What is the proper dilution for absorbent ground to be applied to a mistake done on watercolor paper?
Five parts Absorbent Ground to one part water is the minimum amount of dilution we suggest. For use as a "white out" we would suggest a 3:1 mixture and anticipate several thin coats until the proper opacity
is obtained. The concern is, if applied to thickly, the variance in texture will be noticeable by the viewer. Please test this on a scrap painting with a similar imperfection so you can anticipate what will happen.

What is the process of applying Absorbent Ground on canvas to give a watercolor paper effect, and to accept watercolor?
Here is the process for working with Absorbent Ground:

1. Apply 1 or 2 coats of GOLDEN Gesso to the substrate. Allow the first coat of Gesso to dry to the touch (we suggest a couple of hours). Let the Gesso coats dry for at least 6 hours before applying Absorbent Ground.
2. Apply several coats of GOLDEN Absorbent Ground. The product should be thinned at least 20% with water and mixed thoroughly. Apply coats with enough drying time between them so they don't feel cool or damp. Commonly, 2 coats can be applied in a day. Although the number of coats varies with the artist, 5 coats usually mimics the look and receptiveness of watercolor paper.
3. After the final coat of Absorbent Ground is applied, allow at least 24 hours in good drying conditions (room temperature or higher, low humidity, some airflow). This allows the color washes to behave more like they are on watercolor paper, even if you work on a dampened surface. Applying washes too soon before the Absorbent Ground cures can cause some of the ground to lift and mix with the colors.
4. GOLDEN Fluid Acrylics thinned with water work very well for watercolor techniques. They behave similar to the best watercolors, and the main difference is you can't lift color from a dried wash layer. Favorably however, overlapping layers don't muddy together like they can with watercolors, and sealing and varnishing is much easier.
5. The isolation coats need to be applied in the manner appropriate for the artwork. True watercolors need to be carefully sealed with GOLDEN Airbrush Transparent Extender. This should be lightly sprayed with either an airbrush or something like a Prevail® sprayer. The Prevail® can be purchased at art and hardware stores for around $6.50. They are an aerosol can with a refillable glass container. Very easy to use and atomizes thin liquids nicely without large droplets. The Airbrush Extender should be applied slowly and carefully until the watercolor paints appear slightly glossy when dry. You can continue with just spraying heavier coats of the Extender, or you can brush apply thin coats of the GOLDEN Soft Gel Gloss (thinned with water 2:1) until the surface is well sealed. If acrylics are used for the staining, the Soft Gel Gloss/water (2:1) isolation coat can be applied directly, without risk of colors smearing or bleeding from the water.
6. After the final isolation coat layer has been applied and allowed at least 24 hours to cure, then the varnish needs to be applied. GOLDEN Polymer Varnish or MSA Varnish can be used for this. They both have excellent UV protection, and are removable. They come in Gloss, Satin and Matte, and can be intermixed to achieve exactly the desired sheen. You can read up on these products at our web site.
7. Once the varnish has been applied, this artwork can be displayed without glass.