What is it?
SLUDGE is the newest Tri-Art acrylic to hit the shelves. It is a by-product
of acrylic paint manufacturing. It is the combination of the precipitated solids
amassed from their wash water, which has then been re-processed into thick
and thin acrylic paint formats.
The waste solids are made up primarily of assorted pigments, additives (such
as calcium carbonate, coloured Mylar and matting agents) and dried acrylic
particulate. These act as the colorant in this product. SLUDGE has the same
handling qualities as regular acrylic paints and can be used as a paint, primer
or paint medium. It is manufactured with 100% acrylic emulsion, is semi-opaque
and contains a fine particulate giving it a lightly toothy texture.
Sludge is produced from the accumulated wash water from production. SLUDGE
is predominantly neutral grey in tone as the combination of colors produced
in the factory during a certain time period dictate its hue. Occasionally Tri-Art
uses off-spec or factory spills to obtain the batch color. No two batches
are
alike,
thus SLUDGE is not assigned a color name but rather is refered to
by its Batch #.
How is it made?
SLUDGE is made through a process of flocculation, separation, pressing,
filtration, re-dispersion, production and packaging.
100% of water used in the factory for clean-up processes goes into a waste
pit and is then pumped into a storage tank. The water is chemically processed
every two weeks by flocculating the washwater. The accumulated solids sink
to the bottom of the tank (1). The clear water is then siphoned off and re-introduced
into the plumbing system and used for cleaning. The remaining semisolid material
is then pumped into a filter press (2) that compresses it at 9000 psi into
what is called press cake. These cakes are then broken up and re-disperse into
water to form an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion is re-filtered
and is introduced into thick and thin acrylic paint bases. The resulting SLUDGE
is then packaged, labeled and is ready for use.
What can you use it for?
SLUDGE is an economical alternative to both a neutral ground and neutral color.
It can be used in the place of gesso when a muted base is desired. SLUDGE is
semi-opaque and although grey in tone, can be used in small quantities as an
opacifier or medium toned color extender. The Thick SLUDGE has similar texture
holding capabilities as high viscosity colors, while the Thin version
is comparable to a liquid acrylic. There is a quantity of solid particulate
in the paint, giving SLUDGE a light tooth that make it a suitable ground for
mixed media applications. As this is paint made with 100% acrylic emulsion,
it is comparable in character to other acrylics. Hence it is highly adhesive
to a variety of surfaces, dries to a water resistant, semi-gloss finish and
can be easily applied with painting tools.
Warning
SLUDGE may contain every product Tri-Art manufactures. Each batch is sent
to a lab for content testing. If there are traces of Cadmium or Nickel, this
will
be
noted on the label.