Monday, April 26, 2021

Black 3.0

 Exploring new mediums is one way I stay inspired. Black 3.0 (made by Culture Hustle™ ) is supposed to be the blackest paint on the planet. It's pretty black as the picture below will reveal. It's not cheap either. Compared to other acrylic paints, this is the most expensive paint applied to any special rock project. Another paint purchased was called "Mirror" which is supposed to render a chrome-like finish on whatever smooth surface it adheres to. It is a step-by-step process and if a step is left out, you can rest assured that you won't get the results to be expected. 

Stacked Black Rocks

Like the Black 3.0 paint, the mirror paint was also expensive. The only thing that can be said about buying art supplies, is that they do motivate one to further their creative skills by applying different methods and materials. Nail foils on rocks are another challenge that was explored. So far, none of these mediums have produced any of the results expected. That being said, to return to the tried and true metallic acrylics are always the best bet.



Chromed Mirror Rocks





Friday, April 9, 2021

Materials used in the process

 I suppose I should stop telling people that I post a "Rock of the Week" since I always seem to be lax in putting one up. At least a picture of some sort will accompany this blog. 

    Today, a new type of black paint arrived at my door. It's called "Black 3.0" promising to be the blackest black in the world. Naturally, I wanted to give it a whirl. So far, some test rocks have been painted and they look pretty doggone black.

Using either black or white as a base coat will influence whatever color used to showcase the image that will be painted onto the rock. The surface of the rock has vital importance as well. Is it too rough? too absorbent? too many dimples? Is the rock smooth, flat, and large enough size to accommodate the imagery? All these are considerations that have to be made in the process.

    The brushes used, the amount of paint, the careful approach to detail all matter. Some of the mediums used besides just the acrylic will present challenges of their own. Puff Paint, E6000 glue, Resin, Stickler Glitter, Triple Thick, and Krylon Clear Coat are only a few of the materials used to produce the desired results. At last, the final piece can be a sight to behold. No one can tell me I have better things to do during the Covid crisis.