Powertex is a highly versatile, liquid medium, that makes nearly any porous surface hard and weather resistant. It also is a remarkable adhesive and is ready to use from the package. With Powertex you can transform textiles, paper mache and paper into durable sculptures, wall art & jewelry. It is polymer based and compatible with cured polymer clay.
Available in Transparent, Bronze, Lead and Terra Cotta. Of course, lead only refers to the color it does not contain any lead.
Sizes; 1/2 liter, 1 liter & 5 liter containers
Do not freeze in liquid state.
A cured sculpture can withstand -83 degrees Celsius.
Non toxic and cleans up with soap and water.
Do not pour down drain or rinse out containers. Work in a plastic bowl, cover and save for later use or allow to dry and simply peel out.
Wearing gloves, although not necessary, will keep hands clean.
Keep a pack of cloth type baby wipes handy for quick cleanups.
Stir the product from the bottom, especially colors.
Liquid can be colored by adding powdered pigments such as; ColortricX or Powercolor, or by adding FolkArt paint at a rate of no more than 2 oz paint to 1 liter of Powertex.
Powertex does not stick to plastic. If you want to cover something plastic, wrap with masking tape first.
Allow to cure for 2-3 weeks before putting outside.
Bronze, Lead and Terra Cotta colors are weather resistant. No other additives are necessary.
Coat transparent with an outdoor varnish for outdoor projects. ( Easy Varnish is preferred).
After dipping textile into Powertex, massage product into textile completely. Use a dry piece of textile to "off-load" excess product. You want to completely impregnate the textile with Powertex while using minimal product. The textile will dry with a matte sheen.
Can use any paint on top of dry Powertex for highlighting. Creating a paint using Powercolors or ColortricX mixed with Easy Varnish is preferred.
A two-year test over polymer clay shows no adverse reactions.
Can be thinned slightly with small amounts of water.
100% natural fibers work best. Always test fabric by treating with Powertex, if fabric sticks to itself, it should work nicely.
Natural fibers will cure harder than unnatural fibers.
You can make approximately two-three 15" figures from a ½ liter.
If using on a canvas give a light sanding before applying Powertex.
How do you use Powertex?
Once applied, Powertex begins to dry. After about 10 minutes the textile or paper takes on a leather like feel. Depending on temperature, it will stay flexible for quite a while.
To create a figure, apply the fabric over an armature and create movement by draping fabric, or by adding folds or pleats. The unique properties of Powertex allows the item to hold its shape; however, it remains flexible enough to manipulate for hours after applying the product.
Powertex can also be used on Canvas, Paper Mache or used in conjunction with StoneArt for many other effects.
How does Powertex Dry?
The product dries in stages;
First, it is wet and product transfers,
after about 20 minutes the textile will still be soft, but should start to hold form. It will start to take the feel of chamois and will not have major transfer. This stage lasts about one hour.
The third stage is drying. The product will remain flexible for a couple of hours.
The final stage is curing. After about 36 hours the textile will be fairly hard however, there may be underlying areas that are not.
If the piece is to be used outdoors it is best to wait about two weeks.
When combined with StoneArt you can duplicate the look of aged terra cotta pottery or you can highlight using Mocha and White Powercolors as in the figure below.
Lead Colored Powertex contains no lead. It simply identifies the look that can be achieved.
Combined with StoneArt you can get the look of Stone or buff to a dark sheen for the look of metal.
Tombstone created for local horror film. Made with Styrofoam, StoneArt, and Lead Powertex.
Transparent Powertex is clear. The most popular among doll artists and for canvas work. Transparent is the only one that is not weather resistent. It can be used outdoors, however it must be treated with a good quality varnish, such as Easy Varnish .
Blue Moon, uses Easy Structure on the bottom to create waves. Secrets has chip board hinge that was treated withBronze Powertex and StoneArt. "Tall Lady" is over armature and decorated with found objects.
Think of the possibilities and Discover Your Inner Artist - Powertex makes it easy!
