In painting it is a technique in which a paint brush that is very wet with solvent and holds a small load of paint or ink is applied to a wet or dry support such as paper or primed or rawcanvas. The result is a smooth and uniform area that ideally lacks the appearance of brush strokes and is semi-transparent.
A wash is accomplished by using a large amount of solvent with little paint. Paint consists of a pigment and binder which allows the pigment to adhere to its support. Solvents dilute the binder, thus diluting the binding strength of the paint. Washes can be brittle and fragile paint films because of this. However, when gum arabic watercolor washes are applied to a highly absorbent surface, such as paper, the effects are long lasting.
It can be pretty confusing when these terms start getting thrown around when talking about DIY projects. There actually is a difference between these products, and often then terms are actually used incorrectly. Not to worry though – we’ve broken it down for you!
PREPCOAT:
A “prepcoat” is actually the term used to describe all “preparation coats”; so primers, sealers and undercoats are all technically prepcoats!
A prepcoat is any coat of paint applied to your substrate to prepare for the application of the topcoat. When painting a new surface, the prepcoat is actually the most important step of a panting project!
PRIMER:
A primer is the first coat of paint applied to the substrate. A primer has many purposes, including:
Blocking out stains and tannins
Stops rust occurring on a metal surface
Smooths out imperfections on a rough surface
Creates a barrier to stop moisture travelling from the substrate to the topcoat
Some primers contain properties that assist to prevent mould and fungus from developing
SEALER:
A sealer is a special type of primer designed to be used with, or in place of, a primer. A sealer prevents the topcoat from soaking into the substrate, and to a degree, can create a water-resistant layer between the substrate and topcoat.
UNDERCOAT:
An undercoat is used after a primer. It is used to fill any minor imperfections to create a smooth, even-coloured surface ready for the application of the topcoat. An undercoat also assists to lighten a surface when changing from a dark to a pale colour.
Typically, today you can buy a three-in-one prepcoat product that saves time, money and confusion! Berger Premium Triple Prep or Dulux 1 Step™ Acrylic Primer Sealer & Undercoat are great options for your prepcoats.
If there is still a bit of confusion about prepcoats, or you’re unsure what is needed for your next project, head into your local Inspirations Paint store to chat to our friendly and knowledgeable staff!
GoodSmileCompany（简称GSC）是日本的手办周边厂商，在国内被亲切的称为“奸笑厂”。成立于2001年，以周边的策划和制作为主，也负责部分厂商商品的宣传和营销，同时有动画、音乐方面的投资。成立初期作品质量一般，但以强大的商业运作迅速在手办界获得一席之位，作品质量也迅速提升，与MaxFactory、ALTER并称手办界三巨头，并与Maxfactory在着业务上的密切合作，共同创立了Orange Rouge女性向手办周边品牌，代理销售包括Maxfactory、FREEing、Phat！、Gift等品牌。2014年在日本鸟取县仓吉市建设了日本的手办制造工厂（主要生产粘土人和figma），此前所有的手办都来自中国工厂（目前绝大部分手办还是Made in China）。
2012年正式成立良笑(上海)商贸有限公司,其后也屡次参加国内大型动漫展出，和在国内吸纳原型师人才，并在2018年4月在中国上海成立Good Smile Arts Shanghai良笑塑美（上海）文化艺术有限公司。
GSC主要产品系列：
比例手办
nendoroid 粘土人 招牌系列
figma 与MaxFactory共同企划开发
MODEROID 拼装模型
扭蛋盒蛋
与另外两家一流手办对比，GSC已面向见长。
Alter
ALTER（阿尔塔）是日本的手办周边厂商，成立于2005年，资历不深但成立之初就以超高的品质而闻名，拥有手办从企划、开发、制作到销售完整的生产链，是公认品质最好的手办厂商，与GSC、MaxFactory并称手办界三巨头。与BANDAI万代旗下的手办厂商MegaHouse合作的品牌Alpha X Omega，两家之间的原型师也经常相互交流。2007年开始ALTER在中国设立阿尔塔（上海）贸易有限公司。
