For years, I’ve been on the hunt for an inexpensive yet effective tool to create texture in art projects. We were recently remodeling our house and I was watching as my husband using a caulking gun on our new baseboards.
I started asking him a thousand questions like how do you use that thing?…. how quickly does it dry?…. can you paint it? Then, the ultimate question…. CAN YOU MAKE ART USING CAULK? The answer is yes, totally! Below are tips, tricks, project ideas, video tutorials, step by step photos and more.
What is caulk and how do I use it?
According to this HomeDepot article, caulk is “any waterproof material that fills and seals joints between building materials.” Caulk comes in different colors, different drying times (fast drying vs regular) and different materials. It is usually made of a “flexible polymer, such as latex or rubber.” It typically comes in a tube and can be applied using a caulking gun. A sealant works in a similar way and is typically made from silicone. Here are a few products from Amazon that I personally recommend:
Just a heads up, Make a Mark Studios is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I may get a small commission if you purchase the items above. Thanks!
What surface should I use?
I recommend a sturdy safe, and certainly recommend that you stay away from a flimsy surface like paper. The sealant has weight to it. I found the best surfaces that are readily available in an art room include: wood, canvas, and cardboard.
Video tutorial:
This video reviews the basics, how to create a variety of textures using caulk/sealant, and provides some project ideas!
Below are some cool art project ideas that create awesome textures using caulk as an art medium. Enjoy!
Project Idea #1- “Delicious” frosting art!
Use the sealant to create an awesome 3d dimensional texture that mimics cake frosting.
Project Idea #2- Textured abstract art
Explore a variety of textures, lines and shapes by expressively using the sealant. A variety of tools (such a forks, straws, etc) can be used to explore different mark making. Additionally, a variety of art media can be used to be add color to your work.
Project Idea #3- Textured moon craters
To create this project, simply spread the sealant to create a smooth flat surface and then use circular tools to make stamps (aka “craters”) into the sealant. Then, paint your composition to look like moon. This is a really fun project with high success rate!
Project Idea #4- Metallic relief
A relief is an artwork made on a 2d surface that has protruding 3d features. Simply create a composition with sealant to make the relief, and spray with a metallic coat of spray paint to explore! on a 2d surface that has protruding 3d features. The magic of metallic spray paint really brings sealant to life.
Here is a video showing the process of all four projects:
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If you try out any of these projects, I would love to see what you create! Feel free to email or tag me on Instagram to be featured on this post!
-Stephanie Villiotis