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How To: Modelling Paste VS Plaster

1/15/2014

 
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Modelling Paste & Plaster are two products used to create texture on the canvas. What's the difference? Are there advantages to using one as opposed to the other?

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What is Crack Shot by DAP?

Crack Shot is a plaster-like substance made by DAP which can be purchased at most hardware stores. It was created for filling holes in your walls. Not for using on a canvas.

What are the advantages of using Crack Shot?

Let's just go ahead and call this product DAP. I don't like referring to it by "Crack Shot".

Think of DAP as an extremely cheap alternative to Modelling (aka Molding) Paste. Both of these products can be used to create texture on your canvas but where a bottle of Modelling Paste will cost you plenty, a large container of DAP will cost you around $7.

Because I work on such large canvasses (and so many of them) I am constantly looking for cost effective ways to create texture. DAP is a wonderful alternative.

But there is a catch:
DAP was meant to be applied on a hard surface (walls) so when you put it on a flexible surface like a canvas, DAP has a tendency to crack. 

To keep this from happening, I mix 1 part DAP to 1 part Gloss Gel as a way of making the mixture more "flexible". Doing this will make the mixture less prone to cracking and it will ensure that the mixture will adhere to the canvas without any danger of falling off the canvas in the future.
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Add paint to the mixture for added flexibility. 
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Using either a palette knife or your trusty roller, mix everything together. 

TIP: Keep in mind that by adding wet DAP to paint will be like adding titanium white to your mixture. This means that the colours will be greatly affected. Had I used red instead of Burnt Sienna for example, the whole think would have turned pink.
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Chuck
1/15/2014 08:59:52 am

I just tried this on Monday. I mixed in another acrylic medium into the DAP though, so hopefully my ratios were adequate for the application.

Turned out great (so far) :)

Jacqueline link
1/15/2014 11:08:19 am

Personally, I prefer DAP. There's just something about it's texture compared to modelling paste. I also LOVE the cracks :) but will probably try your method and various ratios just for fun!

Bonnie Koshman link
8/16/2014 06:04:16 pm

I have been using the DAP since I took your one of your first Abstract workshops in Edmonton (2011). I have come up with a mixture of Dap, molding paste and Gel medium or varnish. Spreads like soft butter and I love using it. Thanks for introducing me to the "DAP" method :)

Nicole
10/25/2016 08:10:27 am

Hi Bonnie, would you be willing to share your mixture of Dap please. Does it crack at all. I am on the hunt. I love making thck art 3D but the cracking... :)

Elaine link
5/22/2015 05:59:58 am

Thank you for the info. Will give it a whirl.....

Valerie
9/12/2015 10:33:49 pm

As per the advise of the most amazing Artist i know...i now only use DAP and have never been disappointed.
Thank you for sharing
Valerie


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    This blog was created to share my belief that the art-making process is a catalyst for transformation and personal empowerment. I am living proof. 

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