I've touched on Mica powder before; what it is and how to use vodka to add details to model horses. I never really went in depth about all the cool things you can really do with this amazing and magical powder, so here we go!
Mica is a natural stone mineral with shiny flakes. When mica is ground into a powder, you get mica powder. Mica powders are therefore sparkly, sort of like very fine glitter. They're used to give a metallic or shimmery pearl-like effect. They come in many colors.
I'm sure most of you reading this use the brand, PearlEx, on every single horse you paint. You love the micro glitters and the natural shine it gives... but have you considered that there are more ways to 'skin a cat'?
Dry Brushing
The traditional way that most model horse artists go about their mica application is to seal the model, dust some on, and then seal again. You can add layers of paint or pigment before or after these steps. Using something transparent like oil paint allows the mica to shine through, and thats where you get a natural glow from (but you can achieve that same effect with metallic acrylic base coats). The end result is a subtle touch of class, the matte sealant will mute the shine of the mica so the horse will not really sparkle but instead look more realistic. This is great for full body application, not details. Remember to seal thoroughly because glitter is the herpes of craft supplies.
Vodka Detailing
I've said it before and I'll say it again, vodka is amazing for painting. I have 2 other blog entries about this process which you can check out. In a nutshell, the alcohol in vodka is very high and alcohol itself evaporates very quickly - meaning as soon as you paint with vodka it evaporates only leaving mica behind with pinpoint accuracy. Instead of water, use vodka and mix 50/50 with your powder. A little goes a long way, and more vodka will reactivate your 'paint'. Seal right away so your details don't smudge. This is perfect for eye shines or glitter accents, but it applies too thickly for bodies leaving it crumbling off. Only use with a spray sealant as any sealant with a brush will smudge. Remember matte sealant will mute your shine, you can reactivate the sparkle by adding gloss paintable varnish after sealing. Oh and yes, you can use rubbing alcohol if you would rather save your vodka for drinking.
Gloss Varnish Sparkle
I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner! Add your mica to 50/50 gloss varnish and mix it up - a little goes a long way. This will create a durable and opaque later of glitter perfectly sized for models! I love using this for medallion background that you want dipping in gloss. If you mess up (like I did with this medallion) and accidentally drag your glossy sparkle brush over matte areas, let dry and completely seal in matte spray. Redo the glossy sparkle areas. Don't forget to add fresh gloss on top of your mica/gloss layers for that EXTRA shine!
Paint + Mica
A lot of artists use this technique which personally doesn't work for me. you can add some mica powder into the paint you are using and it doesn't matter which type, to create glitter paint. It will have a similar effect to dry brushing. I personally find it thickens and dries the paint a little, like adding the dry flour into the wet ingredients for cake batter.
Sparkly Resin Casting
I don't think it is much of a surprise if you own a sparkly medallion. This technique is all the rage right now along with a rainbow of colours and swirly patterns! As you mix up your 50/50 resin solution and quickly add some mica! Stir, stir, stir to really mix it in, otherwise you may have glitter bubbles that may become tiny glitter bombs upon sanding. You can add your desired colour pigment OR liquid colours to the resin for that desired colour effect.
OR dust some mica in your mold before adding your resin to create the ultimate shiny casting. Just to note, that this technique will allow some sparkle to flake off unless you seal. You can still paint over this version, but skip that metallic acrylic base coat!
Other Applications
Makeup: This is a little odd to add but I just wanted to point out that mica is skin safe (but dont breathe it in). Want to know why your eyeshadow is glittery? Mica.
Confectionaries: Whoa, whoa DO NOT EAT YOUR MICA. There is an edible version, PearlEx is not it though!
Glitter Canons: The first photo above is a glitter canon, and yes you can use mica. However using heavier glitter is best because mica clumps slightly and creates more of a cloud that gets everywhere... you know what, I take it back... don't do this.
Want to buy your own shiny collection? This is the kit I bought off of Amazon - the legendary PearlEx! Just wait until they are on sale, trust me I'm still using these 3 years in! I bought my set for about $75 Canadian. https://www.amazon.ca/Jacquard-Pearl-FX-Set-Color/dp/B000BGSZFU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=pearl+ex&qid=1613772494&sr=8-5
Do you use mica in other ways for model horses? Let me know!
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