Thursday, January 29, 2009

Useful Tips on Drying Painted Gourds

By Greg

Gourd painting is finding many takers. The art form can be wood burned or painted depending upon how you wish to do it. Today, with the soaring demand, gourds are also being customized. Many gourd painters would agree how they initially chanced upon the idea as there were excess gourds in their agricultural pool. The painters thought of this worthwhile use and things began to happen.

Gourd art is the technique of painting on dried gourds shells. Pointillism is the method used for the purpose. The gourd surface can become an experiment ground for many procedures. Gourds can be sanded, wood burned, polished, and dyed among other things. Asia and Africa has been endorsing to gourd art for long. Its the turn of America to ponder over painted gourds. Gourd carving is the natural kind of carving but then today it is using many other technical measures within it.

Today, gourd surfaces can be worked on by electrical wood burners. It gives the burners a scientific touch. This is like the true union of art and science. Today, as technology has touched gourd painting, the old art form, it has been given a lot of coverage through galleries and magazines. Internet has also widespread the use of gourd art. It was not the practice earlier. Gourd art forums are another novel way of expanding participation in gourd art. Pointed pencils are often being used for drilling gourd surfaces.

Pyroengraving, weaving and typical embellishment measures of natural forms can be used today to make baskets and wallets and masks. A glove is a must if painted gourds are on you mind. This can keep away the stains from forming. Choice of dyes is quite important. Again, the idea is to choose dyes that can linger on the surface. Dyes are known to be fast workers. In fact, alcohol based dyes are considered right among the best both for gourd art in general and painted gourds in particular.

Alcohol based dyes are known to function with high speed and also surround a greater surface area. Painted gourds can look perfect if oil or an acrylic paint is chosen as a medium. Yes, its duly important to choose the perfect paintbrush. Fine brushes means that you can work meticulously on smaller areas. Wide brush means that larger areas can be covered.

Depending on the texture and compactness of gourds, one or two coats need to be applied if you need the perfect coloration. Organic, hard-shelled gourds can be used for making excellent baskets and instruments of music. If birdhouses or dippers or bowls are on your mind, nothing would work better than acrylic translucent paints. Such painted gourds can be great sellers.

Now, you might like to know how to dry gourds. First, its important to let nature make its run. Plan the gourd harvesting at the end of the season. You can also look to remove any additional soil from it. Next, you should look to hang the gourds in a dark yet ventilated area. A 10 percent bleach solution is generally good enough for getting rid of the molds. Its perfectly ready for use once it is hollow from inside.

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