Hiya! đ
I've managed to finally crack normal pigments when making watercolours (I think... touch wood) but these micas are such a headache!
I've made a few with too much binder, and the consistency was like a thin soup if you will. Of course, split. I used less binder and some colours seem fine! Phew! But others... nope.
Mainly blues and golds/silvers/bronzes do not like me at all đ I add binder super slowly -one drop at a time and it goes from a weird powdery mess which sticks to the knife to a thick mix which is almost a wet cornflour kind of thing? Its very thick and powdery and holds it form, but also is a liquid if you give it a good enough poke. And it still seperates!?
What is the consistency of mica paints meant to be? I am getting emotionally invested in this, and whilst I am sorely tempted to give up and order everyone elses paints, I don't want to be a quitter! I've been told the lovely British climate of constant rain one day then a heatwave the next doesn't help, but it is 100% me causing the issues.
Please can someone help, I am extremely clueless đ
Sorry
Hiya, I have worked with mica Pigments for nearly two years and my personal experience is that there is a majority of them that work well, and predictably but a few that behave unpredictability. Also, do you mull your micas? Some mica have different sized particles. Some are finer than others. I find that I need to differ the way I add binder. Like you, adding it gradually and not using too much if little of glycerin. Do you use honey or clove oil? These are added factors too. And sadly, the climate can play a big factor too. Especially wet weather, adding in extra moisture which slows down paint curing. There is no magic answer except for experimenting and noting everything down. Also, filling in layers! Please note, that mica can be binded to a colorant and depending on the brand too, they tend to separate from each other. Keep experimenting and recording what you do. Sometimes you can do everything right and it doesn't work but this is why paint making is a challenge at times. Keeps you on your toes!