Has anyone tried using watercolor for a design on cork? I am working on a design with a steelhead/rainbow trout theme and want the colors to fade into each other. Any advice or suggestions?

Harry T. Bell

Be aware the watercolor will not penetrate the cork as it is a "closed cell structure." The paint will only be on the surface and can very easily rub off if not covered with some type of protective coating.

Cork does not absorb fluids, that is why it has been used for centuries for floats.

Harry:

My Dad was a watercolor artist. I think the technique you are looking for is called "wet on wet". I know this is how my Dad did rainy skies and clouds. Basically he wet the watercolor paper, and then used a wet brush to apply the colors. He then tilted the board the paper was on, and let gravity blend the colors. Are you using water color pencils for this, or paint and a pen? Like Phil said, you are going to have to seal the cork and your art with something. You might do a search on this site for dyeing cork. Good luck with your project.

Mike Bradfrod
R.M.B. Fishing Rods
Nampa, Idaho

I plan to seal the cork as soon as the artwork is finished. On the backburner for now. Got involved in another technique for now. Thanks for the info. Good stuff.