**This product comes with a white acrylic background already applied. I usually like to roll on at least one more coats of JoSonja's Titanium White as then I know that my oils will be compatible (no surprises) plus I like a finer texture on my surface. Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper then proceed with the Painted Background instructions.
1. Quickly apply one coat of JoSonja's Titanium White with 3/4" wash brush (slightly thin with water if necessary).
2. Using a fine sponge roller and very light pressure, roll over surface. Change direction in order to keep surface even. You are looking for a very fine texturing for the painting surface. Roll until nearly dry. It should have an eggshell appearance. If this is not the appearance after it dries then you will need to sand and repeat the procedure. Dry well with hair dryer. To check for moisture use the back of the your fingers. If there is any damp feeling then continue to dry.
3. Lightly sand then quickly apply second coat of Acrylic, slightly thinned, with 3/4" brush. Roll until dry. Dry with hairdryer checking for moisture.
4. Trace pattern onto tracing paper. Center pattern onto surface and trace, using white graphite and stylus. If graphite does not show or skips then the surface is still damp. If you used dark graphite you may find it necessary to rub surface with dry eraser to reduce the intensity of the graphite lines. You should be left with dark enough lines to see the design.
5. If you are tracing over a light background with the light gray graphite and you cannot see the lines clearly just pick up some household dust with your hand (high shelves are great!) and rub over the design. The graphite lines will hold the dust making the design darker.
Primed metal does not require any more prep than a very light sanding to smooth out any bumps. Do not sand so hard that you remove the priming. If left untreated then you might experience rust down the road. To re-prime, spray with a good rust inhibitor product. Coat the primed metal with acrylic of choice as above.
a. If the rake cannot move the paint then you have not used enough paint - reapply values and proceed.
b. If the rake blends the values together, creating the appearance of one or two values, then you have used too much paint. Place a single-ply of tissue over the surface and brush over, lightly. This will remove a significant amount of paint. Reapply values and proceed with rake.
c. The 1/8" rake will move paint more readily. Great for using on the edge of the petals. The 1/4" rake is great to use to soften the top layer of paint - like a mop. Also is best to use on most designs.
