feeling moisturized and smooth.
C. Method 3: Using Rubbing Alcohol
Step 1
Similar to the previous method, firstly, you’ll need to wash off as much of the paint using a mixture of warm water and detergent. Dry off the surface completely to ensure the alcohol isn’t diluted by the water.
Step 2
Take a large cotton ball swab or a washcloth and dip it into a portion of standard rubbing alcohol. Alcohol is a solvent for acrylic paint, so the paint starts breaking up as soon as alcohol is applied to the skin.
Pure rubbing alcohol is one of the most widely recommended means of removing acrylic paint from various surfaces.
Keep on rubbing the paint spot using a cotton ball or washcloth for it to get wet while providing alcohol the time to start acting on it. Make small and circular strokes on the spot to get the paint out of the skin surface. Wash off if all the face paint has come off, or continue scrubbing the area until it's clear.
Can You Put Acrylic Paint On Your Face Final Words
That’s all we had to tell you about whether acrylic paints can be put on the skin or not!
Acrylic is a popular painting medium, and with so many different designs and techniques available, the last thing you need to worry about is whether the paints are harmful to your skin. Also, since it’s so versatile, you can turn acrylic paint into face paint specifically designed for your skin. Here are a few tips for using these acrylic paints.
Make sure you’re reading all the labels on the product to understand what it contains and whether it might harm your skin or not. Never bring the paint too close to your eyes, mouth, or nose, and clean off any spills on the skin right away.
We hope you enjoy using these. Signing off with best wishes!
One time or the other, we’ve all decided to reuse those empty jars of peanut butter or jam after giving it a thorough wash. But there’s one thing that really can really annoy you to the core – removing those stubborn labels on the glass. I mean, you might begin off to a great start, but then there are a few lazy bits here and there which just refuse to be parted with the adhesive. And you, are just left trying to scrape it all out, damaging or scratching the glass surface in the process!
So, what can you do to remove that gunk on the glass in the smoothest way possible, without all that hassle? I am sure that there have been many ways you can find out there, claiming to come to your rescue, but they might not all be as effective. Worry not, I am here to put down a list of easy DIY tricks using household items, with which you can easily remove the stickers and sticker residues. Just read along and find out for yourself.
Easy DIY Tricks on How to Get Stickers Off Glass Rapidly
What are the principles of Sticker Removal?
Before we go into the details, I’d like to let you in on a little secret about the simple principle that goes into effective sticker removal. It consists of three words – Oil, scrubbing and Time. Yes, you read that right!
The process involves applying any oil or greasy fat to the sticker to ensure the dissolution of adhesive, after which you can scrub it off with sponges or other abrasive items to get rid of those stubborn stickers. Then comes the most important thing, time. As they say, good things come to those who wait. So, be patient with the process. Don’t expect it all to be done in a jiffy.
Now, let’s get to that list of tricks I mentioned earlier. Shall we?
Peanut Butter jars are the most common ones that are often re-used in the households. And ironically, you can use the same ingredient to get the sticker off its own jar. The fat content present in the peanut butter can effectively dissolve all the adhesive content in the sticker.
All you have to do is just take a spoonful of peanut butter and spread across a thick layer of it over the sticker. Then just leave it for an hour or so, after which you can simply wipe the sticker clean with a sponge or a piece of cloth.
Hair Dryer
Using the hair dryer for sticker removal is one of the easiest and quickest ways on the list today. Unlike the basic principle, this one involves the heating of adhesive to make it un-sticky so that it could be peeled right off.
So, if you happen to have a hair dryer at home, just turn it on and place it near the sticker for about thirty seconds. Then you can just use your hands to peel away the sticker. No fuss, there! But, should the sticker give you any more trouble, apply the heat for another thirty more seconds, and you’re good to go!
Washing Soda
Ask any DIY hack enthusiast about the one trick they turn to for removing their stickers; this would be the answer you’re likely to get the most. It’s simple, clean and you can remove stickers from multiple jars at once. Just fill in your sink or a bucket with water, add in a cup of washing soda to it and leave your glass bottles out there to soak. After about a good half an hour or so, you should be able to peel the sticker right off without any hassle.
I know, I know, this sounds strange. But if you’ve managed to pull off the sticker and find the adhesive still stuck in there to bother you, then a common eraser could be all you need to finish the job and ger rid of the sticker residue.
The abrasiveness of rubber material in the eraser will help you scrape the adhesive content right off the glass surface when you apply some friction.
Baking Soda and Coconut Oil
Now, there’s a perfect mixture which could help you with the trouble of sticker removal. The paste made from baking soda and coconut oil can be so powerful that it can even remove the most stubborn of stickers.
The oil in the paste saturates the adhesive while the baking soda acts as the scrub. So, you can smear some paste on the sticker, let sit for half an hour or so, before scrubbing it off.
Alcohol
Yes, Ethyl alcohol is another effective way to remove stubborn stickers from the glass jars. For this, you can use any liquid with an alcohol base. Be it rubbing alcohol, nail polish, or even some cheap vodka.
Just take some alcohol, soak a paper towel in it and wrap it around the sticker for half an hour or so. Then use an abrasive cloth to scrub it clean and remove all the sticker residue.
Another condiment that is useful for more than just eating is Mayonnaise. Believe it or not, but the oil content in the Mayo is surprisingly effective on the adhesives of the sticker.
Like the rest of the pasty ingredients here, smear over some Mayo over the sticker and wipe the sticker away after letting it sit for half an hour or so, just note that this way to remove stickers might make you hungry in the process.
White Vinegar
White Vinegar is another liquid that can help you remove stickers. Soak a dish-wash cloth in some vinegar and wrap it around the sticker for about thirty minutes. You should then be able to remove the sticker easily.
Image via Igor Ovsyannykov@igorovsyannykov
Razor Blade
Now, don’t forget the effectiveness of a good old razor blade that’s usually available at homes. You can hold the blade at an angle where you can push it under the sticker, and then peel it off carefully to remove stickers.
You might be having some sticker residue left from the adhesive there, but that could be taken care of with an eraser or any other method mentioned in the article.
WD-40 Lubricant Spray
Although the lubricant aerosol spray might not be readily available at all homes, it can get you out of some sticky situations.
When it comes to the messy labels, you can just spray some WD-40 over the sticker, leave it for a while and boom, the sticker slides right off, with some help. So, it’d be a good bet if you can keep some WD-40 handy at home if you remove stickers of cookie jars often.
Baby Oil
If you happen to have some baby oil at home, then you don’t have to worry about working hard on the gooey labels. This is because a little bit of baby oil is nothing short of a magic ingredient on stubborn stickers.
Take some baby oil and apply it on the adhesive for a while, and scrub it off with an abrasive cloth. And voila! You’re done. However, if you want the trick to be much more effective, you might want to remove the upper sticker by soaking it in some warm water first.
Petroleum Jelly
The grease in the petroleum jelly is perfect to remove stickers and the adhesive content in the sticker labels. So, apply a thick layer of Vaseline over the sticker, let sit for about half an hour before scrubbing the sticker off with a sponge or a cloth. And that should be able to do the trick.
Image via ARTP@artp
Windex
Yes, the window cleaners are also a proven way of getting those annoying stickers off the glass surface. Just spray some good amount of Windex on your glass jar, wait for a while and scrub the sticker off and there you go!
Cooking Spray
Using some cooking spray onto the labels can also help you remove stickers with ease. The fatty oils in the cooking spray loosen the adhesive in the sticker, making it easier to peel off the whole thing without any trouble.
Hair Spray
Another kind of spray that is effective for the stubborn sticker removal is the one you use to style your hair. You read that right. Working with some hairspray could help you pull off the stickers with ease. All you have to do is use some spray, and let sit for a while before scraping it off for good.
So, these are a few tried and tested ways to remove the stickers from the glass surface, all by yourself. That too, from the convenience of your own home, at your leisure. Now, you don’t have to spend on the commercial goo-removal substances for the job that needs a few simple ingredients available in the kitchen. Just try these methods, see what works for you, and you’re good to go!
But hey, don’t forget to clean the whole bottle with warm water and dish-washing soap later. I mean, no one would want to reuse the bottle with all that grease and gooey mess on, right?
Now that the glass is clean of stickers you can proceed with various glass bottle projects, some of which might require actually cutting the glass. If that is the case here you will find the step by step DIY approach on how to cut glass yet if the project bigger and you have cleaned all those stickers for it, it would make sense to use something faster for the cutting and finishing of the glass. The best stained glass ring saws have been featured on Homesthetics and also list of the best stained glass grinders is present to help you finish the cut smoothly. We highly encourage you to use tools with safety gear at all times and read the instructions manual thoroughly before proceeding.
In the 1990s, the United Arab Emirates began experiencing a massive building boom known as the New Dubai. Projects like the Palm Islands, Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai Mall, and the most extravagant of all, the Burj Khalifa, became icons of an ever-changing city. The battle between architects, engineers, and designers commenced, each striving to leave a mark on the magnificent Dubai, offering architectural challenges that were both well and poorly received. From a city with strong traditional roots, Dubai transformed into a beacon of modernity and, some say, excess.
In fifty years, Dubai has undergone such a dramatic change and development that it has become unrecognizable. The urban built area exceeded 500 square kilometers, and the foundation for what would soon be the tallest building in the world was being laid. The construction of skyscrapers has lost its original purpose of being built in city centers that lacked space and required dense construction. Skyscrapers have become symbols of modernity and capitalism – when you have the power to go big, why limit yourself?
In the quest to establish its newfound modernity, Dubai sought to create iconic buildings to attract investors.
Anthropologist Kanna Ahmed writes in Dubai: the City as Corporation:
"Downtowns have transformed from contexts primarily for functional centrality to centers of symbolic capital. With the development of both information and design technologies, it has become possible to design increasingly radical and flamboyant (or “iconic”) buildings and to disseminate images of this photogenic architecture instantaneously on a global scale. Images of downtowns replete with aesthetically fanciful buildings, instantly consumable for their vividness and superficiality, are now standard implements in the advertising toolkit of both established major urban centers and, like Dubai, cities attempting to establish a cutting-edge reputation for themselves."
While considered "pointless," the Burj Khalifa has become Dubai's icon, polarizing everything.
Karmin Blair wrote for Architectural Record in 2010:
"Iconic skyscrapers, especially those that strive for the fleeting title of “world’s tallest building,” are rarely the progeny of cold logic. Their backers are invariably motivated by ambition and ego. The architect does not control whether or where such behemoths are built. He or she can only ensure that they are proud and soaring things, not Frankenstein-esque, XXL-size monstrosities. Such is the considerable achievement of Adrian Smith, FAIA, and his former colleagues at the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in the gargantuan yet persuasive Burj Khalifa."
Its structure is an elegant creation of steel, concrete, and glass, designed to be graceful and refined, and to refocus attention away from the Palm Islands. Although the Burj Khalifa is not an exemplary model of green design, its double-pane low-E glass panels make up a skin system that traps condensation that would otherwise evaporate. While a small act for a building that will consume almost a million gallons of water a day in a region where water is a scarce resource, it nonetheless cuts back on water requirements by 20 percent.
The Burj Khalifa's design spirals upward with a series of setbacks that gradually taper the tower to a slender end with a 700-foot spire. It was deliberately conceived to be more organic, partly due to an effort to echo local forms. The Hymenocallis blossom, a desert flower common in the Arabian Peninsula, inspired the tower’s triple-lobed footprint. The architects assert that the design contains motifs of Islamic art, and that when viewed from the base or the top, the tower “recalls the onion domes of Islamic architecture.”
Homesthetics Conclusion
Dubai’s rapid transformation had positive but also negative effects. The criticism continues, especially from the West, and it's ironic that the Burj Khalifa, and the entire Dubai for that matter would be criticized by the ones who designed and built it.
Rem Koolhaus writes:
“What has fascinated me in Dubai is how dominant our reading is. By “our” I mean the West. Dubai happened; we participated in its construction. We were complicit in its extravagance. But we were also the first to denounce its absurdity. What I fear, now that we have declared the “end-game,” is that we will also be the first to tell Dubai not to be itself anymore, to tell Dubai that it’s over and to declare prematurely an end, not only to an experiment, but also to a real cultural change that has been taking place in and underneath all of this, and that still deserves to reach its own conclusions.”
The Jubilee Church is formally known as Dio Padre Misericordioso and located in Tor Tre Teste; the main purpose of the project was to revive the community and the area. It is one of the most renowned buildings and a truly inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers.
The designer won the international project competition in 1996 because of the brilliant shapes of the building, inspired by the purity of the cube and the sphere. The Church's triangular site is divided into four main parts: first, the precinct, including the church and community center; second, the northeast terrace; third, the northwest recreation court; fourth, the west parking area.
The form generates a series of spaces which along with the great concrete mass control the internal temperature, minimizing energy consumption. The conceptual religious ideas can be found on the inside too; the internal space was carefully designed so that it would respect Christian beliefs and at the same time provide a fully functional space. The main interior attraction is the organ, integrated in a cubical element, another shape that stands at the base of Christianity.
The first and most noticeable thing about the building is the presence of the three concrete shells that arch in graduate heights from 56 to 88 feet. Derived from the shape of the sphere, they contrast with the rest of the structure because of their round shape. Between them and on top too, the designers placed glass ceilings and skylights so that the interior would be flooded with as much natural light as possible, a central motive in Christian religion. During the night, the church’s presence becomes even more significant because of the light emanating from within, animating the surrounding landscape.
The form generates a series of spaces which along with the great concrete mass control the internal temperature, minimizing energy consumption. The conceptual religious ideas can be found on the inside too; the internal space was carefully designed so that it would respect Christian beliefs and at the same time provide a fully functional space. The main interior attraction is the organ, integrated in a cubical element, another shape that stands at the base of Christianity.
The exterior site is laid out in two parts: the western side featuring two courts separated by a paved causeway and a recreational garden and the seond court featuring a reflecting pool, providing a meditation space for the visitors. On an urban level, the Jubilee church has become a landmark for the region; the perfectly balanced proportions and forms along with the materials, the colors generate a wonderful example of how the project of a modern church should be treated, providing inspiration for any architectural project.
Homesthetics conclusion:
There is no need to conclude anything this time. Richard Meier is a renowned architect who has impressed us with his perfectly balanced design which have inspired many designers, teaching us what architecture is all about. However, I do have to say that the Jubilee Church is in my opinion one of his most awesome designs, probably the best.
Architects: Richard Meier and Partners, New York, USA
Location: Tor Tre Teste, Rome, Italy
Client: Vicariato of Rome
Structural engineers: Ove Arup and Partners, Italcementi
Mechanical engineers: Ove Arup and Partners, Luigi Dell’Aquila
Concrete prefabricated panels: Italcementi
Lights and illumination: FMRS, Erco
Year of the competition: 1996
Year of completion: 2003
Constructed area: 830 m2 church, 1671 m2 parish complex
Photographs: Andrea Giannotti, Gabriele Rossetti
This iconic glass skyscraper’s official name is 731 Lexington Avenue and houses business, commercial and residential spaces in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities of America, New York. The 731 Lexington Avenue tower is divided in two main functions: a six-story base that serves as an entrance to the Bloomberg Company and access to all the public spaces among which New Yorker’s can find shops, banks and restaurants; the rest of the ensemble is dedicated to residential areas like luxury condominiums( beyond the 31st floor) and offices. The Bloomberg Tower Ensemble is in fact composed of three buildings: on Lexington Avenue-a 55 story structure, on Third Avenue- a 11-story building and the 7-story One Beacon Court that links the first two volumes and merges the entire structure into a one of a kind single building.
This iconic glass skyscraper reaches 245,62m / 806ft which make it the 14th highest structure in New York and the 42nd in America. It was designed by César Pelli & Associates and developed by Vornado Realty Trust. This massive structure was constructed entirely of glass and steel, which allow it to integrate perfectly in New York’s environment and architectural style. It simple rectangular shape resembles the encircling neighborhood and the entire city as well. It’s not unique or revolutionary in any way but it adds value to the appeal of New York through its high rise and illuminated top. The living areas are located as high as possible to offer the maximum amount of privacy and the best view toward Central Park, whilst the public spaces like offices and shops were placed below to provide easy access. The massive building structural systems include a tuned mass damper that reduces swaying, especially due to powerful winds.
The crown jewel of this iconic glass skyscraper is the One Beacon Court, built in the shape of a horseshoe, was inspired by other public buildings of New York, like Grand Central Station and the skating rink at Rockefeller Center. It’s curious yet imposing shape has a powerful effect on the visitors, creating an enclosed, welcoming and protected intermediate space, between the city and the privacy of the structure. Its elliptical space is ideal for vehicular drop-offs because it offers the proper in and out route. The dramatic, enveloping shape can be taken as a giant atrium, a one of a kind way to meet the public and allow them to enter the ensemble. Vlad Leto is a New York City photographer who specializes in surprise proposals, engagements, weddings, music, parties, fashion & other types of photography.
Type: Offices / residential
Location: 731 Lexington Ave, New York City, NY 10022, USA
Construction started: 2001
Completed: 2004
Management: Vornado Realty Trust
Antenna spire: 286 m (938 ft)
Roof: 246 m (807 ft)
Floor count: 55
Floor area: 1,400,000 sq ft (130,000 m2)
Architect: César Pelli & Associates
Developer: Vornado Realty Trust
Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
Been a long time since you met your friends? Want to hang out with them this weekend? Well you have to plan something then, right? This is where the difficult part comes in. We all want a chance to hang out with our friends during a weekend and just settle down and have a good time. But when it comes to planning the whole thing, everyone struggles. Who’s got the time?
It isn’t really that hard though. You just need to put your mind to it for an hour and start preparing for it. Fortunately for you, you’ve stumbled upon this guide and are now reading this article. Once you’re done you’ll be 19 ideas closer to hosting the coolest Get Together ever! So get reading and start preparing once you’re done!
What better way to hang out with friends than to sit back on the couch with all of them around you and catch a great film? This is especially fun if you’re watching a movie that just goes with friendship and relations as its main theme! Stuff like The Hangover or The Fast and the Furious work really great. More light hearted flicks like The Intern also work!Just have a bunch of these available and nearby the television set ready to play whenever your friends decide it is time to catch a movie together!
Stock up on Booze
Another important thing is to stock up on the Alcohol. There’s a very cost-effective way to go about this. Usually, everyone’s needs are met if you have certain amounts of each type of Alcohol available but make sure you have a lot more beer than the rest. Beer is cheap and pretty much anyone will enjoy it.
Image via Gabriel Gurrola@gabrielgurrola
Keep a few board games ready
Another really great idea for get-togethers is Board Games. They’re a great way to bond among multiple people. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly and Carrom are great for this! You could also keep some unorthodox games like Battleship and Chess.Another idea along a similar theme is card games. Uno is one of the best games to play with a group of friends and offers pretty much unlimited fun with all its twists and drama. There’s also Cards Against Humanity.
Plan out a few activities
Keep a few activities in mind to keep your friends indulged beforehand. You know your friends the best and you’ll also know what kind of activities they’ll love indulging in! It could be anything from drinking games to dancing to outdoor sports!Have a schedule planned out. It could start with something like a simple ice-breaker to get things going, like a game of Truth or Dare. You can then go on to things like watching a film, playing board games, going out there and having some fun playing a sport or some physical activity.Just start out subtle and keep increasing the social indulgence with each activity. You’ll have a ball of a time and it’ll really make your friends want to meet more often too!
Food Preparations
There are plenty of things you could do here. A great meal goes a long way towards increasing bonding between people and that is a known fact. It's up to you to decide how you’d want to go about this but rest assured there are plenty of ideas to experiment with here.You could order from a nearby restaurant and have them deliver it at the perfect time when everyone would be hungry (Goes in accordance with the planning of your activities). You could prepare the meal yourself if you love cooking or experimenting with cooking.As a matter of fact, you could also invite a few of your friends over to help you with planning out the meal. Come to a collective decision as to what food y’all want to enjoy or what you’d enjoy cooking together. This is as much a bonding activity as any other.
Keep a Food Dehydrator at Home
If the get-together is at your house, make sure that you have a food dehydrator. Dehydrated food is much better to eat. It feels fresher and it is healthier. It also reduces waste. You won’t have to take the trash out next morning, or you might be too hungover to do that. So, it’s pretty good to have the best food dehydrator as a backup.
Plan an outing
Who says get-togethers have to be just at home? You could plan a whole outing with an itinerary. Maybe go to the mall and hang out. Go window-shopping, visit the gaming arcade, have a great meal full of fast food! Everything works out!You could also plan a visit to an amusement park or theme park. Call your friends and decide the best mutual date. Make sure all of them are confirming and keep their schedules clear. Go ahead and plan it! Image via Muhammad Haikal Sjukri@pantiumforce
One of the most fun ways to have a get together is a Pool Party! What better way to beat the heat in the summer than to go to the local swimming pool and play some games in the water?
Keep a check on the topic of discussion
This is an important factor in ensuring that your get-together is going well with your friends and nobody goes home with any doubt or sour moods. Keep the topic of conversation light. Indulge in celebrity topic or discuss a light hearted movie or book. Most importantly, DO NOT allow the conversation to switch to Politics.When it comes to politics, everyone has a world view of their own which is bound to differ with someone else’s at some point. This can really lead to some arguments or bitter fights. Whenever you feel the conversation is headed in this direction change activities or indulge your friends with a different topic.
Have some good music playing in your house.
Music goes well with just about any gathering. It genuinely is an art that brings people together. Keep a playlist ready and start playing it half an hour to 45 minutes before your buddies arrive. This will ensure that your friends enter your house to some great music while also setting you in the mood for a get together.
Keep the Bathrooms clean and the bedrooms tidy
This is another important thing to pay attention to. Get-togethers, especially those with alcohol involved can really get out of hand for some people and people tend to need to visit the bathroom or lie down and catch a break quite often. So just go the extra mile here and have your bathroom and a room in your house prepared.Clean up the commode and arrange your bed. Keep your bedsheets in order and the pillows clean with fresh covers. Image via Ali Inay@inayali
Arrange for a Karaoke Night at your place
Karaoke Nights are the best! Call your friends over and tell them you’re having a Karaoke Night at your place. Or you could go to the local pub hosting Karaoke Nights and do the same. But it is a lot more fun if you’re doing it on your own at your place or a friend’s place.The thing about Karaoke is that people love showing off their taste in music to their friends and it is all the more fun if you get a chance to sing it to them. A karaoke night can really liven the atmosphere up!
Keep the meet up during a sports event
What could possibly be better than hanging out with your friends, enjoying beer watching an NBA or Baseball match? A get-together is really fun when all of your friends are sitting together watching the game in one room. It’s arguably one of the most fun ways to hang out with friends.There’s cheering, sneering, shouts of joy and moments of anxiety. A sport has it all and it is fun to see all your friends expressing so many emotions at the same time. It can be one of the most fun experiences ever!
Movie Marathons
Another really great get-together idea is Movie Marathons. That’s right. We’ve all wanted to go on that Lord of the Rings or Star Wars marathon with a group of friends and why not? It’s among the most fun things to do in life and you definitely can organize that!Call your friends over for the entire weekend and have a no-sleep policy. Start a series and don’t get up until the end! Keep the popcorn, drinks and food prepared, your Netflix on and connected and you’re good to go!
Video Game Tournaments
We’ve all wanted to prove that we’re the best player at Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat! Well there’s nothing better than organizing a get-together where you call your friends over, connect the Playstation and get gaming and more importantly, trashtalking about beating each other!
Scavenger Hunt
Prepare a Scavenger hunt. Plan it out with another friend and invite your group to participate in it! Not only is the scavenger hunt fun in itself but the planning out part of it is a really enjoyable experience and a great group activity to indulge in with your friends, colleagues and co-workers!
Go Camping
Pack your backpacks with tents, jackets, raincoats, a camera, and a sleeping bag and go camping as a get-together! Camping is a very enjoyable experience and it can especially be fun as a get-together. Catching up with them while roasting marshmallows over a campfire next to a lake is a surreal experience and you should definitely try it!
Start a book club
If you’re someone who loves reading, chances are you might keep friends around who love reading just as much as you. Call them up, and tell them about this new book club you’re starting and bring them in on it.Not only is this a great way to interact and catch up with friends you already know but also a really fun way to meet new people with similar tastes and interests and hang out with them! Image via Brooke Lark@brookelark
House Party
Host a house party! Invite everybody in the neighbourhood and your friends! Have a disco setup or rent a dance dance revolution machine, stock up on the alcohol and set up an open bar. Send out the invites online or over e-mail.A house party is one of the best ways to hang out, interact with and talk to people while being casual about it! There’s nothing people love more than getting invited to house-parties. It’s a great excuse to get some social interaction going!
Backyard Barbecue
Host a barbecue night at your place in the backyard. Have the grill ready and invite your friends over for it. Set up some hammocks in your backyard, a dining table with some chairs and get going. Bonding over burgers and the barbecue grill is a really great way to spend some time with your friends!
Well, that’s all we have for you! If you’re reading this now your brain is probably stacking up on some great ideas to organize a get-together with your best buddies! Go on and get planning! Have fun socializing!
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