I was just curious as to how easy it is to acquire these pigments. Reason being is that I see a lot of handmade paintmakers with shimmer paints up the wazoo! I neither like nor dislike this, but I'm just curious because it seems that some paint makers focus on that over non-shimmer paints. I've even seen "paint" that are essentially glitter + binder...would one even call that "paint"? If there's anyone here that has bought such a paint, how well does it work?? Is it better than just using glitter glue or something similar? I'm super curious! Thanks for taking the time to read this! :)
Search
Hi there,
I think there are many reasons. Firstly, it is cheaper depending on the size of the mica flake and source.
Secondly, mica pigments are easy to work with. They take less time to bond with the binder, they don't require mulling, they cure quicker, they are predictable in their behavior providing the binder is consistent.
Mica pigments differ in their size of mica flake and whether there is a base pigment added to it. If it is strictly just the mica flake with no base color, then it essentially is a very fine glitter plus the binder (glue) and requires a hefty amount of layering to achieve a certain look. Some makers sell these paints but I have found that they are transparent about the paint itself in sharing the swatches so that you know it may look patchy if layered only once.
Personally I like to offer both choices to my customers. In my personal opinion, working with a range of pigments that are non shimmer based requires a lot more time, patience, and a lot of experience therefore gained from trial and error. This is why I charge more for my non shimmer paints or combination paints.
I hope this information helps.
Thank you for your insight! It was a question that I've been bouncing in my head a lot since starting to browse through more handmade paints. I don't tend to use shimmers a lot (but do purchase one occasionally) so there was a point where it became somewhat frustrating. So thank you for offering both!
I barely ever use shimmers myself, so I think I'm going to be offering purely non-shimmer paints when I begin to sell my own. I think other paint makers have got such beautiful and wonderfully formulated shimmers, there's no point me adding to the mix!
Hi Lara, I was the other way around when I first got started haha! I eventually started adding the non shimmers as the demand for them grew however I find that a little shimmer is great for highlights etc say like golds, silvers etc. Those are safe colors to offer. I look forward to seeing your colors!!!
Ahh, that's exciting! Definitely let us know when you start making them, I'm always up to trying other Paintmaker's paints (even though I TOTALLY do not need any more!!)!!
As for the glitter "paint", if it's mixed in quality binder then it will likely stick longer unlike many craft glues, which deteriorate over time. While I dont have strictly glitter "paint", I do have a couple of paints that have glitter in them (pigment, glitter and binder). They are lovely, but I find them difficult to work with and not worth the hassle. Chances of buying more in the future are low.
Thanks for your thoughts! Agree with the glue thing but I think I'll definitely stick to mica shimmers or glue and gliter haha.
I had a whole comment typed out and it didn’t submit so will try again.
I use the shimmer paints for hand lettering and pointed pen. It makes glorious ink for pointed pen. I recently started making my own shimmer paint on 9/12 after finding Stacey’s awesome tutorial. I was trying to recreate a brown shimmer that I purchased last year and the maker is no longer selling paint. I nearly got it on the first try. I have arthritis so mot sure mattes are in my future due to the long mulling times but if I do venture out and try them it will for sure be a few of my favorites. Cobalt Teal (PG50), Dioxazone Purple (PV23), PV19. I would love to try Prussian Blue but hear it is a difficult one. Also a Gamboge but the one I like has 3 pigments so would like to find a single pigment that is similar in color.
May I ask where this tutorial is? I’ve ordered some shimmer stuff and I’m a little terrified Haha
@daphinieoverapollo her binder making tutorial is ion this site in this blog post https://www.stakiwicolours.com/post/basic-toolkit-equipment-for-making-your-own-watercolors
and tips for making paint in this post
https://www.stakiwicolours.com/post/tips-when-making-watercolors
@shannon.binegarfoster my hero! Thank you so much! <3