Using a Resist & Antique Gel

Following on from carving a coaster this time I want to show you how to use a resist to produce three shades from just one application of antique gel.

You are going to need a small clean paintbrush, some clean paper to cover your work area to absorb any splashes, water, kitchen towel, gloves, resist (I am using Supersheen  but you can use watered down PVA) a dauber and Eco Flo Antique Gel (I am using Mahogany).

Before you start take a sheet of kitchen towel and wet one corner. If you accidently splash even a tiny speck of resist you need to immediately blot it with the wet kitchen towel and if you don't do it immediately it will be too late and you wont be able to remove it.

Working in a good light paint a thin layer of resist onto those areas you want to remain lighter in colour.

I have deliberately put a small spot of resist on to the outer border to show you just how much it will show up later on.

By the time you have completed one layer you can immediately apply a second and then a third. 

Notice also how the area covered with resist looks darker at this point before it is absorbed.

I have applied the resist to the flower, stem and leaves but left the background untouched. this is important as it will give our design some depth.

Now I put it aside for at least 30 mins but the longer you can leave it the better the contrast will be. Overnight will give you the best result.

Before you start applying the Antique Gel
1. Wet two pieces of paper towel.

2. Put on your disposable gloves.

Now pour a generous amount of gel into the middle of the coaster.

Using the dauber in a circular motion spread the gel out all over the leather making sure to work it into the cuts and depressions of the design.

Work reasonably quickly.

Put the dauber down on the paper as we may be needing it again.

Now with your first sheet of wet kitchen towel
wipe way the excess gel. Use a light touch as we want to leave plenty of gel in the background, the cuts and the depressions. 

Don't worry if you wipe away too much - just pick up the dauber and apply a bit more gel to the areas where you want it.

Use your second piece of towel to clean off the highlights.

You will notice how the background tool gives a much darker area thanks to all the small depressions.

When you are happy with result put the work to one side to dry.

If you want to seal it with a PVA finish like Supersheen then wait at least 24hrs otherwise you will find it will pick up the gel and smear the finish.

If you want to use a beeswax finish like Aussie then if you are in a hurry you can apply it as soon as the surface is dry to the touch.

Notice that little spot of resist that I put on earlier in the top right? This is why you need to be careful not to splash or flick the brush when applying the resist.