Painting

Scene painting is traditional techniques used in theatrical set design production, involving many of the skills utilized in faux finishes, along with those used in mural painting.

Techniques

The procedure by which a task is accomplished.

Base Coat

The foundation for the rest of the paint job.

Smooth Base Coat

This results in a uniform coat of paint in a specific hue and value.

Tips for applying

-Paints mixed to the viscosity of whole milk typically provide good coverage.

-On vertical surfaces start at the top so that you catch drips and splashes as you work downwards.

-On horizontal surfaces start in a corner.

-Before painting get the brush moist, in water, and shake it out.

-Keep brush fully loaded, but never dip the brush more than 3/4 the way up the bristles.

-Keep a wet edge, an edge of wet paint, letting the paint dry can cause there to be a line.

-Do not scrub any area with your brush.

Gradated Base Coat

This type of base coat gradually changes in hue or value over the area being painted. This technique is frequently used to make a piece look old and worn. It is also used on drops to show a gradual change in the skies color dark to light blue. Blend using separate brushes for each color. Blend rapidly but only do small portions as you work your way around the object you are painting.

Scumbling

This technique is similar to the Gradated Base Coat in the way that it blends several hues or values together. It provides the illusion of texture by being a multihued base. This technique uses a rough blending method rather than a smooth blending method. Any type of pattern can be used while scumbling.

Tips for applying

- Use separate brushes for each color.

-Work rapidly so that the paints may blend.

Aniline Dye

Aniline dyes provide intense transparent colors. They are often used on transparent or translucent drops. Mixing aniline dyes differs from mixing regular paints. It involves mixing 1 tablespoon of concentrated dye solution in 1 quart of boiling water. Aniline dye does not coat a surface but penetrates it.

Spraying Techniques

Spraying is the fastest method of applying paint. The biggest issue with spraying is that the spray gun tends to disperse atomized paint into the air, which is unhealthy.

Cartooning

Cartooning is the process of drawing large-scale details onto scenery after the base coat has been applied. Small details are free-hand sketched onto the object.

Grid Transfer

To do a grid transfer mark the painter's elevation in a 1 foot scale. In order to preserve the elevation cover it with a piece of acetate paper and use an acetate marker or grease pencil to draw the grid. The draw a full-scale 1-foot-square grid on the scenery.

Standard Texture Coats

These are different types of techniques used to add interest to scenery.

Splattering

Splattering applies small drops of paint to a surface. Splattering can be done by hand or with a sprayer, and is a relatively easy technique to master.

How to properly splatter paint.(click me)

By hand

The paint should be the consistency of 2% milk. The brush should only be lightly loaded and only about a third of the way up the bristles dipped. Tap out any excess paint on the inside of the bucket that contains the paint. Then with a gentle flicking motion apply the paint to the surface.

By sprayer

Adjust sprayer nozzle to the size drops you would like, and as you spray move the sprayer in circular motions to avoid any linear patterns.

Stippling

Stippling is similar to splattering only it adds a heavier coat of paint. Stippling can be done with a sponge, feather duster or the tip of a brush. To make sure that there are no obvious patterns change the position of the applicator and pressure you use to apply the paint.

Dry Brushing

Dry Brushing involves dipping just the tip of the brush in the paint, and scraping off as much as possible on the lid of the bucket or pail. Lightly draw the brush across the surface to deposit irregular patterns of paint. Dry Brushing can be used to create to grain look of wood.

Texturing

Texturing is used to create three-dimensional relief on otherwise flat surfaces.

References

www.bluehasti.com/Blue_Hasti/Glossary.html

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/technique

Gillette, J. Michael; Theatrical Design and Production; 2008