# VIDEO: Even Application for Transparent/Semi-Transparent Paints **URL:** \ **Category:** General Painting\ **Created:** [February 27, 2017, 1:32am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245 "2017-02-27T01:32:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 1:32am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/1 "2017-02-27T01:32:09Z")
A question came up during a recent Skype artist hangout regarding a successful way to apply “even” layers of very thin/semi-transparent/transparent oil paints (like Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, etc.) I use a very simple 3 step process when requiring handling these paints in early layers of a painting: apply them with bristles, even out with a sable/synth stipple, and flatten with an even softer sable/synth. ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/1X/5f2e27c95b75e9ea8c4cb2712cdddc4aa9b7d6be.jpg) Here is a video of this process: https://player.vimeo.com/video/205819611 ---
**Author:** ![JohnLivesey](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/johnlivesey/32/172_2.png) [@JohnLivesey](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/JohnLivesey)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 12:28pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/2 "2017-02-27T12:28:23Z")
Nice! Need to get me some of those real tech brushes ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 12:58pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/3 "2017-02-27T12:58:42Z")
They are really cheap and seem to last a long time. Two sets I really like: > **[Amazon.com: (3 Pack) REAL TECHNIQUES Duo Fiber Collection - Limited Edition -...](https://www.amazon.com/Pack-REAL-TECHNIQUES-Fiber-Collection/dp/B00LDTS5YU/ref=sr_1_19_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1488200254&sr=1-19&keywords=duo%2Bfiber%2Bbrushes)** > > Buy (3 Pack) REAL TECHNIQUES Duo Fiber Collection - Limited Edition - White on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders > **[Amazon.com: Real Techniques Multi-Tasking Kabuki Make Up Brush Set: Beauty](https://www.amazon.com/Real-Techniques-Multi-Tasking-Kabuki-Brush/dp/B01JINOMK8/ref=pd_lpo_194_tr_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=64GVCSR0AAM8VXKNB6AT)** > > Amazon.com: Real Techniques Multi-Tasking Kabuki Make Up Brush Set: Beauty ---
**Author:** ![deborah845800](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/deborah845800/32/656_2.png) [@deborah845800](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/deborah845800)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 1:41pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/4 "2017-02-27T13:41:13Z")
Hi Tony I watched the latest video about thin layers, thank you. I’m glad to know about the stippling pass, it will help. I’ve gotten very good results from the makeup brush, but I would pick up paint while spreading the unevenness. The real question is: this works beautifully within a taped off area, but what about working in a confined area? You can see I’ve worked the black here, but now I have to contend with the over-brushing on my objects. ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/1X/e419ab20d7106e7ed78cd25ad025dbff2a994818.JPG) ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 1:50pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/5 "2017-02-27T13:50:54Z")
Thank you so much for sharing this question here Debbie. I will definitely put together something for tackling this issue in more complex contexts. (Hopefully today!) ---
**Author:** ![stuart129172](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@stuart129172](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/stuart129172)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 1:59pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/6 "2017-02-27T13:59:41Z")
This is really helpful, thank you Anthony - it would be interesting to see this In relation to gradations, or passages where there is variation such that broad blending is not possible. But I’m verging on asking you just to strap a go pro to your head so we can watch you paint in real time…! Edit - I’ve just seen that Debbie is asking the same thing so consider me a second vote! ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 5:49pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/7 "2017-02-27T17:49:58Z")
Ok, here is a short video that demonstrates the application of this 3-step process in a more complex scenario ( a lay-in of a spherical form surrounded by black.) ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/1X/fddb8596c9bedced627a8931f0d5b43a91472bf8.jpg) https://player.vimeo.com/video/205920137 ---
**Author:** ![stuart129172](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@stuart129172](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/stuart129172)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 7:54pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/8 "2017-02-27T19:54:56Z")
Again, so helpful. I’d be interested to see some of your thoughts re examples of options, issues and interactions with making second or third passes - perhaps with some address to considerations of detail when building layers. This is obviously something that varies depending on the subject but I’ll bet there are some great examples out there. I’m just setting up a new home studio so will post my own stuff soon! ---
**Author:** ![deborah845800](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/deborah845800/32/656_2.png) [@deborah845800](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/deborah845800)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 8:38pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/9 "2017-02-27T20:38:36Z")
I had to try this right away. My examples are alizarin and a weird color given to me: aureolin cobalt yellow, done on a canvas board. First I must say that I’ve not seen alizarin so jewel like, good to know. The yellow is a strange color, it looks like greenish ochre in the tube. It is transparent so I thought it would make a good example. When applied very thinly it became a brilliant “true” yellow. An interesting color. It was also very thick as I may have used it only once. I must say that the stippling is the magic here! It is the most important part of the process. And thanks, Tony for the update with the sphere. ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/1X/edb694202799b001dc463c1e6907f891477329c9.JPG) ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 8:40pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/10 "2017-02-27T20:40:07Z")
YES!!! You did it Deb!!! Just awesome—I get really excited to these methods work out for others so well. Way to go—(and thank you!) \<3 ---
**Author:** ![LWaichulis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9f8e36/32.png) [@LWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/LWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2017, 8:41pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/11 "2017-02-27T20:41:59Z")
Looks great Deb! I’m glad that the procedure worked so well. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![stuart129172](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@stuart129172](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/stuart129172)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2017, 5:05pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/12 "2017-02-28T17:05:31Z")
I tried this too today. Williamsburg Permanent Red Orange was my colour of choice. Here’s a pic of a solid colour block and my first ever painted pressure scale 🍾. Both done in one pass, and I think I used too little paint maybe. I’m interested to see what will happen when I go over them again. ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/1X/f0ccca5a2a77b665926a0ea9a0755d71832c45bb.JPG) ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2017, 5:06pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/13 "2017-02-28T17:06:34Z")
Brilliant Stuart! I’ll be curious to see how a second layer takes as well. ---
**Author:** ![stuart129172](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@stuart129172](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/stuart129172)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/14 "2017-02-28T17:08:14Z")
Thanks Anthony - it was so interesting. As I said above I may have used too little paint so I’ll try a bit more in the next one to factor in paint removal by the stippling and blending processes. ---
**Author:** ![deborah845800](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/deborah845800/32/656_2.png) [@deborah845800](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/deborah845800)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/15 "2017-02-28T19:27:44Z")
Nice, Stuart. I must try a painting pressure scale too. Never done one. ---
**Author:** ![beverly307701](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/beverly307701/32/173_2.png) [@beverly307701](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/beverly307701)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2017, 8:11pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/16 "2017-02-28T20:11:15Z")
lol! the music has tapping sounds in it! love this!! ---
**Author:** ![slinberg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/slinberg/32/242_2.png) [@slinberg](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/slinberg)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2017, 2:14am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/17 "2017-03-01T02:14:24Z")
Thanks Anthony, this is very helpful. Going to track down some of these magic brushes and see how they feel 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2017, 2:19am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/18 "2017-03-01T02:19:01Z")
Awesome Steve. There is a question from Suzanne Batchelor called “Brushes: good sables?” that has the direct links to the brushes from Amazon in the thread. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![LWaichulis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9f8e36/32.png) [@LWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/LWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2017, 2:23am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/19 "2017-03-01T02:23:21Z")
Here is the link to Brushes: good sables?[http://www.smartermarx.com/t/brushes-good-sables/253/3](http://www.smartermarx.com/t/brushes-good-sables/253/3) ---
**Author:** ![Nina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e68b1a/32.png) [@Nina](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/Nina)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2017, 1:28pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245/20 "2017-03-03T13:28:30Z")
Great demo! thanks [Next page](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/video-even-application-for-transparent-semi-transparent-paints/245.md?page=2)