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What our customers say

I am very pleased with your products and service. In Fact Pleased is an understatement. I can't tell you how much your personal service really means. I look forward to a long relationship with you and your company.

Sincerely, F. Mayo

I am certain that Rex Art will be the sole supplier for my business and creative needs in the future.

Sincerely, B. Ranney

Your company has been great. I will definately keep ordering from you.

Thanks,

D. Jones

Your prices are great! I found your web site with the Lycos search and your set up for ordering online - shopping cart, order forms etc - was excellent. Looking forward to ordering again.

Thanks!

M. Aguirre

I doubt if I will ever deal with any other art supplier after the superb, and quick service I've received from Rexart

Thanks!

B. Moylan

Rex Art is GREAT!

Thanks,

B.Baxter

Thank you for the super-speedy service. I hesitated about ordering supplies on-line...This is a really nice surprise. Thank you so much.

L. Brown

Wow, you guys are SO on the ball!!! Please make the substitution you mention, and THANK YOU for letting me know! Thank you again for your unbelievable customer service!

C. Tibbitts

I appreciate the way Rex Art takes the time to follow thru.

Thanks,

J. White

I comparison shopped at many online art supply stores, and your site was the most organized, and easy to navigate than any of the others. And prices were lower too!.

Tara

Dear Katrina - Super! And your substitution is fantastic - this first time customer is on her way to becoming a loyal one!

Thanks for the great service, Candy

I appreciate the great customer service...and am very pleased with your extremely competitive prices.

Thank you again, S. Vardakis

You guys are the best.

Thanks,

B.Stokes

I'd like to thank you for the extra attention that you've shown to my order. Service like that is rare these days.

D. Davis

Thanks for your personal instructions. Thanks again for the GREAT customer service !!!!!!!!!!

J. Keys

As a fellow mail order cataloger, I applaud your Customer Service. It's a pleasure dealing with folks like you. Thanks much!

Jack

I can tell you I like the service Rex Art provides. It definitely has a different feel. Warm. Thanks.

R. Lubin

Keep up the service. You make the major suppliers in this country look like SNAILS!

B. Schnick

After a few orders, I must compliment you on your selection, price and especially the service. Your staff responded with-in an hour of e-mail and the order is always correct and as described. I have had excellent help in getting a portable easel to me prior to a trip. The easel, not my original choice, but much nicer for the same price, arrived as promised in great shape.

Thanks. B. Schnick

Rex Art is to be highly commended for their extremely prompt and very reliable service. Long distance business can often be very frustrating and disappointing, however I have always found Rex Art to provide accurate, courteous and friendly assistance above and beyond my expectations.

T. Warman, Marshall Islands

For anyone, anywhere in the world, with a need for art and architectural materials or equipment, I highly recommend Rex Art.

T. Warman

I was very impressed with the service I received. Thanks for the great support.

C. Carter

I have to say it has been a real pleasure dealing with the folks at Rex Art. Everyone has been super helpful and very easy to work with. The folks at Rex Art were better able to answer my questions over the phone than the folks here in my hometown were able to answer in person.

W. Tilson

Thanks for your promptness and concern over my order. This is something not expected from an online order house.

T. Smith

Thank you very much for your quick and amicable response! Thank you very much. You will always have my business.

M. Candarini

Finding a company that believes in customer service is rare and I hope ours will be a long relationship. I like your style and prices.Thank You,

J. Jennings

Thank you so much for all your help and info. That was so kind! Its amazing. I am already very impressed with your customer service!

L. Mazziotti

The Best easel is awesome! It definitely outclasses me and is the finest piece of furniture in my house. I'll need to fix up the studio a bit so the easel looks like it belongs there; I'm pretty intimidated by its luxurious presence. After using so many junky wobbley easels I don't know how to act.

S. Patterson

I truly appreciate your wonderful and warmly personal service. You will be seeing me at your checkout counter again! Warm Regards

S. Seeger

Thank you for the very fast turn around on my recent Internet order. With selection and service that your firm has I will be frequenting it much more often.Thank you,

B. Schnick

I just wanted to share with you that I am quite impressed with Rex Art excellent prices, well thought out web site, convenient ordering - hassle free - and great skills. You certainly know how to blow away the competition.Sincerely,

Hartmut

You guys are great! Thanks again for your prompt attention! You also had the best price for the rapidograph pen set, I 'shopped' both the internet and catalogs!

Thank You,

P. Segien

Thanks so much for all your help. I really do appreciate it. It's really nice to know the help is there when you need it.

Again, Thank You.

P. Lanzisera

Wow, thanks for the confirmation. I was very pleased to find what I needed at such a good price. Your website was easy to use and very attractive.

C. L. Hall

Hi. I recently purchased an airbrush and compressor from your store as a surprise gift for my boyfriend. Yesterday, when the airbrush arrived, I could not get the top off from the paint cup. I called Rex Art, but did not realize until I checked the clock that they were closed---I'm on the West Coast, so I inadvertently forgot about the time difference. The individual on the phone connected me to a woman and man who subsequently helped us in our quest to get the paint cup off. I then apologized to the gentlemen, saying I appreciated his help, but realized the store was closed. He replied that they're there to help and satisfy the customer.
I didn't catch their names, but I want to say that every arts supply store we went to locally, did not treat us with such respect and friendliness. Here we were, 3,200 miles away, and he was treating us like we were standing in the shop next to him.
Well, thank you, Rex Art. You're a great store with great employees. We look forward to purchasing more from you in the future, even as we make our way from Oregon to New York. In this day and age of rush and poor customer service, we're finding some of the best stores and employees are simply a click away.

Kind regards,

A. Ferrannini

By the way, my parents offered me a gift certificate for art supplies for Christmas. I picked Rex over the other on-line shops because of the thorough and super-friendly service I've experienced there. Thought you should know. Take care.

Per

Just wanted to say thanks for a very pleasant ordering experience yesterday with your company. Just before your closing time, I called to determine if I could obtain a replacement for a product that I thought I had purchased from your company in the past.

Your people were very pleasant, extermemly helpful and courteous, even though it was really close to closing time. They located what I required, got the order done and with time to spare.

Thanks to all involved. It is a plesure doing business with a company that provides this type of customer support.

Schrivener

Thanks so much, Marshall. As with the last order I'd placed with your company, I really appreciate the excellent communication and level of service your company provides.

T Ruszel

Nice web site, great prices, and free shipping!!! Can't beat that!

Rich

Yesterday I placed an order for the BEST University Easel. I'm excited about my purchase and must say that I did a lot of research before making my final buying decision. I found that Rex Art had the best prices on the BEST easels with shipping included. I knew that the BEST easels were really well built, but with so many studio styles to choose from, I was still unsure which easel would best fit my needs. I contacted your office and spoke with Jose. Jose knew the many features of each style - European, University, & Santa Fe I, and was very friendly and helpful. He had excellent working knowledge of each easel and answered all of my questions. After speaking with him, I had a much better understanding of the easels' features and was able to make a final purchase decision. This is the kind of customer service I value and it's good to know that there are still independently owned companies employing such high quality individuals. Thank you for the excellent customer service and please thank Jose for me personally. I will be sure to pass this info on to other artists looking for materials. I look forward to doing business with your company again.

Sincerely,

K. Dietz

Thank you, you are always a pleasure to deal with, either by phone or computer. You always get it right.

Thanks again,

Polly

I love you guys! You have the best customer service I've ever experienced!

Thanks...

Susan

I wanted to thank you for your great prices shipping and customer service - your prices are so great that I can afford to add a few extra canvases for my 2 year old TRIPLETS to create on it keeps them busy and I can get my artwork done! a customer for life.

Mary

I received the easel and on unpacking it I found everything to be undamaged and in order. This is a very nice piece of equipment and I will treasure it for many years to come.

Thanks for offering this awesome easel at such a bargain price. When I need paints, brushes, canvases, charcoal or paper I will send you an order.

I would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. Once again thanks for your services.

Joe

Just wanted to say thanks for the terrific service! Much to my surprise my canvas arrived today at 4:30! I was truely amazed, given that I wasn't expecting it until next week! I'm sure I will be ordering again in the future. RexArt is great!

Best wishes,

J. Marcusson

Your site is the first I have ordered from in the past two years that provided a "human touch" to the experience. Refreshing. Keep up the good work. I have recommended your site to my friends and business associates.

(The Trader Formerly Known As Uncle Mikey)

Thank you for your prompt service. Yours was the only really good website out of several that I tried to order the Liquitex paints from. It was easy as 123 and I am amazed others don't follow your excellent example. Hope we do business again.

M. Grenier

Thank you for your prompt and courteous service. As I indicated earlier, I am very impressed with your operation and plan on using you for all of my art needs going forward. Thanks again.

Best wishes, Mike

Hi! Received my order today! The brushes are going to work out perfect. Excellent product and service-Thanks!

Joe

Please backorder the sold out items and hold the order until complete. None of your internet competitors have those items in stock, and local merchants charge twice as much. I enjoy doing business with you folks.

It shows that there are real people there. With most eBusinesses, it seems like you are dealing with androids. I was amused that the last shipment I received from you came via FedEx in a used Priority Mail box that someone had turned inside out. Bottles containing liquid had been hand taped to prevent leakage. Androids don't think about stuff like that, and they never reuse anything.

R. Bolin

Thank you very much. I appreciate the extra effort you went through to get these for me, and your willingness as well. I will definitely tell others about the great service I received from you. If I have any other needs I won't hesitate to browse your website.

Thanks again,

Alex

Dear REX ART Staff,

I would like to compliment you for what was the BEST online shopping experience I have ever had with your Company!

The Professional Style and Speed with which this order of several tubes of Daler-Rowney Oil Paint was handled, can not be matched by ANY dot.com business I have dealt with so far.

It is very difficult to locate Art Supplies in the Titusville, FL area without a long and frustrating drive, only to find over~priced and substandard material to use. With no Selection to choose from.
How fortunate for me, to have found your site this past Sunday via a search online under Daler-Rowney!
Your staff member Jose even had the courtesy to phone and email me regarding a out of stock item, and gave me several choices, instead of just making a substitution. The FedEx Ground shipping with tracking you offer, brought these products to my door, in under 24 hours! That is Service above and beyond, which is seldom available any more with any Business.
I will look to your company for any Art Supplies I need in the future.

Thank You for the Positive Experience, and keep up the Good Work!

Sincerely,

R. Leach

Thanks a lot for the prompt responses and reliable service this company seems to offer. Not to mention very reasonable pricing. Be assured I will shop for art supplies at Rex Art in the future!

Sincerely,

Anne

Thank you so much for all of your assistance -- that "personal touch" makes all the difference in the world!

Thank you again,

E. Ferrara

Thank you so much for your attention to my needs. Sure is unusual and appreciated.

Lori

Thanks, Jose. Shipping the two canvases was definitely the way to go. Appreciate your help, and your taking the time to communicate with me and check what I wanted to do. This was my first order with Rex Art, but will not be my last because of the care you took.

M. Warburton

Thanks so much for your assistance.... everything arrived safely. I really appreciated your help and I'll gladly buy from Rex again! =)

P. Lashley

You are awesome and I appreciate doing business with your company online! Thank you for making my life that much easier.

C. Plackmeyer

Hello, I am emailing to let you know that i have received another order of Golden acrylics and am again VERY satisfied with your service. Thank you very much...I will certainly be a returning customer!!

Thanks again, M. Tomasello

Thank You! You know, I've been wanting to go to the art supply store where I bought my Paasche and order new needles, tips, and heads, but they had problems figuring out which paint bottles I wanted! (Besides, I don't like having to drive over there.)

So, you've got all the parts and accessories I could possibly want, and customers get helpful, knowledgeable answers to questions in less than 24 hours...??

I have saved your site in my "favorites" folder, will be ordering new parts this weekend, you will get ALL my future business.

You folks seem to have blended the best aspects of being able to shop from home, and yet still giving attentive customer service; I am impressed.

Thank You,

M. Edwards

Thank you very much. I don't know if you have ever been in an overseas military situation, but let me assure you, dealing with shipping and stores can be very difficult. I greatly appreciate your expedient and courteous service, it is a welcome change of pace from the norm. I can assure you that my future creative needs will be handled by Rex. Again, I thank you.

Sincerely,

K. Bauer

I visited your website for the first time today, and I am impressed! Great selection, and great prices - the two most important things to me. I purchased an Artograph Prism projector brand new for the price of a "refurbished" model direct from the manufacturer. And your Color Index is totally cool!
Thanks for offering your products on the web!

Dave

I just wanted to thank you again for all your help. If you ever wanted customer feedback for the site, I just wanted to say how thrilled I am about your service and products. I have a show coming up even. I just thought you might like to know how great you are!!!

K. York

Thank you for your excellent customer service. Its the best of any web site that I've seen.

Michael

My easel arrived Friday the 19th as promised and it's a beauty. The ease of assembly, the quality of finishing, carpentry, performance - I don't know if I can ever risk getting any paint on it! Thanks for your continued quality of products offered, price and customer service.

E. Rieger

Thanks for the courtesy of emailing me about the status of my order. You've won over a new customer in me.

C. Beasley

I'll assure you that your fantastic service has made me a Rex-Art customer for life! Thanks again for your assistance.

Best Wishes,

R. and K. Seifert

Kudos on your service both before and after the purchase. I am quite impressed.

E. Simonelli

My products arrived yesterday. To my surprise and pleasure, there was an extra bag of goodies!! Thank you so much! I am very pleased with your products and especially, your service. You can be sure I will be ordering from Rex Art again.

All the best for the New Year!

L. Terry

I received my orders today shipped Fed Ex by your company. I was so delighted when I opened the box and found a cute brown bag with a small raffia bow indicating it was a present from your company for doing business with you. It was such a wonderful thought to include as a show of appreciation. In this day and age, most companies seem to rush and pack everything without a thought or care. Every one of my acrylic paints were boxed neatly to avoid breaking during shipment. I have to compliment our staff which has been obviously well trained. I certainly appreciated the free shipping, the courtesy and professionalism of handling this order. The prices at which you offer your paint products is the best I've yet seen. Keep up the good work. I will recommend you to many other artist friends and continue to use your products for many years to come.

Thank you again for everything.

Best Wishes,

D. Rodrique

Received package today, just in time for Christmas! Thanks for the unexpected pens & pencils. You guys are first class!!

G. Jenkins

The items have been received and I am very pleased. Thank you so much for your excellent service. You can look forward to more orders from us in the future. Happy Holidays!

A. Carr

Both packages arrived today. Thank you so very much for your parts in keeping me informed, and making my vacation worry-free! So many companies these days neglect the personal service you have exemplified, and would have just let me fret needlessly. I am extremely impressed with the quality of service I have received from RexArt. You can be sure I will be a returning and faithful customer.

Lisa S.

Thanks Lisa - and a big hi to you & Marshall! You guys are the best!

Along with the best service ever, buying my supplies through RexArt is so much better than searching all over South Jersey and Philly hoping to find what I need... and having to settle for what they have. With the price of gas today coupled with the aggravation of running around, its well worth the shipping charges... and your prices are great!

Gee, I sound just like a commercial! lol

Take care,

Lisa

Received the order today...Great service from you. Thanks.

You've got me as a regular customer if this is the kind of service you provide.

Thanks again,

Frank W.

Thank you, thank you for your superior service, and for 'introducing' me to Plaid liquid gold leaf - I am so in love with this product. Does it come in larger sizes?? In an era when so much is written about customer service, and lack of it, Rexart really knows how to do it right.

Thank you,

Penny

I must admit to being very impressed with your customer service and the thoroughness of the shipping and supply crew. The communication I received from everyone was very precise, friendly and informative. I was never left with unanswered questions or half truths. I applaud Rex Art and their employees for their methods when it comes to handling customers, always kind and patient. I admit to having not be this impressed nor pleased with any other art supply company before this. Thank you, Rex Art, you're truly the best! Fast, friendly and informative, I have no complaints and only respect and amazement at the way you all have handled my order. I thank you again and please, continue the impressive work, it truly is inspirational.

Thank you,

Autumn

I was floored when I received my order yesterday. I was set to wait the usual 7 to 10 days for delivery when there it was. I am genuinely impressed with you service. In fact I am so impressed that I have replaced my old art supply site with you in my *My Favorites* for future dealings. Thank you for the great service.

Justin

Hi Gaspar,
Thank you very much for your great service!
I really appreciate your call on this order and one from my previous order. I've been very impressed by the level of service your company provides. I wish I could send more business your way, but I'm just a freelance artist. At the very least, I'll be sure to pass on recommendations to other artists!
Thank you again!

John

I wanted to thank you for how quickly you filled my order. I am already pleased with the items I purchased. I am so pleased I already purchased more items.

I found your company after never receiving a portfolio case I ordered via a supplier off of amazon.com. I often will buy through amazon just because it is convenient. Ultimately, I purchased most of the items I wanted from your company.

At my customers, I focus on Right First Time, Quality, Delivery, and Cost; Your company showed me with the very first order that you are great at all of those. I know the items purchased through you will help "wow" my customers that little extra.

Best regards,

Chris

I want to commend you all on your first class customer service. Letting me know immediately that my original order might not ship in time for Xmas--both by phone and email--is the kind of response that sets an online vendor apart from its peers.

Kevin M.

Thank you for your great service. I just got my order and am very happy and relieved to see that they are the fine speedball re-honeable scratch knives that I have gotten from you in the past. I enjoy having Rex Art to depend on for the best! Many thanks and aloha.

Michelle

At the bottom of this email it states, "The Best Online Art Supply Store". I would go a bit farther and say "Rex Art is the best Online Store period!" It has been a pleasure shopping with you and I will recommend you to anyone! Thanks again!

Rita

I finally talked my art teacher into contacting you. She said she placed a large order with you yesterday. I have also given your web page and telephone information to others in my art class. I have been so pleased with your products and service.....been bragging on you a lot....keep up the good work.

Jo S.

Thank you for waiting until my order was complete before shipping it.

Your company is very professional and I look forward to Rex Art supplying all my future art needs.

Once again, thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Phillip G.

wow. got my order already. thank you so much for the prompt service. you guys are awesome.

Mary k.

I want to thank you for your great service. I was very satisfied with the entire order process and the quality of the items I purchased. I will be placing additional orders very soon. I also recommended your store to a few of my other classmates today.

Jorge

Thanks Rex Art, you are a pleasure to deal with.

C.

Hello my items arrived!! I am very grateful for your assistance!!! I will recommend you to other artists in Cayman as a great supplier!!

Best,

Stephanie

We've received the merchandise and we are very happy with your customer service. Looking forward to doing more business with your company, both professionally and personally.

Nicole C.

Thanks for the quality service- I really appreciated it & I will shop with you again!

LBM

I got my supplies, thanks you very much, there're great, I'll tell all my friends about you...your company is very realiable, thanks again and I'm looking forward to trying them all out...

Glenda P.

Thank you for the manner in which you handled this order. Very Professional.

Judith K.

You guys totally rock - I received a couple of canvases today--so fast! Thank you, and I look forward to doing more business with you.

Sincerely

Gail

Love you guys, received it today, thanks for the great service.

Best Always,

LaVerne

Thanks for your efficiency. I received the shipment yesterday. You guys rock!

Susan H

Wow, I am certainly impressed with you guys! I got a call from the shipper this morning saying two more panels are already on the way. Even though I only meant to just call attention to it and wasn't asking for replacement.

I'm not used to getting a personal response when I have a problem, so this really stands out, I must say! Thank you so much, and be assured I will be ordering more from you guys in the future, as well as telling my artist friends about you and your high standard of customer service.

With gratitude, Deidre

Thanks so much for the prompt service. The canvasses arrived this morning.

Susan K.

As usual, you guys are great, received my order in perfect condition, thanks!

Love and Best Always,

LaVerne

Thank you so much! It is wonderful to do business with such a good company. I will certainly recommend you to my colleagues.

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Susan

Rex,

Excellent service (including the checking into the original order) and I will definitely continue to do business with your company - always send me listings of current products, deals, etc. As an Architect for over 45 years, I've noticed few companies who can assist us with our many and varied needs - you all appear to be able to do so!

Thanks,

Bob Kearney

Thank you so much! I received your phone messege as well, and I really appreciate you going above and beyond the regular call for customer service. Will make note for future orders. Customer for life!!

Thanks again!!

Mark

Hi Rex Staff,

I got all already and so fast. Thanks for your excellent services. I am convinced to be your frequent customer.

Best,

Bakhtiyor

Thank you so much for your continued attention to our needs. Service is one of the only remaining elements that separate businesses and win customers. You guys win me over again and again.

Cheers,

Chester S

Thanks for all your assistance! My supplies made it to the middle of no where yesterday. Already using them! Thanks again. You guys will be my go-to from now on.

ENS David T
USN

I REALLY liked the customer service you offer, and have told a few friends about the cradled panels. Thank you for being so helpful.

Best,

Chandrika

I received my watercolor supplies today!!!! This is the best service I've ever received on an art supply order from any company!! I work at a college in the art department and take classes and have told my entire class about Rex Art!

Paulette G

I just wanted to say Gaspar was most helpful and went out of his way to make sure I got the supplies I needed--even anticipated something I needed and explained it to me. I'm a total novice at what I'm doing, so I really appreciated the advice. I've never experienced this anywhere else. Thank you for the excellent customer service.

Christine S

I received the panels this afternoon and they are great!! They smell good too. I'm sure I will be ordering more and will pass on your site to other artists.

Thanks again!

Deb K

Thank you!

I am VERY impressed with your company, and customer service.

It has been a pleasure from the first Google search "archival sharpie".

Actually, you have answered our prayers! :)

We are fine art photographers and have been looking for the perfect pen to sign our canvases. We finally found Sharpie made an archival pen, yah-hoo!

Then it was hard to find them, especially sold individually. It seemed that all other vendors sell limited color multi-packs.

Mahalo (thank you), Shayla Middleton
Fine Art Photographer

Thank u for such terrific service on getting me the stretcher bars for my art show so quickly!!! I totally appreciate that!

Jeanine

Hello Marshall, I just wanted to let you know that I received the 3 replacement panels, and they are all in perfect shape. I appreciate your companies great customer service, I will definitely be ordering with you guys again. Please thank Old Wood Studios for replacing the panels. Their workmanship will definitely make my work shine.

Ernesto C.

I just wanted to let you know how satisfied I am with your product. The bars were straight and well milled, the corners joined well, the stretching was a breeze despite the size. And the Best Keys should be marketed as a Stress Reliever”!

It was the second time I was stretching these canvasses, having used cheaper stuff the first time. Actually not much cheaper but POOR quality.

Thank you,

Jean-Pierre

I love painting on the wood canvases..they are wonderful! I would recommend them over any other type canvas!! So Happy I found you! Looking forward to getting my order!

You'll be seeing me again,

Thanks Lettie

You guys are simply THE BEST! I will use you for everything I want to buy for the two artists in my family from now on! Thank you so much for the quick, courteous, concerned response. I think you folks ROCK!

Best wishes!

Debbie Silver

I'd like to say that your customer service has been excellent. By far the best customer service I've ever dealt with when shopping online and otherwise. Thank you, it's very much appreciated.

Tyler S.

Thank you so much for getting the order processed quickly. I enjoy doing business with rex art and will continue to do so.

William G.

Thank you very much - you are going above and beyond expectations - impressive!

Gerri B.

I received my replacement case yesterday evening and want to take a minute to say thank you to all involved. I realize that issues such as mine, although not the fault of Rex Art or the customer, involve additional time, manpower and hassle on the part of all to resolve. The manner in which such situations are handled by a company can mean the difference in establishing a loyal customer base or losing customers. Based on my experiences with Rex Art, the professional and efficient manner in which the company conducts business is commendable, appreciated and refreshing.

Again, thanks to all involved.

Ray

Thank you for the quick response. It is always a pleasure to do business with Rex Art.

Mel Z

MURAL PAINTING

APPLICATIONS & TECHNIQUES

Mural covers a variety of techniques including fresco, encaustic, mosaic, stained glass and photography. The type of mural of most interest to contemporary artists is either painting on canvas, which is then attached to a wall or painting directly on the wall surface itself.

SELECTING A MURAL PAINT

The surface to be painted and the environmental exposure of that surface are important aspects to consider for selecting the right type of paint. The technique and painting style of the artist must also be included. No paint can withstand all environmental conditions such as sun, rain, cold, heat, acid rain and air pollution. Acrylic water emulsion paints however, have proven themselves to be one of the most durable paints available for exterior as well as interior mural painting.

ADVANTAGES OF USING LIQUITEX ACRYLICS FOR MURAL PAINTING

Liquitex is the original artist's acrylic emulsion paint. It offers the advantages of a wide range of unique permanent colors, great versatility in mediums, clear resin system, superior adhesion and detailed label information.

Refer to Part I Liquitex Professional Grade Acrylic Paint Section for additional information on advantages in mural painting.

Liquitex makes two types of acrylic paint suitable for murals:

1. Professional Grade Medium Viscosity Concentrated Artist Color

2. Professional Grade High Viscosity Artists Color


Professional Grade Medium Viscosity Concentrated Artist Color

  • Consistency similar to heavy cream. Can be spray applied
  • Dries to a smooth, even surface with good leveling that shows little brush marks.
  • Pigment load is equal to High Viscosity Artist.
  • Colors and is ideal for large mural coverage.
  • Flat paint film catches less dirt and requires less cleaning over time.
  • Professional Grade High Viscosity Acrylic Colors

Professional Grade High Viscosity Acrylic Colors

  • Heavy-bodied paints have a smooth thick buttery consistency and oil-like performance.
  • Used in mural applications for a heavy build up of paint texture (impasto) and brush stroke.

Coverage

Medium Viscosity Concentrated Artist Color will cover approximately 400 sq.ft./gallon.

  • Coverage is reduced on a rough surface. Coverage is extended when paint is spray applied.
  • To double paint coverage of either Medium or High Viscosity Acrylic mix 1 part Acrylic Color to 1 part Liquitex Opaque Extender or Gel Extender Medium.
  • Use these mixtures during underpainting of murals to economically double the volume of paint. For best permanence, the top layers of the mural should be painted using Lightfastness I rated colors with no Opaque Extender added. Mural applications for a heavy build up of paint texture (impasto) and brush stroke.

MURAL SURFACES

False and Separate Walls

The best support for mural painting is a false wall erected in front of an existing wall.

  • This eliminates the dangers inherent in expansion and contraction of plaster and masonry. It also protects against cracking, peeling and water damage and allows for easy removal of the mural.
  • The mural wall can also be a stretched canvas panel or canvas adhered to a rigid panel. A false wall for interior murals allows the artist to paint the mural in the studio rather than on location.

Existing Walls

Murals can also be painted on existing wall surfaces. Proper surface preparations must be observed to insure longevity of the mural.

  • A surface that has been previously painted will not be as permanent as a surface that has never been painted or has been stripped of all existing paint.
  • The surface must be free of any previous oils or silicones or paint may peel. Paints and oils can be removed with the proper solvents or by sand blasting before painting.

SURFACE PREPARATION

The longevity of a mural is directly related to the surface preparation.

Selecting a Surface

  • It is important that the surface does not contain moisture. New concrete may not be free of moisture for 2 to 3 months after drying.
  • Make sure the surface will not get wet from water seeping through existing outside walls. Moisture can be absorbed behind a substrate and cause the paint to peel from the surface. Cleaning the Surface

Cleaning the Surface

There must be no grease, wax or oil on the surface and the surface needs to be structurally sound and free of loose particles.

  1. Remove all existing loose particles or damaged painted surfaces. If the wall has been painted with oil paint or is peeling, strip all existing paint.
  2. If the surface has been painted with acrylic paint, sand entire surface.
  3. Clean surface with a degreaser, such as TSP mixed with warm water.
  4. If mold or mildew is present, use a stiff brush and scrub with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 3-4 parts water. Rinse twice with warm water and allow to fully dry.

Applying the Ground (Priming the Surface)

After the surface has been cleaned, it must be prepared to accept the paint.

Fixing Cracks and Uneven Surfaces

  • For smooth surfaces: Brush on one coat or spray two coats of Liquitex Matte Medium.
  • For rough surfaces: Trowel on one-two coats of Liquitex Matte Gel Medium.
  • Allow to fully dry. Mediums are clear/ translucent when dry and cloudy-milky when wet.
  • Painting can proceed over these sealing coats
  • Most artists prefer a white surface to use as a basis for the mural cartoon or sketch and to establish color relationships.

Priming The Surface

  • Apply Liquitex Acrylic Gesso for a white ground; Colored Gesso for a colored ground.
  • If necessary thin gesso with no more than 50% Matte Medium. Brush or spray apply.
  • For spray application, thin gesso with a mixture of 50% Matte Medium and 50% water. This will reduce surface tooth and absorption.
  • Over thinning with water alone can cause cracking or result in poor adhesion.
  • Multiple coats of gesso can be applied and wet sanded to produce a smooth ground. Wet sanding will make the surface somewhat brittle. Protect the back of stretched canvas with cardboard.

Various Mural Surface Preparations

New Wood: Sand surface. Seal with 1 coat of Matte Medium. Apply 1-2 coats of Gesso. Paint with Medium or High Viscosity Artist Colors. Apply isolation coat of Gloss Medium & Varnish. Let dry 48 hours. Apply 1-2 coats of Matte or Gloss Soluvar.

Painted Wood: Remove loose material. Sand or Strip. Seal with 1 coat of Matte Medium. Apply 1-2 coats of Gesso. Paint with Medium or High Viscosity Artist Colors. Apply coat of Gloss Medium & Varnish. Let dry 48 hours. Apply 1-2 coats of Matte or Gloss Soluvar.

New Masonry: Must be dry and cured. Apply Matte Medium for smooth surfaces, Matte Gel Medium for rough surfaces. Apply 1-2 coats of Gesso. Paint with Medium or High Viscosity Artist Colors. Apply isolation coat of Gloss Medium & Varnish. Let dry 48 hours. Apply 1-2 coats of Matte or Gloss Soluvar.

Painted Masonry: Remove loose material. Clean, Sand or Strip. Must be dry and cured. Apply Matte Medium for smooth surfaces, Matte Gel Medium for rough surfaces. Apply 1-2 coats of Gesso. Paint with Medium or High Viscosity Artist Colors. Apply isolation coat of Gloss Medium & Varnish. Let dry 48 hours. Apply 1-2 coats of Matte or Gloss Soluvar.

New Sheetrock: Apply an acrylic emulsion compatible industrial sealer such Aqualock.


Unprimed & Painted Metal: Remove grease, dirt and solvents. Sand surface. Wash with a prep solution for the painted metal being used. Apply an acrylic emulsion compatible primer. Apply Matte Medium for smooth surfaces and Matte Gel Medium for rough surfaces. Apply 1-2 coats of Gesso. Paint with Medium or High Viscosity Artist Colors. Varnish wit isolation coat of Gloss Medium & Varnish. Let dry 48 hours. Apply 1-2 coats of Matte or Gloss Soluvar.



CHOOSING COLORS

Since outside murals are subject to the harshest environmental conditions, color selection is very important. The Liquitex Hand Painted Color Chart and "How to Mix and Use Color" Book, list all colors along with their lifestyles rating, mass tone, tint, glaze and color intermixes.

All Liquitex Acrylic Colors list on their label, the permanency of pigments used according to the standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Refer to the Liquitex Technical Information Section for more information on Lightfastness Ratings. Only Category I pigments are recommended for outdoor mural painting.

PAINT APPLICATION

Painting can proceed after surface preparation. The drawing can be scaled up using a grid system or transferred to the surface with a cartoon. The outline can then be "fixed" with a spray coating of 50% Matte Medium and water.

Thinning Colors during Painting
  • If acrylic colors need to be thinned use a mixture of 50% water and Gloss Medium & Varnish or Matte Medium.
  • Do not use water only for thinning. Outside murals exposed to weather need maximum film integrity. Too much water will weaken the paint film.

Temperature, Moisture and Humidity For Exterior Painting

  • Ideal temperature for paint application: 65-75 F; Lowest temperature: 50F.
  • Varnish application during rain may trap moisture, hinder adhesion and cause clouding.

ADHESION TEST

To ensure proper adhesion, a test should be done either on a surface similar to the actual mural surface.

Directions

  1. Apply the paint or medium to prepared surface and let dry thoroughly. Wait 72 hours for acrylic paint to cure before continuing. (longer in more humid conditions).
  2. When completely dry, score surface in a , crosshatch pattern using a sharp knife. Apply masking tape firmly to scratched surface and firmly burnish.
  3. Remove masking tape slowly.
  4. If any paint comes off with the tape, good surface adhesion has not been achieved. Either a different surface preparation is necessary or the particular support is not suitable for the paint or medium tested.

FINAL PROTECTIVE VARNISHES

After the mural is complete, a final protective varnish should be applied to extend the life of the mural, protect it from weathering, pollution and dirt. The varnish should be a removable type such as Liquitex Soluvar, to allow the removal of pollutants, dirt and graffiti.

Mural varnish application occurs in two steps:

  • An isolation varnish layer.
  • A removable varnish layer.

Refer to Part I Liquitex Varnishes: for more information on varnishes and proper application.

Soluvar Gloss and Matte Final Picture Varnish Application

  1. Apply 1-2 layers of Gloss Medium & Varnish as an isolation barrier. This barrier physically separates the painting from the Soluvar Varnish and seals the surface. This allows a more even application of Soluvar Varnish and protects the painting surface when the Soluvar Varnish needs to be removed.
  2. To insure proper adhesion, clean Om surface with a lint free rag dampened with mineral spirits.
  3. Apply 1-2 layers of Soluvar Varnish. Let dry 24 hours between coats.

Intermix Gloss and Matte Soluvar Varnish for a variety of sheens. Soluvar Matte Varnish contains matting agents that settle during storage. Gently stir with a wooden dowel or brush handle until completely re-dissolved. Do not shake.


Removing Soluvar Final Picture Varnish

If the mural becomes dirty or abused, removing the varnish can restore it. Cleaning will not affect the underlying painting if the varnish was properly applied.

  • Remove varnish in clean, well-ventilated area.
  • Wear a duel filter respirator (NIOSH approved) and neoprene gloves. Dampen a small piece of lint free, soft, white cloth with mineral spirits (not "odorless") or turpentine nothing stronger. Do not use ketones or paint removers.
  • Work horizontally. Apply mineral spirits generously and allow it to lay on surface for 15-30 minutes. Check periodically. Longer times may be necessary, depending upon age of artwork and strength of mineral spirits. If varnish is not dissolving or dissolving slowly, use a higher strength mineral spirits or turpentine. Cover surface with plastic to slow down evaporation of mineral spirits). Stronger mineral spirits are not labeled as such, but have a stronger odor.
  • Rub cloth gently over a 1 square foot area until varnish starts to dissolve. Using a clean cloth and clean solvent, rub the area again to remove residue. Repeat this procedure for the entire area to be cleaned. If any paint color shows on the cloth, stop immediately and allow the surface to dry.
  • Allow painting to dry before reapplying a fresh coat of Soluvar Final Picture Varnish.

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