Mixed Media Surface Tutorial: Acrylic Paint Transfer

I have been interested in experimenting with creating interesting textures and surfaces. After painting, a few days ago, I noticed the colours that had been left on the plastic bag I was using as a drop cloth and wanted to figure out a way of using them. So, I tried out this method of transferring that leftover paint and it worked really well!

It can be used to created interesting backgrounds or, if you are careful with how you do this method (or just lucky!) you can create some really nice pictures that work just as they are.

You will need:

• Acrylic paint (any kind will do, it doesn’t even need to be particularly good quality – I’ve tried too kinds and I couldn’t see an obvious difference.)
• Matt Medium (I’m using Golden, for this example)
• Assorted paper – whatever you want to create your surface on. I’ve tried different weights/textures which product interesting effects. It also works well on pre-painted papers.
• Plastic sheet/bag. I’m using a black bin liner in this example, which wrinkles easily and creates a really interesting texture, but a smoother plastic should also work.
• Brushes/tools to apply paint and matt medium. I found a piece of card worked really well to apply a smooth coat of medium to my surface, but a brush created more interesting effects.

Method

• Paint your plastic bag. You can either apply the paint straight to the plastic. Alternatively, you could use the plastic sheet as a drop cloth while doing other work, so that you end up with more random markings left over. You could also use a mixture of the two methods. (If I have left over paint, I add this to the plastic.) Then leave to dry.

• Cover your chosen paper surface in Matt Medium. The way you apply the medium does affect the outcome, so try using a piece of card (or similar) for a smooth, even finish, or an old paintbrush to get clearly defined brushstrokes. While wet, place the paper, medium-side down, onto the plastic bag. Either place randomly or think about colour/composition. Smooth down as much as you can to get rid of air bubbles and to make sure the surfaces are fully touching. Allow to dry fully.

• When completely dry, peel the paper off the plastic. Don’t worry if some of the paint hasn’t adhered to the paper, you can repeat the process as many times as you like to build up effects.

Here are some more examples of what you can create with this effect:

One transfer onto painted paper with contrasting colours

One transfer onto painted paper with similar colours

Multiple transfers onto plain paper