Crisp and Clean
Making art is messy.
When painting on deep wood panels I usually dribble paint or other media down the sides when I’m working.
This is part of the artmaking process, I know, but when a painting is completed, I like the sides to be dribble free, preferring instead a tidy and uniform finish.
I either paint the sides in a colour that complements the painting or apply a clear coat to the unfinished wood.
For this to work a smooth and clean surface is needed before beginning this finishing task.
(Mostly) paint free
In the past, I used an orbital sander on the panel sides to remove any paint drips to achieve the smooth surface I’m after. But this is a noisy and time consuming process that I’d now like to avoid.
More recently I’ve been using masking tape to protect the edges of my panels. It’s a bit of a finicky job, but well worth the effort.
Before beginning a painting, I cover each of the side edges of the panel with painter’s masking tape and then work away on the front of the panel without ever concerning myself with whether the edges are getting stained or paint splattered.
The tape holds up very well and when the painting is done, the tape is removed to reveal (mostly) clean, paint free sides.
How to remove the drips and dribbles of paint from the edges of a painting.
The right tool for the job
There is always a thin strip of paint encrusted tape at the top edge that doesn't pull off easily and to remove it I simply use a paint scraper blade.
Holding the blade flush with the wood side, and being careful to keep my fingers well away from the sharp edge of the tool, I scrape off the rest of the tape. It comes off remarkably easily, and as an added bonus it’s just so satisfying to see the edge come clean in one pass of the blade!
Some minor sanding may be required to smooth out the sides of the panel, but mostly my edges are ready for their finish of paint or varnish.
Beautiful crisp, clean edges. Done!
Add some colour to your inbox.The Studio Journal
A THOUGHTFULLY CRAFTED COLLECTION of STUDIO NEWS, CREATIVE INSIGHTS and INTERESTING TIDBITS JUST for FUN!