Mad Scientist

I have been experimenting like a mad scientist, bwahaha! My victim the innocent Arabian gelding with horrid seams and deep ruff hair patten. It was my goal to fill it in and smooth it out with modelling paste. But alas I live in a tiny town with no arts or craft store, the only thing I could find was a contour putty. I have ordered modelling paste online but its going to take awhile before it gets here and I couldn't wait to get started.

I tried my heart out to make the contour putty work. Rubbing, mixing and smoothing it with isoprophyl alcohol then the same mixing it with gesso. The results where disappointing even with all the smoothing, it just dries too rough.    

So I moved on to just gesso. The thing is you have to water it down to get it smooth and streak free which means lots and lots of layers. Plus I found that it doesn't like to stay in the places I want it too. 

Then while shopping I came across these make-up sponges that help you get a streak free even finish. Well if it works with make-up it should work with paint, right? I have to say that they work pretty good no streaks like a paint brush. I first use my brush to put down a thick layer of gesso then with a wedge pat it out, you can get bubbles but just pat slowly and they will disappear. You can cut the wedges into different sizes and shapes which is good for getting into the smaller parts.  

The gesso sponge trick worked ok but I think I will have better luck with the modelling paste that is on its way. Sigh I hate prepping but I know its one of the most important parts to good finish work.