Must See!! BEST Tip for Mica Powders! Watch If you Use This Product!

[@Reukuna]

Just a fun fact, Gum arabic is what is used as a binder in watercolor paints. You literally just made metallic watercolor paint. :D It should also be able to rehydrate on a palette when dry and could reactivate with water on your finished pieces. You can always use a fixative to seal your piece afterwards.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh cool! I didn't even think of it that way. So great! I will try to put them in a palette for sure.

[@jodibauer4742]

Hairspray works just as well

[@cherin6037]

Just to add to Mary’s suggestion, After reading a customer review on Arteza’s site...that said the powder disappeared when added to water and made into a spray...I specifically asked the chatline and was told it would NOT make a permanent spray, (as you can do with perfect pearls.) No explanation for the difference...as we just got from Mary! Arteza colors and products are all wonderful, as are Perfect Pearls. Nice we have a choice...and Mary to make us all intelligent buyers! As always MARY, thank you so much for a wonderful video!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much Cheri for sharing and for being so encouraging! I so appreciate you!

[@c.r.mcleod8959]

I add some liquid hairspray, rubbing alcohol & water to my mica's when making sprays. Then I use my gel plate to seal them.

[@createinspain]

Mary, basically any transparent medium will work. Clear glues, varnishes, acrylic medium, fabric medium.....if you don't use anything, it's like applying talc!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great thanks Sandra! By transparent medium, are you referrring to sealing the mica on the project?

[@createinspain]

@@marypolancodesigns Yes, in a way. You can mix mica into those things and splatter or paint with them, sponge them on, use crumpled cling wrap etc. Just don't limit yourself!

[@taylorjudi]

So happy you made this video so people know what they are buying, and what they need to buy to use them properly. You can also make an acrylic paint by mixing them with an acrylic medium such as matte medium. I love your videos, thanks for sharing!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Ooooh more great info. Thank you so much. ❤

[@taylorjudi]

@@marypolancodesigns I love your videos. I have been binge watching youtube crafters. Great way to pass the time. Missed my shout out for posting it had no binder on your last video, pout, pout... LOL!

[@taylorjudi]

@@marypolancodesigns only mix the amount you will use, acrylic paint just dies out.You can't just rewet it like watercolors.

[@margaretcrook2188]

Isn't it nice Mary how everyone in the craft world help each other, when they can!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes indeed; I love it so much!

[@caszscountrycrafts3258]

Mod podge also works with mica’s you use just a few drops in your alcohol mix.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Amazing tip, thank you so much!

[@kristinullrich]

What alcohol mix are you referring to?

[@kellihull7600]

I inherited some Gum Arabic from a yard sale. Had ZERO clue what it was for LOL Thank you!!!!! These are GORGEOUS

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm hearing there are other uses for it but I'm not that advanced yet. I'm glad this was helpful

[@louisecornwall6870]

Perfect Pearls has a binder "built in" to the powders. So mixed with water, they will bind. Most regular mica powders do not have an included binder.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Correct, thank you! In this video I think I talked about adding Gum Arabic to the mica to make them just like perfect pearls. It works so well!

[@neuroticnation144]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve never seen anyone else explain this. I’ve had the mica powder for years but wasn’t impressed with its performance. Now I know why.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh this makes me so happy! Thank you for letting me know it was helpful! YAY!

[@071619571]

Mary thank you for educating us on various products. Really appreciate your efforts and love your positive attitude.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! Thanks!

[@BarbKaszuba]

Perfect timing, Mary! My Gum Arabic arrived minutes before I saw this video. I now have all I need to get going. Thanks so much.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay!!!! I love it one perfect timing happens! Have so much fun

[@reginabasart9433]

Arteza is a Spanish word pronounced like you did first. Spanish only has short vowels. Now I got to go buy me both the gum Arabic and those beautiful mica powder. Thank you again for taking your time testing products.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I thought that too based on my own last name! 😄 But then I heard the CEO of the company in her video say it the way I corrected it to. So maybe it's a word from a different language.

[@reginabasart9433]

@@marypolancodesigns Maybe is used in different languages, but what counts was your presentation of the products, TY again.

[@brendamartin715]

You can also mix a clear, fluid acrylic medium so they don't re-activate with water.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! More info, thank you so much Brenda!

[@ligaskirbauska8652]

Waterproof PVA or wood glue is amazing medium,also much cheaper than most branded mediums

[@makeitwithme1011]

So glad you did this! I've been thinking of trying the Mica powder.

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure honestly this is one of my favorite things I have tried in recent months. There's so many things I'm gonna do with them.

[@dominoreaction2564]

@@marypolancodesigns Love you, Mica Poweder! I Like it!

[@56janjan]

Very helpful to know about the Gum Aribic and your demonstration was very conclusive...just thought I would give a little back in warning you that as it's a very fine powder it is advisable to wear a face mask whilst using mica, to avoid inhilation into the lungs...Just in case you didn't know...Cheers !!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

REALLY great tip thank you so much for this. I really appreciate you looking out!

[@shelleythompson-brock6412]

You can also use clear embossing powder in a separate container, then add the mica powder, to act as a binder. Or when stamping, using your Versamark (or similar) embossing pad/gel. Just be sure to use talc or anti-static bag to ensure that the mica powders don't stick to other areas of the paper.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oooooh awesome tips, thank you so mucH!

[@w3ndi973]

Does it stay after the versamark has dried or will it rub off?

[@shelleythompson-brock6412]

@@w3ndi973 Its the embossing powder that allows the mica powders to adhere, since it already has a bonding agent in it. Do a test swatch. If it does still rub off, you can use more embossing powder in the mix, or spritz it with water, pixie spray, hair spray, etc. Its a great way to get 'extra' embossing powder colors without having to buy a bunch of different colored embossing powders. Mix/match/experiment. Have fun!

[@leannewith3]

You can also use them without Gum Arabic and spray the finished piece with a fixative (which is designed to stop pastels from smudging)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Leanne, I've done that with the versamark techique but for some reason the splatter version didn't hold as well. Thank you for sharing this!

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

I have to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And, as soon as you said gum of arabic, I along with everybody watching went over to Amazon and ordered it! I have the box of 60 and haven't even excavated them yet, as soon as I receive the gum of arabic, I will surely give it a go! I appreciate you Mary!!! Stay well, blessings, love, & hugs!!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank You for the birthday wishes I really appreciate that!. When I started playing with it in this video it was like magic I couldn't believe it. I know it's some simple chemistry issue but to me it was just awesome to see the difference between the 2.

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

Mary Polanco I feel the same way when I finish coloring, it goes from nothing and magically transforms into something wonderful that I want to share! I hope your day is filled with love and joy Mary, you make my heart happy!!!

[@4chencookie1]

Fantastic! Thank you so much for all of your comparisons!

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure thank you so much for letting me know they're helpful

[@dragonetta1]

Thank you so much for this video Mary, I have never used mica powders but after watching your video I think I’d like to try them out for myself.

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! These were just so so fun to play with! I was happy to be learning so much from all of you!

[@querenstewart9944]

You can mix up gum arabic in water in a bottle to the strength recommended and keep it. Then use it instead of just water it's an easier way to do small quantities of colour. Hope this helps

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh that's so clever thank you!

[@rene443hgtj]

I have a small set of mica powders but really love using them with my versa fine ink I made my daughters grad invitations using them. Gum Arabic I have not tried but as always you give wonderful information. Thank you for the glass media mat holtz product that was almost half price. I could finally afford it woohoo

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for sharing!! Yes they work with the versamark for sure; love them. Check out my follow up video if you have time because i show how Gum Arabic is so great to add to it kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4KqfWqPpMiZZ5Y

[@margaretcapill3543]

Thank you, thank you. Now I know why I was so disappointed with my efforts yesterday. Today I'll get Arabic gum and try again

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes it makes such a huge difference. YAY!

[@stanky6261973]

Happy to help :). Loving the french mani. Perfect pearls does have something in it, don't know what that is, but, i know it becomes permanent when you mix it with water or just mist your whole project with water. This has been so much fun! Tfs.

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES SO fun! This whole process was a blast

[@kimdad3748]

Hi my lovely tfs. I don't know if someone has already said this as I am too ill to check through the comments but also a couple of other things might help you as I have been using mica powders for quite a few years now across the board - homemade cosmetic, nail polish both standard, hard gel and hybrid gel (always check the suppliers information on skin compatible formula-this is where any additive will affect use but most just mica powders are 100 % mineral) acrylics, paint and gilding polish, texture/resist paste's. With regarding mixing if you use small/tiny preferably airtight but not essential containers ie from the hobby store to mix them in and then mix with deionized/de-mineralized water they will keep without any nasty things growing and if dry out just re wet with the same. Sorry to waffle on! Good luck they are great fun, oh and make spritzer the same way just add a ink drop of the same colour family and have fun x

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's so great, thank you so much for taking the time to share all the information. :)

[@cherryberry2423]

Thank you so much for the video and the links to the products

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! My pleasure!

[@shennahull2183]

Thank you for the wonderful class today, and have a Beautiful Blessed Day !!

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure thank you so much for the encouraging words ❤

[@carolbatchelor5855]

I'm so glad that I found this video! It's definitely a must-see for anyone who plans on using mica powders. Thank you so much for sharing this!! I love your videos! You are always so helpful.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh thank you so much for the encouragement!!! Truly!

[@deborahbuonomo296]

I really enjoy your videos, Mary. This was very helpful. You have inspired me to use the mica set I have sitting on my shelf. 💕

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay, thank you! That's the goal; thanks so much for sharing that with me!

[@rebeccabrossman2250]

This is extremely helpful. Thanks so much

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! YAY! thank you for letting me know

[@deedeeriggs]

I love mica powders, but hadn't seen anybody add anything to it. The Arteza colors are so vibrant & have a wider selection of colors than anybody else, I believe. TFS

[@marypolancodesigns]

YES I love them; I'm having so much fun with them lately! YAY!

[@heatherg1706]

I use my mica powders with resin. They are cheaper on amazon than in the arteza website.

[@abbynormal4740]

Tfs! According to other videos I recently watched, if any mica powder still comes off during the swipe test, you need to add more binder to the mix. It looks like yours were really close but could still use a smidge more gum Arabic. 🙂

[@marypolancodesigns]

Agree, yes! I was shocked at how well it works!

[@mzp6620]

Those splatter galaxies 😍❣️. Thanks Mar!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Are they so cool looking! Thank you

[@eagercrafter_9014]

I just bought gum Arabic, cannot wait to try this. Thank you

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! This was so stinkin fun!

[@philippanorman1306]

Thanks for this information. 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure 😊

[@CarrieRhoades]

I’m so glad I watched this before making a purchase. And I really need to get some black watercolor paper. Thanks for all the helpful information!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh so glad this was helpful Carrie! Thank you for letting me know!

[@vmiller735]

I've heard that you can lightly spray your finished card that has mica powder with hair spray or a fixative spray to keep it from rubbing off. I usually use perfect pearls as it already has a fixative in it that is activated by water.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes i sprayed withe hairspray and that did a fair job for sure. I found this to be more secure though. But awesome tip!

[@jennismith3850]

Hairspray has always worked really well for me and it means I don’t have to worry about mixing things together ! And it also works out a lot cheaper buying hairspray when you’re tight for money. The £1 bottle works great.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Mary, I really really enjoyed watching you testing out these mica powder’s. I’ve subscribed and given you a thumb’s up too. Please stay safe and well too

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much for this; I'm so glad you caught this video because it explains in more depth how to use them best.

[@amygermaine6636]

Love your videos. This was so helpful. I will be using this info with my PearlEx powders which also don't have a binder. Thank you for helping me get the most out of my supplies!

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! THis makes me so happy, Amy! Thank you for sharing!

[@michelegourd5742]

I have some mica powders from another company and they work great with the Gum Arabic. Thanks for sharing!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wooohooo! Love to hear that!

[@vickimckenna7327]

New subscriber. So glad I found you.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yay! Thank you!

[@9liveslisa]

Very helpful. Thank you for sharing!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! YAY!

[@louiseschicchi5244]

Thank you. Would hair spray or fixative work?

[@craftyourwaytopeace]

What is a "fixative"? I bought alcohol inks & later found out I needed a fixative but what is it?

[@angel_on_the_edge8084]

@@craftyourwaytopeace hairspray is a fixative. A fixative is something that keep a product in place (pastel, charcoal, etc). I always use hairspray when using eyeshadow on cards, never had an issue...

[@marypolancodesigns]

I tried hairspray on the ones that were using the verse of mark inc just to set them a bit and that seemed to work. But I am not confident hairspray would hold the dry powder such as in the flicks

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you for adding this Explanation. Super helpful

[@louiseschicchi5244]

Art suppliers sell fixatives. Usually listed with pastels. They are a bit pricey. I have used hair spay. The cheap brands work fine for me. But have not tried with mica.

[@nicholewade8677]

Awesome and the 60 pack was back as yesterday

[@marypolancodesigns]

I saw that! I've been spreading the word best i can

[@Colorfullife2046]

Great video mary I use gum aribic with mine I learned this because of using mica powder for calligraphy

[@marypolancodesigns]

I wish I could do calligraphy. I mean to be able to do calligraphy I'm sure I actually have to try it 1st. Haha It's on my list. Thank you so much!

[@oceandreamer1958]

Good to know, Mary! Our community is the best! ❤️

[@marypolancodesigns]

It really is! Thanks!

[@CardsbyMaaike]

that's not what I ever used gum arabic for, but nice that it works, I only used it with paints to make them more shiny and make sure it doesn't crack, but it's cool it works

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's awesome to know I'm still learning what it's used for so I appreciate this

[@nanetteatienza4297]

Glad you made this video. I was not even sure what it was. Can I incorporate this with watercolor? Do you have a tutorial on it? Thx

[@marypolancodesigns]

I believe you can incorporate it with watercolor. Play around with it; it's such a fun product!

[@mumstheword8851]

Some kind of (gel) hairspray (not in aerosol can) also works as a binder.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes! Great tip!

[@bluehorizon-e64]

You can also add this to Glossy Accents, Diamond Glaze etc to act as the binder.

[@marypolancodesigns]

That's a cool idea; I'll have to give that a go! Thank you!

[@sharonpatnode454]

That was great...I wanted to try them so this was just what I needed.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Wooohooo! So glad it was helpful. I love them so much!

[@D.von.N]

I wonder what would happen if you sprayed a hair spray over the card without using the gum? Would it still spread all around? I am fixating loose glitter on taped glued surface this way.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Good question, I'm not so sure. This was done a while ago but will give that a go when I try again. Thanks!

[@Pebblesmas]

Waauw had no idea that that's how it works, thx .

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! SO cool, right?

[@madusonkeeper]

This has been well known since ranger came out with perfect pearls and pearl ex had mica powders ranger contains a binder already so do not need to add jacquard gum arabic to It! Just mist with water over perfect pearls! Add gum Arabic to any plain mica powder part of why they are less expensive. You could also use spray paint in clear to set mica powders!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much! I finally cam out from under the rock i was living because I did not know. haha YAY! Learning has occurred!

[@barbf.3420]

Thanks for this video! Just ordered the Gum Arabic and can't wait to start using it. I've mixed my micas with texture medium and liked that but I'm eager to try this method. I love your videos.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so very much Barbragh! I really appreciate that! also i appreicate the way you spell your name; so unique!

[@barbf.3420]

@@marypolancodesigns My mom loves the Irish in her so she spelled my name like this. Of course, she did a DNA test and found out she's very little Irish!! :)

[@jeanannmoale7295]

Hi Mary, I watched Alicia before your video. You reconfirmed the use of gum arabic. Really appreciate both your efforts for finding a better way with mica. Thx for sharing 🌻

[@marypolancodesigns]

YAY! My pleasure; so so happy we were helpful!

[@andrealavigne7824]

I was surprised you had gum arabic powder. I got a bottle of liquid gum arabic at Michael's a long time ago, specifically for using with pigment powders. Not sure if it's still good--though I've never opened it, so maybe. I never knew it came in any other form. Guess you really do learn something new every day. I also never thought to spatter, which is interesting, because I've done spatters with Perfect Pearls powders. Kind of a "duh" moment on my part--go figure! LOL Anyway, thank you for sharing this information. Take care, & have a fabulous day!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yeah i had never even heard of it before but was so so excited to see it work so well. woot woot!

[@newpsidy]

Good information Mary! I have a few Mica powders but honestly have never used them and would have used them wrong if I did! Will have to get some gum Arabic and give them a try!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Glad it was helpful! YAY! Thanks for letting me know.

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Great comparison 😍 the mica powder is sooo pretty and shiny ❤ thanks for sharing your information Big crafty Hugs Joan

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! This was so fun to play with! YAY Thank you Joan

[@laurarand-stclair]

Have you tried vegetable glicerin in place of gum ?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I have not tried that no

[@mariablundall2228]

Do you have the link to purchase the powders would love to try them please 🙏

[@marypolancodesigns]

Sure here you go! Thanks for asking amzn.to/3yKuz6O

[@jennyc1846]

I saw a previous video of Keren Tamir (?) on mica powders and she suggested using a fixative... I was presuming she meant a spray fixative but maybe the gum Arabic is enough?? Im not keen on these products I think I will stick to paints but thanks for the demo very informative and hey we all have to learn somewhere right?:)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for the feedback, I appreciate it!

[@kathleenneary1969]

Hi Mary. You helped me find the great nearly glue but how do you store? Just keeping the pin in or change out tips. Thanks

[@marypolancodesigns]

Yes, i just keep the pin in it and as soon as I'm not using it.

[@kathleenneary1969]

Many thanks! And yes it's great glue.

[@richlimme]

you have a great voice.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh that's a great compliment thank you Richard!

[@sarahbates8741]

Good to know. Thanks

[@marypolancodesigns]

My pleasure, such a great product to add!

[@ginaneely1147]

Ahhhhhhh!!! I can't believe they're out of the 60. Every time they had it my budget couldn't stretch, they've been out every time I could afford it. Oh well. Thanks for the great info! I have liquid gum Arabic, that works as well.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I know Gina, so frustrating, but i do understand in the current environment. That's why i at least wanted to swatch out the 35 set in case some were curious. Yes the liquid works as well too.

[@ginaneely1147]

@@marypolancodesigns ok, I'll be mature about it, ☹️

[@RijackiTorment]

The need to add bonding agent (gum Arabic) or use a fixative makes the Arteza mica powders more like Pearl Ex vs Perfect Pearls. Perfect Pearls has a resin (same as gum Arabic) in the mixture. Pearl Ex doesn't. Many of the Pearl Ex powders can be used in projects that use heat up to torch or kiln firing on metal (great for use with metal clay and glass). The resin in Perfect Pearls makes them unsuitable for those applications. Do the Arteza powders come with information on which are heat safe? Or are they also unsuitable for heat?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much for this! These are all really great questions I wonder if the website has any information on it. Thank you for that. I will have to have a look

[@ginaj7276]

They are cosmetic grade, so I’d imagine there isn’t much in them in the way of additives, but only the company can probably answer that

[@kathybray7156]

Mickael pigment poder to make aclic pouring liquid❤ thank you for shating I

[@cricutcrazy54]

I’ve never tried this but wonder if it’d work. With chalk you apply and then give it a quick spray with cheap hairspray, the cheaper the better, to set it.

[@marypolancodesigns]

That sounds like a fun experiment!

[@janegotelli7152]

I just mist it with water and that sets it. Took a class a hundred years ago were they showed us many ways to use it. Don’t know where my notes are. Stamped with Perfect Medium and then covered with the mica. Gum Arabic was one of the products they said to use.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Jane! I misted the mica project (splatters...not the one with versamark) with just water and that did not hold it. I needed the gum arabic to make it bond. I can mist perfect pearls though with just the water and that was good.

[@janegotelli7152]

Mary Polanco I guess I was confused. I thought the Arteza mica was the same as Perfect Pearls. I was mispronouncing Arteza too. Thank for showing this. The large set is crazy big. I don’t know if any one could use that many. I always have to have the most colors even when I know I don’t need that many.

[@marypolancodesigns]

@@janegotelli7152 oh yes!!! I'm so guilty of that!! Hahaha

[@carolynhummel4791]

I just got the set of 35 also can you tell me how you made your color swatch bored?? Thank u! Great video!!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Carolyn, I stamped out that cute little sun with embossing ink (sticky clear ink) and then a paint brush just added the mica over it.

[@openarms169]

Hi, ty for sharing . Question what that cute little scoop that u r using for the gum fabric? Ty

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh great question; that is the little spoon that comes with the mica powders.

[@openarms169]

@@marypolancodesigns ty

[@gaylebates254]

I was told if you spritz it with water or you use clear spray it will set it.

[@marypolancodesigns]

The hairspray helped it a bit but the gum arabic is the best way to make it stay permanently

[@missviolette22]

You can add mica to any acrylic paint or medium like gel, paste, matte medium and so on. It also does well with different resin formulas. You can use it with just water, but once the water is dry, you will need to fix it with a sealant. I personally like the aerosol cans of sealant from Mr. Hobby. There are many different ways to use mica powder, but these applications are what I use most often.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for the tips! This is SO helpful! We appreciate it so much! YAY

[@TheSunshineCrafterKellyFusco]

Hi Mary, I have the Jacquard pigment powder collection. I just spray mine with a fixative spray and voila. Im all about simple and less work,lol

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for sharing!! I love that! YES I like simple options as well. YAY!

[@cindyhenry1410]

I recently purchased some mica powders and haven’t tried them yet, so TYFS!! 💜🦋❤️

[@marypolancodesigns]

You are so welcome! They are fun and magical. YAY!

[@MegaMiaow]

Thank you for testing this. One thing Im wondering. In other youtube videos Ive seen demonstrators say spray water onto Perfect Pearls and it should fix it. I know it supposedly has bonding agent already in this brand but does it actually provide a good enough hold using just water? I guess the extra cost is justified if it does?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I've heard people say spray Perfect Pearls with water to set, but these powders alone, without the gum arabic, it wouldn't work with just water. And i didn't need to spray the water when i DID use the gum arabic. I'm not sure i followed your question fully but let me know if that answers it.

[@MegaMiaow]

@@marypolancodesigns Yes sorry I wasnt clear. I was curious of the performance of Perfect Pearls because I dont have that brand in particular. I do have other mica powders like Arteza that dont have bonding agents but Im wondering if just getting Perfect Pearls saves having to use extra fixing agents like gum arabic, hairspray etc if you just need to add water.

[@cherylbettin1715]

@@MegaMiaow - yes, misting with water does really fix the Perfect Pearls. You can also paint with them with just a plain waterbrush. They're pretty awesome, really :)

[@Pebblesmas]

@@MegaMiaow yes, withperfect pearl, you only have to spray a little water to set them and they won't rubb off, works like a charm. I only have the perfect pearls, as all the cheap mica powders need the expensive gum arabic, which makes them more expensive than the ranger perfect pearls, as i don't like to use another fixative (spray or glue or so)

[@Maggie365]

Oh my gosh, what a difference! Thanks for sharing. I was just about to start a project with mica powders but now I'll wait for some gum arabic. Do you know if the same needs to be done with perfect pearls?

[@jeannejj]

Maggie Galipeau Perfect Pearls already have a binder in it.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you so much and yes like Jeanne said, Perfect Pearls has it in there already but PearlX does not from what I'm being told. :)

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thank you for sharing Jeanne!

[@joykirkham6632]

If I am painting soap with Mica powder can I use the gum arabic also? I use alcohol to paint with mica powder so I dont melt my soap.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Oh Joy I wish I could help here but that is not my forte! I'm sorry

[@MaryNotMartha7]

Can you use these to make shimmer spray? Have you tried that?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I haven't tried it; not sure if you should spray mica in the air; something to research.

[@MaryNotMartha7]

@@marypolancodesigns It would be dissolved in a liquid, so I don't think it presents any danger. Probably how they make shimmer mist sprays anyways.

[@janiesirak8377]

Did I miss something? The swatches of mica powder alone where you first put down the versamark...that should work...I think? Another thought was spraying your watercolor paper with pixie spray and then applying your mica powders. I have not tried these ideas but it seems like they should work. I do not have anything actually called a mica powder but I have some shimmer powders from Tonic and some Brusho which may be the first ones I actually got. I also have a few cosmic shimmer pixie powders and you know what they are all beautiful every single one of them from every single company oh here’s a Brutus Monroe galaxy powder in blast off Blue! Wouldn’t it be fun to have a job where are all you did was think of the names for new products .... that would be a great job.

[@nelidam8289]

Thanks so much for the great video and info Mary! I just tried my mica powder and sure enough, I have a beautiful and and glittery fingertip! 😅. Does anyone happen to know if pure vegetable glycerin would work as a fixative?

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much! I have never tried that before but I'm thinking anything "sticky" would be a good bonding agent. You should try it

[@nelidam8289]

@@marypolancodesigns Hi Mary, I was in a rush when I asked so I didn’t have time to try it. I have however tried it since and NOPE, the vegetable glycerin didn’t work for me. I resorted to using hair spray which worked pretty well but I’m thinking of purchasing the gum Arabic to see if works better. ON ANOTHER SUBJECT, I wonder if you can help me with an issue I’ve been struggling with for some time. I have clear stamps (not clear mount) that won’t stick to the backing paper or my stamp blocks. I’ve washed them, cleaned them with alcohol and nothing works. The sad thing is that some of them are brand new, never used! I know some are Martha Stewart, some are Amazon but many are name brand. Do you have any suggestions?

[@WellISaidIt]

@@nelidam8289 Double sided sticky tape maybe.

[@100CTMusic]

@@WellISaidIt I saw a video recently that showed how Aleene"s Tack-It Over & Over works with clear stamps to stick on plastic mats used with cutting machines (Silhouette Cameo, and others) Acrylic stamp blocks and platforms. It is a repositionable adhesive that provides a temporary hold for different kinds of materials. It dries clear and remains flexible. Also, it is non-toxic. It works well with wood, metal, glass and stencils. I only use this product. I don't sell it. It is made in the USA, but is sold in Europe also. Hope this information is helpful for you. :-)

[@WellISaidIt]

@@100CTMusic I'll look it up, thank you.

[@maycomtois7711]

Didn't know about this product Gum Powder, do you think it could also be put in a spray bottle if I wanted to use my mica in sprays ?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I do think it would work but they do sell it in liquid form as well. I would have to test it to be sure.

[@annamariekassab18]

Hi My kids bought me the box of 60 mica powders for mothers day but it didnt come with the colour chart , should it have come with one? Thank you 😊

[@marypolancodesigns]

No, the one you see is something I made. Just pull out your favorite solid stamp, stamp in versamark or any clear sticky ink, and then color with a paintbrush and the powder. YAY

[@jennynim3203]

Can I use this for making Calligraphy inks?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I'm so sorry I'm really not sure

[@jennynim3203]

@@marypolancodesigns :(

[@wendydachel163]

Will the powder "fix" by misting with water? That's what I've done with success

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hi Wendy, it won't work with these like the water misting does with Perfect Pearls because the micas don't have the bonding agent like the pearls do. I tried. haha :)

[@sharonbellizzi5356]

What about adding the to alcohol inks??

[@marypolancodesigns]

Great idea, Sharon! I'll have to try that soon.

[@donnaspencer7276]

Have you tried one on one alcohol

[@marypolancodesigns]

How do you mean?

[@donnaspencer7276]

@@marypolancodesigns I just wet the object with alcohol and add before the alcohol dries

[@Furbert100]

can you use the gum arabic liquid rather than the powder?

[@marypolancodesigns]

I believe so but never tried

[@bernadetteflynn5005]

You should always wear a mask using mica powder. You can inhale it and if it goes into your lungs it’s there forever. 👍

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for the tip! Keep us safe! :)

[@davidsees3845]

You should try liquid acrylic medium

[@marypolancodesigns]

I shall, that sounds intriguing!

[@WellISaidIt]

or just plain glue that goes transparent after drying, like PVA glue.

[@Skinnychelle48]

I bought some, added water to use as watercolor and it did wipe right off, lol!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha....right? I hope this was helpful

[@susanhamilton8370]

I did the same thing years ago thinking I'd invented something new, spent hours making beautiful black and white swatch cards all labelled up with their names ... and nearly wept when the whole lot wiped off! The micas have been gathering dust ever since, hooray for Mary's lesson!!!

[@hilarygreek7830]

Personally, I prefer the gum arabic that’s liquid. ❤

[@marypolancodesigns]

OOOH I didn't know that was a thing...thank you so much; I'll check it out!

[@hilarygreek7830]

@@marypolancodesignsyep! I got it from Amazon when another KZbin person said it was easier to deal with. I have seen it at Michael’s as well.

[@P소피아-f6v]

🥰 좋은정보 감사합니다.

[@kimj4383]

Wonder if you could use a spray fixative over the powder to set it. You can use that over chalk. If so, Mary, you can turn your smeared pieces into galaxys-that's what they looked like anyway!

[@marypolancodesigns]

Kim, so true about the splatter smearing although i wasn't going for a galaxy look and that is what i got! YAY! Yes i have sprayed hair spray over them but for some reason the splatters didn't hold as well without the gum arabic.

[@kykategray]

This video is super helpful! I wonder if this would work the same with the Nuvo Shimmer Powders or if it’s even needed. I will definitely be testing it out. Now, off to Amazon for (yet another) must have product. Thanks, Mary.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Hahaha....I can attest this is ACTUALLY a must have product and you know I dont say that lightly. Haha

[@davidsees3845]

Try using acrylic medium.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks for the tip!

[@goldieff]

Interesting.

[@marypolancodesigns]

Like magic

[@cynthiaporitz1459]

I have been trying for weeks to buy Mica Powers from Arteza, but they are out of stock! So Frustrating.

[@marypolancodesigns]

I know, I had to email my contact and finally ask when they were coming back in and she said they didn't know. I understand given the current situation. That's why I swatched out the 35 colors so you could see what was in that box if you still wanted them. Stinks I know! :(

[@michelleosborne8951]

That’s an average ratio gum aribic to pigment. Every pigmen is different

[@marypolancodesigns]

Thanks so much, Michelle!