Ive used Matt medium for a few years until one day I ran out of it and just used normal acrylic gel medium and it worked way better, the reason being I work with hard edge abstracts and usually where the two colours meet. Another note: its often a good idea to prime your canvas and sand your canvas again to smooth it down so when you do apply tape and medium there is not so much space between the tape and the canvas to begin with. This alows for even the application of spray paints etc.
@@zanderbastedo8914 If you priming a canvas then usually it is recommend that u give it a light sand between each layer. The primer can often have quite a hardened, rough feel when it dries, so I realised that when working with hardedge painting and for the best results of least build up of paint under the the tape its best to start off with a smoother surface, which means giving it a light even sand.
Hi there! I'm just starting my journey into painting. The geometric abstract style really speaks to my engineer mind. I'm recovering from a massive brain injury and PTSD. Quiet, relaxing activities like painting help me. I recently discovered the 3m delicate surface painters tape which works great with your matte medium technique here Thank you!
I can't thank you enough for this tip. I wasted ages using caulk and frog tape on a textured wall it was OK but your method with the Matte Medium was perfect. Thank you once again. 👍🙂
Bro, I just want to say you have taken my art journey from level to level to level. Thank you so much for your content😊. Thank you so much for your videos I’ve learned so much so needed.
Having recently gotten into subdividing the canvas with tape in my abstract pieces this has been enlightening. I spent the earlier half of today with a bone folder meticulously going over the edge of many pieces of tape crisscrossing a very large 2ft by 3ft canvas, my second attempt at the same idea because of the paint bleeding. This was prep as my current methodoligy for getting clean-er lines(not clean but less messy) involved ensuring proper contact of the edge by going over it with the folder and then removing the tape while the paint was wet. Painting 50+ tiny subshapes and then removing the tape while the paint was still wet was an improbable nightmare. I am so incredibly thankful for this video, I have been saved many a headach and hour with like 2 mins of video. 😁
This is what I do too. Always 2 coats of Golden Matte Medium. Also, tape thickness can be important if you don't want a raised edge. Vinyl types of tape (like for auto pin-stripping) are thinner than paper types of tape usually used for masking.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've battled this problem for a long time! I will FINALLY be able to paint clean edges reliably. I appreciate you sharing this knowledge. I will "like" and "subscribe" right now.
OMG you’re my hero!!!!! I wish I had seen this a couple days ago. I’m painting cupboard doors with a recessed panel. The recessed panel is great and the perimeter is white. I’ve been masking and then I using paint to seal the tape. It’s been working pretty well but this looks so much easier and since it’s clear, then there perhaps more can be used to get a better seal. I’m using a semi- gloss paint, so I should be able to paint over it without issue, don’t you think? Thank you sooooooo much for this! I ordered it on amazon for $14.00. Next day shipping. Walmart has it for $10.00 but none locally. Thank you again.
Yes!! Matte Medium is a super star! I never paint without it. I also use it as a “clean coat ground” after I lay in my first coat, second coat of paint on my paintings.
There is a very thin rice paper tape from Japan called Nichiban, comes in different widths and adhesive formulations that is specifically designed for this application. I've used it with and without medium, both with excellent results. I like the white version because becsuse it is semi transparent, you can see line work through it. I sometimes cut irregular shapes into the masked edges to follow curves. It takes very little pressure to cut the thin tape. I also agree with another comment about putting down several coats of gesso and sanding between. That extra smooth surface really helps the tape edge make good contact with the paint surface, and the built up surface offers protection if you are cutting it.
Thank you so much for creating this video and resolving the problem that I’ve been racking my brain over with trying to get the clean, perfect lines. Love your video so helpful. I really appreciate that. I found you. The Tyra clip was hilarious. ❤❤❤
Honestly, as a commercial and residential painter, I hate using transparent caulk constantly. It's just a hassle, for 16oz it's a bit expensive in comparison to a cheap tube of caulk, but the ease of use is where i'm looking at making the most money with it. get a small brush, cup and just get that tape covered, Great insight from a different painting prospective.
THANK YOU for this!!! I'm just learning to paint and wanted to do a nice pride rainbow as a gift for a friend, and it looks AWFUL, just all those jagged edges. I'm heading back to Michael's tomorrow to find that Matte Medium! You are my hero!!!
Thank you so much for posting this video. If I had not seen this video my home project would have failed. I've used this method to paint geometrical patterns on our wall and the result looks very good! No jagged edges. It also seems to work in corners where different colors meet.
I'm in the middle of a painting so It's too late to add the matte medium sad face. This a good video though. I did learn something. Thank You for sharing. I subscribed.
OMG....THANK YOU. I can't paint to save my life and tried the other painting hacks , but they really didn't work for what I was doing (painting america flag). Will give this a try!
Although matte medium was a great equalizer, you also tested painters tape against masking tape. Without using matte medium the painters tape was awful, whereas masking tape was already way better. Right? Looks like masking tape + one coat of MM is already OK, but 2 coats of MM is needed if using painters tape. What do you think?
I used the two most common tapes that artists use for paintings and especially murals. both have enough flaws that it makes the use of matte medium a must for clean lines. I dont think i ever came across any tape that was 100% flawless which is what every artist strives for. thats why i always keep the matte medium in stock in my studio
I recently found a new tape I had never seen before. It’s Scotch painters tape, Sharp Lines. It’s stickier that the regular painters tape but still removes nicely. Man I can’t wait to try the MM!!!
There is a very thin tape from Japan, Nichiban artist tape, that is specially formulated for this type of application. Comes in different formulations, widths.It's amazing. And available in the US.
you can possibly use automotive tape that can do curves or liquid masking tape. i did a video on that here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rfyosirWVxs.html
Also if you were painting another rectangle directly adjacent to the ones you painted and sealed with the medium would you use the medium again? Would the medium slightly bleed onto the already painted square?
The medium fills up the gap that the paint would have went into under the tape. Because it is basically just transparent paint. It is a great option because it blends in and is consistent with the paint.
