PEARL EX

Pearl Ex is a mica-based dry pigment.  Because it is mica-based, Pearl Ex has a pearlescent look that is very light and ethereal.  Pearl Ex is heat resistant, acid free, non-toxic, non-tarnish, non-rusting, and embossable.

Pearl Ex & Watercoloring - Use with gum arabic (1/4 part gum arabic to 1 part Pearl Ex).  The gum arabic is a binder and helps the Pearl Ex adhere to the cardstock.  Mix in water to get the consistency desired and “paint” image with a brush.  Let dry & spray seal.  These paints will have a “sheen” to them, & the interference & duo colors will surprise you.  If you don’t use up all the paint you made, keep it, & just add water the next time.  Experiment with different ratios of gum arabic to Pearl Ex.  This can be used on matte or glossy cardstock.  Or try this… Paint your design using watercolors as usual.  While paint is still wet, use your brush to pick up some Pearl Ex & apply to the painted area.  Try dotting small amounts here & there, or spreading it around for different effects.

Pearl Ex & Versamark

Stamp image with Versamark Pad and use a stipple brush to apply Pearl Ex.  It will rub off, so use a light mist of Krylon sealer to seal it.

Pearl Ex & Background Paper - After using for watercoloring, don't discard the water and residue.  Use it to paint or sponge on cardstock.  Or, let the water dry out leaving the Pearl Ex/gum arabic.  You can just add water at another time to use again.

Stamping with Pearl Ex - Mix the Pearl Ex with gum arabic and water.  Using a wide paint brush, paint the Pearl Ex onto your stamp.  Works best with solid stamps.  Or simply rub Pearl Ex onto your stamp surface & stamp on paper.  Spray seal to fix it.  For dramatic effects… stamp on dark colored cardstock using clear embossing ink.  Brush Pearl Ex on the ink…it sticks.  Seal with spray sealer.

Pearl Ex & Layer Embossing - After 3 to 4 layers of embossing ink and powder, stamp image into last hot layer (coat stamp first with clear embossing ink).  After cooling, rub Pearl Ex into crevices.  Also, you can sprinkle the Pearl Ex on the last layer before heating.

Pearl Ex & Chalking - Use Pearl Ex dry, like a chalk.  Rub it on the cardstock, with your finger, to create a metallic sheen and to highlight.  Spray seal it with a acrylic sealer or even hairspray works.

Pearl Ex & Mica Tiles - Mix Pearl Ex with Perfect Paper Adhesive and put a dollop on the back of a mica tile.  You can use more than one color.  Smush the tile around on the cardstock, add glitter, mica flakes, beads, etc. to embellish.  The mica tile can be embossed before using - looks really cool with fish or other more masculine images.

Pearl Ex Brushed - Stamp image with an Encore Pigment pad onto dark cardstock.  Using a soft brush (cosmetic brushes work great), apply Pearl Ex gently to the image, using one or several colors (clean brush between colors).  Use the soft brush to gently brush off excess Pearl Ex.  If you mixed Pearl Ex colors, save it to use with embossing, etc.  Seal with acrylic sealer.

Pearl Ex & Stampin’ Emboss Enamel - Make a “tile” consisting of several layers of enamel on a surface (cardstock, shrink plastic, etc.).  Brush some Pearl Ex on between layers, if desired, to add color.  After heating the last layer, while it’s still hot, stamp an image into the tile.  Use clear or colored pigment on your stamp to avoid damaging it & to help keep it from sticking.  Add a dusting of Pearl Ex for highlights.

Pearl Ex & Paperclay - Rub Pearl Ex on to create highlights.  Spray with acrylic sealer. 

Pearl Ex & Ribbon - Hold organdy ribbon on Versamark pad using a sponge, pull one end.  Put ribbon in baggies with Pearlex and shake.  Ribbon is colored with Pearl Ex!

Pearl Ex & Clear Embossing Powder

Mix the two together in small quanities and use as you would regular embossing powder!