Fabric hardeners are a relatively new medium for artists

One of the most exciting new mediums in visual arts is fabric hardeners. First developed and used in Europe for making "garden statues" for outdoor decoration. It has since been picked up by a number of different industries and used for a myriad of applications. This medium and new techniques are changing the way art is made.

This does what we always wished acrylic mediums would do but fell short

This is Doug Simpson, professional artist at Artplace, Inc. I have been hunting for this product for at least 20 years or more. I tried a lot of different things but none of them ever accomplished my goals - until I found fabric hardeners.

This is not a "fabric stiffener" or a water soluble starch based medium. This is a polymer based medium that cures to a very hard surface and has fantastic adhesion properties.

Add texture and 3-dimensionality to paintings on canvas

Paverpol and Powertex fabric hardeners will quickly add layers of dimension to a painting. Suppose you want to really accent the contrast between dark and light in an abstract or color field painting. Accent the edge between the two with an actual raised division versus a perceived elevation. Even create an actual shadow along the line that changes with the light source around the painting.

Quickly add texture by using paper, fabric, leaves, sand, threads, fibers, or dryer ling. Even add hard items such as sticks, cardboard, rocks, glass, ceramic, or most anything but plastic.

Saturate and solidify is the method for free-standing sculpture.

This medium will soak into the fibers of natural fabrics, fill in the space in between, and dry to a solid plastic like consistency. The more natural the fiber, the harder the surface.

This means you can use fabric over styrofoam, foil, wire, wood, metal, glass, ceramic, or even rocks. Create an armature, cover it with fabric, drape it or tightly wrap or smooth it for your desired results.

Fabric hardener also works as a bonding agent.

Not only will it solidify fabrics, fabric hardeners make a superior bond between dissimilar materials. For example, bonding fabric and glass, or wood and metal together.

Use it as you would acrylic medium - with improved and extended results

Fabric hardener can be used much like you would an acrylic medium with the advantage that it will dry to a very hard finish. It comes in colors or can be tinted very effectively with powderred pigment. It becomes a fluid paint that can be used as a single color or add powdered pigiment on the fly to create unlimited color variation and interest.

So whether you are a painter, sculptor, or an experimenting hobbyist, you can find endless uses for fabric hardener.