Question Regarding Paints/Faceups

Hello everyone!

 

My summer break has begun, so I've decided that I would practice DD faceups so I can give Mikuru a new look. I've practiced twice so far and have taken pictures as I also plan to journal each experience and show the progress from faceup #1 - the last face up of the summer.

 

My question is regarding paints and mixing paints to get smooth lines. Is there any sort of ratio of paint + medium or thinner to get smooth lines? Is the key just layering the paint?

 

It seems that when I paint the first layer it's too thin and there's almost no pigment. When I keep layering the paint it just becomes uneven and somewhat cakey? The only time the lines look good is when I paint the cheek highlight lines (using red/white blend) and when I make small, tapered eye lashes.

 

Am I adding too much medium?

 

Any tips and advice are appreciated!!!

I thin my paint until it has an ink-like consistency. It's fairly transparent, as a result, but it's my preferred method for thin lines. I layer the dry coats until the color is nice and rich. If it's getting cake-y, it sounds like it's not thinned enough or you're not waiting for it to dry all the way. If it's not drying all the way, you'll basically peel away the drying layer by painting over it and then it'll clump up.

 

You can also thin it less, and paint from the inside out without reloading your paintbrush with more paint. So maybe do a dot of color that's thinned a bit on the middle of your eyelash shape, then pull the paint outwards with your brush. If you pull upwards, you can create thin strokes.

If it's not drying all the way, you'll basically peel away the drying layer by painting over it and then it'll clump up.

 

This actually sounds like it could be the source of my problem

 

I don't think I'm thinning the paint enough and when I do paint each layer I don't give them enough time to dry so some parts are clumpy and some are thin.

 

Next time I'll try thinning them out a little bit more, making an even layer and waiting for it to completely dry.

 

Thank you for responding !

For myself, I don't like when the lines come out too faint, so I add less thinner. Then I only have to go over the same spot once or twice. As long at the line comes out smoothly, I'm happy. Make sure the paint isn't drying on the brush as you go, that will cause it to not come out nicely. Rinse and re-wet the brush as often as you need to.

You're welcome! Sometimes I have to wait an entire night for stuff to dry if it's too runny, haha. It's worth it (in my point-of-view) for thin lines, though...!

 

Good luck! uwu

For myself, I don't like when the lines come out too faint, so I add less thinner. Then I only have to go over the same spot once or twice. As long at the line comes out smoothly, I'm happy. Make sure the paint isn't drying on the brush as you go, that will cause it to not come out nicely. Rinse and re-wet the brush as often as you need to.

 

I come across this issue as well, but I'll try rinsing and reloading the brush more often

 

Thank you guys!!

 

Just wanted to update as of May 10th that my third attempt came out sooo much nicer than the previous 2 in regards to the paint thinning issue. Still going to take a long time, but I'm enjoying it.