TRICKS & TIPS No. 4

So you have just created the perfect monster, creature or dragon etc. The best paint in my mind for realistic leathery skin is latex based house paints. Problem you do not have any laying around. Okay no problem if you have some MATT, SILK or other water based paints. Either cheap child craft paints or some you bought yourself then simply mix in some undiluted PVA glue.

I can't give you exact proportions for this as each project will be of a different size & therefore require different amounts of paint, BUT!, the proceedure IS simple anyway. Pour out or mix up (when making your own colours) roughly 'half' of the amount of paint you think/know you require. YES i said HALF of what you think you are going to require. Now add around a third as much UNDILUTED PVA glue to that & mix well. Most PVA or white glues are clear when dry so the final colours of your home made latex paints will not change when dry. IF you are using a PVA paint that remains white when dry then you may need to add slightly more colour to get the final colour you want.

ADDITIONAL TIP:
Mix the home made latex paint(s) in a container you can seal. Paint a small amount on either the project or a similar surface & allow to fully dry. This will help to determin the final dry colour & the quality of the latex paint when dry. If you are wearing rubber gloves or better still don't mind paint on your hands paint a small amount on your fingers. Peel it off when dry to determin the mix better.