Simon Hurley's Solar Spray is changing the game for creative crafters, color lovers, and mixed media artists everywhere. With its vibrant, light-reactive shimmer and effortless application, Solar Spray is the perfect mix of color science and crafty fun.
Whether you're already obsessed or just hearing about it for the first time, this blog post will walk you through what it is, how it works, and exactly how you can use it to level up your projects.
What is Solar Spray?
Simon Hurley Solar Spray is a unique pearlescent spray dye that transforms your paper crafts with a sun-kissed shimmer. When the light hits just right, your colors come alive - revealing an iridescent glow that's especially magical on dark surfaces.
Key Features:
- Water-based shimmer spray
- Color + mica combo for bold color + glowing effect
- Fast drying
- Available in bright, blendable shades
- Sprays evenly with fine mist nozzle
- Best on porous or prepped surfaces
What Makes Solar Spray Unique?
- Built-in mica shimmer: Adds a luminous finish with no extra steps.
- Layerable and blendable: Perfect for backgrounds, stenciling and splattering.
- UV-light reactive look: It's not UV-sensitive ink, but the shimmer makes it look like it glows under strong light or at different angles.
- No clog flip cap design: Shakes well, sprays consistently, and travels easily.
How to Use Simon Hurley Solar Spray
Using Solar Spray is super simple - and wildly fun. Here's how to get started:
1. Shake It Up
The mica settles, so give it a solid shake until you see the pigment fully mixed. Shake side-to-side for best results (not just up-and-down).
2. Spray Lightly
Hold about 6-8 inches from your surface and mist with a light hand. You can always build layers.
3. Let It Dry
It dries quickly on most surfaces - or speed it up with a heat tool for even faster layering.
4. Add Water or Masking
Try water flicking for a speckled look or mask off areas with stencils, tape, or ephemera for crisp lines.
Creative Project Ideas with Solar Spray
Let's put this spray to work! Here are some fun and artistic ways to use Simon Hurley Solar Spray:
1. Galaxy Backgrounds
On black or navy cardstock, spray multiple Solar Spray colors (like Cosmic, Nebula, and Eclipse), then flick with white paint or water for a spacey, dreamy background.
2. Stencil Art
Lay down a stencil and spray lightly over it for a high-contrast, shimmering design. Lift carefully for clean lines and a bold statement.
3. Die-Cut Embellishments
Spray paper before or after die cutting shapes like stars, flowers, or tags. The shimmer gives your embellishments a finished, pro-level look.
4. Art Journaling
Use Solar Spray as a glowy base layer or final accent. Spray lightly, let dry, then collage, stamp, or doodle on top.
5. Handmade Cards
Create stunning, luminous card fonts. Try resist techniques with embossing powder or combine with texture paste for raised shimmer details.
Color Combos to Try
- Dreamy Blend: "Nebula" + "Sunbeam" + water = radiant sunset
- Ocean Vibes: "Tide Pool" + "Solar Flare" over teal paper
- High Contrast: "Lunar" over black cardstock with white stamping
Clean Up Tips
- Clean nozzles after each use to prevent clogging
- Store upright and away from heat or direct sunlight
- Shake well before every use to keep that shimmer suspended
Final Thoughts
Simon Hurley's Solar Spray is for anyone who loves color with a twist - something a little unexpected, a little dramatic, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you're making cards, journals, or mixed media pieces, this spray brings the light and the wow.
So go ahead - shake, spray, and let your creativity shine like the sun.
Tried it already? Share your projects with #Trebbies