Molding Paste

Molding paste is such a wonderful product when you wish to build up a work surface or add just a bit of texture. While molding paste is great by itself, as it adds height and dimension, it is made even better when a wedge is run through its surface. While the paste is still wet, you can manipulate it with a cloth or towel, removing any excess and creating diversity in its depth.

STEP 1: Apply the Paste

With a spatula apply molding paste to the area you wish to cover. The paste should sit on the surface approximately 116" (2mm) for thin texture.

STEP 2: Cover the Surface

Using a straight wedge, cover the entire surface. If you wish for a deeper working area, allow the surface to dry and then apply an additional layer.

STEP 3: Thin Linear Texture

To create a thin linear texture, run a #2 Catalyst Wedge through the wet paste. Allow it to dry prior to painting. This texture is great when the paste is applied to a painted background, allowing the paint color to peek through.

STEP 4: Wide Linear Texture

Place the wedge at the edge of the paste, tip the wedge back slightly and pull it through the paste. Typically this wedge is used to reveal more of the background. It also works well when shading is added within the negative space.

STEP 5: Organic Texture

Using a wedge, create an organic texture. This texture works well when seeking diversity to linear compositions.

STEP 6: Larger Organic Texture

Just as in step 5, the organic nature works well when balanced with linear elements. The stroke is larger, which allows for larger areas of color and/or shading to appear.

STEP 7: Tiny Organic Texture

This wedge creates the perfect texture to add to corners.

STEP 8: Linear Wedge

This is the most versatile and functional of all of the molding paste tools. The straight edge allows for deep grooves to be created while the tip is perfect for writing in the paste.

Texturing Paint

While the wedges here are being used with molding paste, they are also great when paired with paint.