How to apply antiquing gel?

[Rockoboy]

5 hours ago, fredk said:

The wooly is good for getting the paste on ok but I found it could also remove too much from the wee nooks and crannies so wiping it over with a cloth in hand I can be more discerning on how much and where to remove

I was using some antique recently, somebody with a wealth more experience than I, said they used to use a window squeegee to remove the excess antique. No way that thing will get down into the carving to remove any antique, it just skims over the top. I used a wadded up paper towel lightly across the top of the carving.

[Mark842]

I actually apply mine using the first method they tell you not to do. I put on a set of latex gloves and apply the paste or gel by hand. If gel make sure you get it spread out over the entire area you want quickly to avoid it leaving border lines. The paste is much more forgiving. I rub it in with my gloved hand to desired effect. Then depending on how dark I want it I either start removing it right away or leave it to darken a bit. I remove excess using 100% cotton T shirt rags. I've found that anything fluffy used for removal removes too much from the cuts that I want to be darker. This probably comes down to your personal style and preference. I also seal using Liquitex varnish. It is flexible, seals great and can be airbrushed on so it will not remove any finish like the sealers you wipe on.

[fredk]

16 hours ago, Rockoboy said:

. . .  said they used to use a window squeegee to remove the excess antique. No way that thing will get down into the carving to remove any antique, it just skims over the top. I used a wadded up paper towel lightly across the top of the carving.

Thats clever.

But oddly enough window squeegies are harder to get than rocking horse poo in my area. I've been trying to buy one for regular window cleaning. For the last few months I've tried so many places, many of which don't even know what it is. I reckon its an endangered species

[Rockoboy]

On ‎8‎/‎26‎/‎2019 at 10:07 AM, fredk said:

window squeegies are harder to get than rocking horse poo in my area

That's funny. There were 2 for 50 cents each on the "discontinued and throw out shelf" at the supermarket last week, and as many as I want at the big box hardware store a few weeks back. I guess there might be different requirements for each different area or country.

[howie696]

Brian instead of a squeegie you can cut a piece of rubber, I'll show you how this works at the next meeting

cheers

Howard

[Rockoboy]

8 hours ago, howie696 said:

instead of a squeegie you can cut a piece of rubber

Thanx Howard, that will be a great help. I was not trying to steal your thunder with the squeegee idea. Just offering suggestions of what I had heard, that sounded like it might assist another person.

[howie696]

21 hours ago, Rockoboy said:

Thanx Howard, that will be a great help. I was not trying to steal your thunder with the squeegee idea. Just offering suggestions of what I had heard, that sounded like it might assist another person.

no probs, share ideas around as much as we can :-)