Absorbent Ground Golden 236ml
By Golden
ABSORBENT GROUND
GOLDEN Absorbent Ground can be used to create a porous, paper-like surface on many different substrates. It is uniquely formulated for a high level of absorbency when dry. Applied over gessoed canvas, Absorbent Ground allows for wash and staining effects on a stable acrylic film as an alternative to staining raw canvas. Watercolours may also be used, although they will retain their water sensitivity.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
GOLDEN Absorbent Ground, designed for stain and watercolour-type applications, is light stable, permanent and flexible. While it has a gesso-like consistency, it is not intended as a gesso alternative. It must be applied over a porous and "toothy" surface, such as GOLDEN Gesso to ensure adequate adhesion due to the type and level of solids in the product. Once properly sealed, it is a permanent acrylic film that does not need to be kept under glass, however, the surface is quite delicate and additional protection is recommended. A properly applied isolation coat and GOLDEN Varnishes (Polymer & MSA) will protect the artwork from environmental factors such as sunlight and dust.
Painting in an impasto style over GOLDEN Absorbent Ground is not recommended, unless the surface is properly sealed (see sealing surface section).
PRODUCT APPLICATION
Surface Preparation
Apply onto gessoed canvas, hardboard, wood or other surface. For more complete guidelines on preparing painting supports see the Tech Sheet on Preparing Painting Supports.
Absorbent Ground Application
Absorbent Ground can be applied with a brush, roller or squeegee. No thinning is necessary, although for increased leveling or ease of application, up to 25% water may be added. For best results apply Absorbent Ground over the regular Gesso in two coats - the first coat neat, then wait until fully dry (in 40-65% RH drytime is typically 8-12hrs). The second coat should be with some water (about 20%). We have found that, while building up many layers of Absorbent Ground increases the absorbency only minimally, there is concern with cracking when it is applied too thickly or too many layers are built up in a short period. If a thicker single application is desired, or if applying to a highly textured surface, blending any amount of GOLDEN Light Molding Paste into the Absorbent Ground will decrease the chance of cracking while maintaining considerable absorbency. The greater the percentage of addition, the more flexibility the film will have and the thicker it will become. Testing for your application is always recommended. If a very thick and textured absorbent surface is desired, consider using Light Molding Paste alone. Allow Absorbent Ground to dry thoroughly before paint application.
Watercolours
Watercolour paints work well when applied over GOLDEN Absorbent Ground and will retain all of their attributes, such as water solubility. The completed artwork can be mounted behind glass like traditional watercolor artwork, or sealed with an acrylic isolation coat and varnished. Care must be taken when applying the isolation coat as brushing over the watercolours will produce streaking. For best results the isolation coat should be lightly spray-applied and gradually built up until a non-porous film has been developed. An indication that this has been achieved is uniform gloss throughout the artwork.
GOLDEN Absorbent Ground can also be used on watercolour paper to block out unwanted marks or mistakes. Apply the properly diluted ground evenly to the desired area in thin layers until the area is sufficiently covered. Allow the coats to completely dry, and paint over in desired manner.
GOLDEN Absorbent Ground can be used to create a porous, paper-like surface on many different substrates. It is uniquely formulated for a high level of absorbency when dry. Applied over gessoed canvas, Absorbent Ground allows for wash and staining effects on a stable acrylic film as an alternative to staining raw canvas. Watercolours may also be used, although they will retain their water sensitivity.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
GOLDEN Absorbent Ground, designed for stain and watercolour-type applications, is light stable, permanent and flexible. While it has a gesso-like consistency, it is not intended as a gesso alternative. It must be applied over a porous and "toothy" surface, such as GOLDEN Gesso to ensure adequate adhesion due to the type and level of solids in the product. Once properly sealed, it is a permanent acrylic film that does not need to be kept under glass, however, the surface is quite delicate and additional protection is recommended. A properly applied isolation coat and GOLDEN Varnishes (Polymer & MSA) will protect the artwork from environmental factors such as sunlight and dust.
Painting in an impasto style over GOLDEN Absorbent Ground is not recommended, unless the surface is properly sealed (see sealing surface section).
PRODUCT APPLICATION
Surface Preparation
Apply onto gessoed canvas, hardboard, wood or other surface. For more complete guidelines on preparing painting supports see the Tech Sheet on Preparing Painting Supports.
Absorbent Ground Application
Absorbent Ground can be applied with a brush, roller or squeegee. No thinning is necessary, although for increased leveling or ease of application, up to 25% water may be added. For best results apply Absorbent Ground over the regular Gesso in two coats - the first coat neat, then wait until fully dry (in 40-65% RH drytime is typically 8-12hrs). The second coat should be with some water (about 20%). We have found that, while building up many layers of Absorbent Ground increases the absorbency only minimally, there is concern with cracking when it is applied too thickly or too many layers are built up in a short period. If a thicker single application is desired, or if applying to a highly textured surface, blending any amount of GOLDEN Light Molding Paste into the Absorbent Ground will decrease the chance of cracking while maintaining considerable absorbency. The greater the percentage of addition, the more flexibility the film will have and the thicker it will become. Testing for your application is always recommended. If a very thick and textured absorbent surface is desired, consider using Light Molding Paste alone. Allow Absorbent Ground to dry thoroughly before paint application.
Watercolours
Watercolour paints work well when applied over GOLDEN Absorbent Ground and will retain all of their attributes, such as water solubility. The completed artwork can be mounted behind glass like traditional watercolor artwork, or sealed with an acrylic isolation coat and varnished. Care must be taken when applying the isolation coat as brushing over the watercolours will produce streaking. For best results the isolation coat should be lightly spray-applied and gradually built up until a non-porous film has been developed. An indication that this has been achieved is uniform gloss throughout the artwork.
GOLDEN Absorbent Ground can also be used on watercolour paper to block out unwanted marks or mistakes. Apply the properly diluted ground evenly to the desired area in thin layers until the area is sufficiently covered. Allow the coats to completely dry, and paint over in desired manner.
