Tole Painting Secrets, Tips, and Techniques: Unlocking the Artist's Mysteries

Have you ever found yourself frustrated when your painted piece didn't quite resemble the designer's original, despite following all the instructions diligently? We've all been there! It seems that some designers, while incredibly talented, tend to leave out crucial details or fail to share their secrets. In this blog post, we will uncover some hidden techniques, tips, and secrets that can elevate your tole painting skills to new heights.

Secret #1 - Achieving the Soft Look of Oils:

One of the secrets to painting those beautiful, soft faces or florals lies in the "Three Brush Technique." Start by basecoating everything, then follow these steps:

Take two flat brushes and a scruffy, worn-out filbert brush (a DM Stippler works well too).

Load the first flat brush generously with Plaid (FolkArt) Blending Gel and apply it to the shaded area. Avoid puddles but don't be too stingy. Lay the brush down.

Pick up the second flat brush, load it with Plaid Blending Gel, wipe off excess on palette paper, and gently tap a few dots of paint on the area. Lay the brush down.

Using the scruffy filbert brush (dry), fluff the color around and into the shaded area. The result is a soft, beautiful look that works exceptionally well for cheeks on any project.

Secret #2 - Painting Soft Fuzzy Characters:

To achieve that soft, fuzzy appearance on snowmen, elves, and other characters, you can employ the same technique mentioned in Secret #1. Different designers might use this technique to create those charming effects.

Secret #3 - Mastering Hair Combing:

When it comes to painting hair, add a few drops of Jo Sonja's Flow Medium to your paint and stir with the handle end of your brush. Load the tip of a comb (rake) brush, wipe off lightly on each side, hold the brush upright, rest the side of your hand on the surface, and comb the hair gently in the direction it grows. Avoid short, choppy strokes and aim for longer strokes. A Filbert Comb brush is particularly effective. For the finishing touches, use a 10/0 liner brush to add wispy details.

Secret #4 - Protecting Areas from Paint:

Imagine needing to comb Santa's beard while ensuring none of the strokes land on the carefully painted toy doll he's holding. Simply brush Aleene's Liquid Masking Tape onto the toy doll, let it set for a few minutes, and then brush on the beard. Once the beard strokes are dry, roll off the liquid masking tape with your finger. Voila! The toy doll remains clean, and the beard is done. If you find rubber balls left from the brush used for the liquid masking tape, no worries—just wash the brush with a few drops of liquid dish soap, and it'll be good as new.

Secret #5 - Rescuing Brushes from Dried Paint:

Cleaning dried paint out of brushes can be a daunting task, but here's a secret tip that works wonders. Wet your brush, apply Dow Bathroom Cleaner "Scrubbing Bubbles," massage the bristles, and rinse. If necessary, repeat the process for stubborn paint residue. This method leaves your brushes soft and clean, ready for your next masterpiece.

Secret #6 - Tackling Paint Stains on Clothes:

When faced with paint stains on your clothes, try an unconventional solution that has proven effective 90% of the time: vodka. Apply vodka to the stain and gently blot it with a cloth or sponge. Rinse the area with water and repeat if necessary. With a little luck, your clothing will be free from paint stains.

By uncovering these tole painting secrets, tips, and techniques, you're one step closer to achieving the results you desire. Remember, practice makes perfect, and experimentation is key to discovering your unique style. Embrace these newfound insights, let your creativity soar, and watch your tole painting skills flourish. Happy painting!