Molding Paste

The Perfect Fish Tank, acrylic, 16" x 20"

Blog 10

During the month of March, I will give you some information about some pastes and gels I have used in my artworks. This is by no means a complete list of all uses for a certain product. You can find more information on the manufacturer's websites as well as lots of ideas and videos for ideas online.

This week, I look at Molding Paste which I have used on a couple of occasions to create paintings with a 3D effect and textures. Molding Paste can also be used to smooth out a textured surface. The paste dries to a hard, yet flexible, matte and opaque white finish. It holds stiff peaks and can be used to create a highly textured surface. It is very absorbent and therefore suitable as a ground for almost all painting and drawing media.

Most Molding Pastes are water-based products consisting of an acrylic polymer emulsion mixed with marble dust, which give great flexibility and durability. The drying time greatly depends on the thickness of application. They paste can be tinted before application. After drying, acrylic paints and mediums can be applied. The paste can also be used to slightly tint acrylic colours. In this case, it will increase the thickness and rigidity of the paint. There are different varieties of Molding Pastes on the market.

"Just Bite Me", acrylic, 14" x 11"

Light Molding Paste is lighter than the regular molding paste as a low-density filler has replaced the traditional marble dust. This is especially important if you create large artworks with thick applications of molding paste. It has the consistency of cake icing.

Regular Molding Paste creates a flexible film that holds peaks well.

Extra Heavy Gel/Molding Paste is a blend of Extra Heavy Gel Gloss and Molding Paste. Therefore, it contains a lower level of opaque fillers. As a result it dries to a satin, semi-opaque finish. The thick paste retains tool marks better than any other molding paste.

Hard Molding Paste dries to an extremely hard, opaque film that can be carved with hand or power tools. To minimize the chance of cracking, it should be applied in layers of up to 1/4 inch.

Coarse Molding Paste dries to a hard surface with the feel of sandpaper. Up to a thickness of 1/8”, it is translucent.

Molding Paste is best applied with a knife to create the build-up. It works best on a rigid support. On a canvas, it is best to use the Light Molding Paste.

Here are some examples of my artworks that contain molding paste:

So far, I have only tried the regular and light molding paste. Have you tried any of the molding pastes? Do you have a favourite?