If you’re interested in seeing more of my art, check out this video! 😊 kzread.info/dash/bejne/m4OYz6ioeMy9naQ.htmlsi=Ck_-s15rKK0Lebkv

Potential options I can think of off the top of my head are: wax encaustics (more satin than high gloss finish tho), acrylic gel medium -- designed to be flood coated, unlike the varnish. They have self leveling out there, etc. I've used this in place of encaustics and had nice results, alkyd resin -- a high gloss sap mixed into some oil paints to speed drying and can be used as a layer right on top of acrylics. Daniel Smith makes a water soluble version called "Fast Drying Painting Medium" which has a touch of linseed oil (aka, may yellow but wow, it looks nothing like plastic). Oh, UV resin. It could allow for less fumes exposure because it's not taking long to cure (1-2 minutes under UV light) even though it's still resin. Also, you might try that high gloss varnish through an air brush (expect a lot of quick cleaning) or a high gloss finish designed for airbrush to avoid brush marks and to keep layers super thin. If you haven't checked it out, the brand Golden has really specific info on all their products on their website. I'm pretty sure they even have a KZread channel going indepth into certain product lines. They're a great resource to see what certain mediums can do and how other professional artists who are concerned with longevity of their work tackle problems. It's how I found the gel mediums for wax free encaustics.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for all this information! I’m going to look into all of it and see if I have any success. 😊

Just discovered you. Someone may have already mentioned this, but Liquitex makes a product called “Pouring Medium”. A little expensive. Still messy but it self levels and provides a glass like finish without the toxic smell. You can also use your blow-touch thingee to smooth it out. Love your collage art. Best of luck.

@colorfulcollage

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation! 😊

Gosh, if all else fails, follow the directions. LOL! It sounded like you were happy with the first coat. If you saw brush strokes, would a foam brush have worked better? Enjoyed watching your process.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

😂 I know,right?! Who’d have thought the company would know better than KZreadrs! lol

Just watched another video and she used GAC Golden Hard Acrylic Extender for non porous surfaces first.. let that dry .. then apply Liquitex Professional Effects Gloss Pouring Medium... looks like that might be what you are looking for..by Susan Clifton..."Best Way to Seal Your Paper Collage and Bring it to a Brilliant Finish"

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info! I’ll check it out 😊

I too adore the look of resin, but the fumes just killed me so I had to stop using it. I was using it primarily for my liquid acrylics art. I have stopped doing that altogether. But I did find an alternative to resin. It’s never going to look as beautiful as resin, but this came closer to anything else I tried in the varnish realm. It is called Tr-Art liquid glass pouring medium. I just found it in my Amazon orders from 2019. It now looks like they are charging nearly $68 for 33.81 fluid ounces. That’s exorbitant. It’s possible you can find it cheaper elsewhere. It’s worth it to give it a go if it helps you get away from toxic resin. Love your channel and your art! I am currently doing digital painted paper collage on my iPad and it looks pretty awesome. I can’t do the real collage work due nerve damage in my left/dominant hand. Plus I have pretty much completely switched to digital art because of that and I am addicted to it. 😆

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! I’ll have a look at Tr-Art. Not surprised by the price as art supplies are getting ridiculously expensive (along with everything else). I saw some digital collage art that actually looked like cut paper edges and it looked so beautiful. My daughter is a Procreate genius 😆so I’ll have to ask her how they make that effect. I love digital art, but only dabble in it so far.

Try pouring medium (available at Michael’s or Omer Desserres). That’s what i used on my collages. Results Almost similar to resin.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thanks I’ll look into it. 😊

Have you tried Golden clear leveling gel?

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

No I haven’t. I’ll look into it. Thanks! 😊

I've seen videos about resin-alternative products jewellery makers are using on paper. Names include Mod Podge dimensional, Diamond glaze, and Triple thick. It's pricey, for covering a whole artwork - but maybe worth it?

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Yes, I was thinking that these products quickly become cost prohibitive when you want to cover multiple or large works.

Try Lena Rivo’s video on varnishing gouache. It leaves a very shiny surface. And just a friendly fyi, Liquitex is spelled with a q.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

Pouring medium gives a resin like effect only thinner Also the pouring medium self levels so much easier to get a uniform layer

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! A few people have mentioned pouring medium. I’ll definitely need to try that next. 😊

Natural Earth Paint have a 'Natural Varnish' which looks interesting. It is plant based and archival I think it may help you avoid some fumes.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thanks, I’ll look into it ☺️

I love your thumbnail 🤩

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thanks you! I love the art in your avatar!

I agree. There is nothing similar to poured resin. I think brushing two or three thin layers of gloss varnish may work better than pouring. Using a foam brush - you will also see the streaks from the edges of that brush. The resin IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO IN MY OPINION. Get all of your finished collages together and do the resin pour on all of them and then take boxes and cover them all. Then it is done in one day.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Yes I think that is my only good option.

Have you tried Dorland's Wax Medium?

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

I’ve heard about it, but not had a chance to try. It’s on the list 😊

Have you heard of the product "maker's magic"? Its on my (very long) list of art supplies that id like to try. (Isnt that list always very long, lol) I saw a few youtube videos and the results looked very promising. Zero brush marks and a glossy finish sound good to me.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll add it to the list of products to try. ☺️

I wonder if the satin laquer might look less plastic-y?

I wouldn’t worry too much about the cancer warning. It’s probably some chemical that gives rats cancer when fed to them at thousands of times the concentration you will be using. Seriously. I believe that law was a public referendum that sounded great, but resulted in everything in your house being essentially labeled a poison. I love your work! I’m seriously inspired to try collage now.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Oh interesting! Thanks for the info. Yes, do consider trying collage! 😊

Why didn't you use a brush?

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

I was trying a pouring technique I saw other artists on KZread use with this product, who said it mimics the effect of resin.

It looks “plasticky” because it IS plastic. It’s a polymer medium. Polymer is a type of plastic.

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

Yes, exactly. Resin is also a type of plastic and I love the look. Still holding up hope that I can find another non-plasticky looking plastic…or some other material.

Nx time could B like now😅. It is a video? Ann

@colorfulcollage

2 ай бұрын

It will be a video once I’ve made it.