GAC 400 for use in a multi-layed collage?ApproveRejectUn-ApproveSubscribeUn-Unsubscribe
Question asked 2023-03-06 16:36:11 ...
Most recent comment 2023-03-09 13:02:44
Acrylic
Rigid Supports
Sizes and Adhesives
Hi All,
I'm involved in a project which consists of rendering/sculpting a rather complex (realistic) image onto a large piece of carpenter's grade 1/4" birch plywood. My ultimate goal is to create a low relief which - after a few coats of acrylic gesso - can be stained (in oil).
So I've braced the plywood and also applied a light coat of acrylic size (to both sides). On the front I am proceeding to glue in collage/textural elements using GAC 400 (according to my design). I chose GAC 400 since that appears to be the recommended medium for creating and gluing collage elements - and also I use cotton, as that appears to be the recommended fabric type. Anyway, I coat the section to be glued (with the GAC 400), wet the fabric first, squeeze out the water, then soak it liberally in the GAC 400. I press it into place, blot out excess liquid and leave it to dry 24 hours. After 24 hours, the fabric appears to be adhering quite well to its substrate and is also quite hard, allowing me to trim off superfluous edges. I should note that these are larger, thicker, coarsely textured foreground elements. So far, so good.
Now, as I begin to think about creating the background elements, I expect to be using thinner, finer fabric (due to its capacity to render lower relief). No problem, I have plenty of fabric with different thicknesses to choose from. However, from a working-method-point-of-view, I also know it will be much easier if - when it comes to the details - I can glue in a second piece of fabric over a previously glued one.
Thus I have finally arrived at my question: Will GAC 400 adhere to a dried fabric-embedded version of itself? Or should I use a different glue? If so, what? Would something as standard as Gorilla Glue be appropriate? My question arises from experience since I've learned the hard way that adhesion over the course of time is one of the greatest risks of experimenting with untested materials. Thus I've learned to do my due diligence (even as I push the envelope). As ever, I appreciate any and all informed responses from the experts assembled here.
Yours,
Ellen Trezevant
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Moderator Answer
(gwatson@goldenpaints.com)
Hello Ellen,
With Golden specific questions you can always reach out directly – 800-959-6543 or help@goldenpaints.com
GAC 400 might not be the best adhesive in this way. It is rather brittle and it is not a great film former, but an excellent hardener, especially if heat set. An alternative that has similar working properties would be the GAC 100. If you want the stiffening of the 400, then saturate your fabrics as you have been doing, then dab the areas you want to adhere to dry off some of the product, then squeeze some GAC 100 into those areas and bed in your collage piece and let that dry. You could also use Soft Gel if you need something thicker. Once that is dry, you can work additional layers over top as you see fit. Contact us if you have more questions.
Best wishes,
Greg
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