AN EXCELLENT BOOK ON HOW TO WORK WITH PLASTIC: Fantastic Recycled Plastic by David & Robin Edgar
MAKING A 1/4" SCALE MODEL OF YOUR SCULPTURE
MAKING A 1/4" SCALE MODEL OF YOUR SCULPTURE
Please watch this 3 minute instructional video: CLICK ME
NOTE: Your model can be rudimentary, but it must be accurate in terms of approximate size and color. It must include its pedestal if it has one. It should also include any hanging wire if it is a suspended piece. (I recommend using a piece of white thread, thin wire or 5lb monofilament and some clear tape to attach your piece to the ceiling at your determined ideal height). Use white artists tape (provided) to stick your piece to the wall if it is a wall piece so that it can be moved around until we find the right location for it and also to stick your pedestal to the floor in the ideal place so it doesn't move around and get shuffled during transport of the model.
NOTE: Your model can be rudimentary, but it must be accurate in terms of approximate size and color. It must include its pedestal if it has one. It should also include any hanging wire if it is a suspended piece. (I recommend using a piece of white thread, thin wire or 5lb monofilament and some clear tape to attach your piece to the ceiling at your determined ideal height). Use white artists tape (provided) to stick your piece to the wall if it is a wall piece so that it can be moved around until we find the right location for it and also to stick your pedestal to the floor in the ideal place so it doesn't move around and get shuffled during transport of the model.
PET BOTTLE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
1. LABEL REMOVAL: Remove as much of the label as possible using an exacto knife, box cutter or scissors, be careful not to scratch the bottle surface (or cut yourself). IMPORTANT: Leave caps on bottles if possible during this phase of cleaning.
2. ADHESIVE REMOVAL / SOAKING: In a well ventilated area - ideally outside, place bottles (with caps on) horizontally in tubs. Wearing nitrile gloves, wrap portion of bottle where any adhesive or remaining label is with a small Citrasolv saturated cotton rag (pre-cut a rag to the size of the area) dip rag into Citrasolv then lay onto bottle. Avoid getting Citrasolv inside the bottles without caps. Once bin is full to capacity, cover with lid if possible to reduce fumes and allow to soak 15 minutes.
3. WIPING: Starting with bottles in your bin that have soaked the longest, wearing nitrile gloves, use a terry cloth rag (or scrub brush if necessary) to wipe off remaining label + adhesive.
4. DEGREASING: Once the exteriors are 100% free of adhesive + label, put used Citrasolv soaked rags into air tight metal container for re-use. Use a sponge and 7th Gen laundry detergent to clean outside of bottles, carefully removing all Citrasolv residue. This step must be done carefully otherwise the bottles will slowly deteriorate + paint will not adhere to the PET surface. Also, use detergent to clean tub thoroughly. (NOTE: If Citrasolv is left on the tub it will cause gradual deterioration of the plastic).
5. INTERIOR CLEANING: Mix solution of 1:7 7th Gen bleach alternative” to H20 and fill your first bottle about 1/2 way. Wearing nitrile gloves, place your hand to cover the top of the bottle and shake the solution inside vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Then (using a funnel if necessary) transfer the solution into the next bottle. Repeat this process until each bottle has been cleaned on the inside, remix when solution becomes discolored or if suds appear. During this phase, remove caps. Then thoroughly rinse the interiors of each bottle with running H20.
6. DRYING: Tamp bottles up side down to eliminate as much water from inside as possible and wipe outside of bottle dry with a clean absorbent rag. Place up side down in a clear bag with a towel at the bottom, or in a clean tub with a towel in the bottom to absorb moisture, so they can dry over night. NOTE: If bottles aren’t tamped/stored upside down, and end up getting left for a period of days, mold may form on the interior making them more challenging to clean the 2nd time.
7. QUALITY CONTROL: Next day, once the bottles are dry, inspect them one at a time to be certain they are 100% clean and free of greasy Citrasolv residue - use an environmentally friendly glass/window cleaner with a cotton rag to make sure there are no spots or other bits of grime left on the bottles.
*NOTE: Work in an area with adequate ventilation.
While a respirator is not necessary with Citrasolv it has a very strong orange oil odor that can be dizzying or nauseating if used without ventilation.
While a respirator is not necessary with Citrasolv it has a very strong orange oil odor that can be dizzying or nauseating if used without ventilation.
AIRBRUSHING INSTRUCTIONS
1. SET UP: Shake up tint color then add to polycrylic. Thoroughly mix tint and polycrylic in container. Test color on clean white paper. Lay out work to be airbrushed. Either on surface or suspended. Prepare spray booth brush rinsing bucket with warm clean soapy water (2-3 drops of dish soap) and a clean rag.
Hang bucket and rag on spray booth hook. Reshake up paint (The tints tend to settle at the bottom and may cause uneven paint application and/or clogging airbrush) Make sure booth filter is sufficiently clean for proper ventilation. Excess paint dust will prevent paint from adhering to your artwork and result in unsightly specks of dust being embedded in your piece. Suit up accordingly (paint suit, shoe covers, gloves, respirator) Turn on ventilation fan
2. AIRBRUSH: During this stage give your work thorough quality control. Any surface dirt will catch the paint and cause an uneven finish. Constantly maintain at least 8” distance from the piece with the spray gun. Continuously move the spray gun in circles to prevent dripping and hotspots of paint on artwork.
To create an evenly painted surface on artwork; make sure to hit your piece with paint from all angles. This will reduce paint ghosting (light spots) especially on textured surfaces. Periodically check filter and be mindful of air quality in the booth. If it starts to appear foggy, it is time to clean or change the filter. (Even though this is water based paint you do not want to breath it in). To clean filter; slip out the top and vacuum with shopvac or replace with new filter.
If you must stop airbrushing for longer than 60 seconds, make sure to filter clean soapy water through the spray gun for 60 seconds to prevent clogging. Toggle the gun to be sure it is thoroughly clean before walking away.
3. CLEAN UP: Turn off spray booth fan. The spray gun must be 100% cleared of paint, as described in step 5 of AIRBRUSHING instructions. Repeat for an additional 60 seconds when you are the last person using the gun for the day. Pour any excess paint into original unfiltered mix (if necessary). Thoroughly wash the inside and outside of spray gun paint container. If any bits of paint are left to dry inside the container or bottle straw, they could dislodge in future use causing a clog in the spray gun. Clogs are time consuming and will slow progress for yourself and any other students who are waiting their turn to use the booth. Clean up spray booth for next student and remove your artwork
IF GUN IS CLOGGED: Clogs are common with heavy airbrush use but can be kept to a minimum with your attention and care. Attempt to clear with clean warm soapy water from bucket by toggling and flushing for 23 minutes.
If unsuccessful, do not attempt to disassemble spray gun yourself, bring Ash’s attention to the problem for him to deal with it accordingly.
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