Why I trust THIS tape the most for Watercolours
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2023
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Painter's masking tape is color-coded. Yellow/Cream is standard. It's designed to glue on stone, plaster... Bleu has a stronger bond, and is designed to follow texture. So, if you want clean edges on rough watercolor paper, is is better... but since the glue is sronger, there is higher risk of damaging the paper. Green is the strongest adhesive bond, to get very clean lines, for example on automobile work. No surprise, it damages the paper when you remove it ! There is a purple making tape, which has the lightest bond, for fragile surfaces. It would damage the paper the least, but will not promise clean lines... I've never tried it, though. I usually use cream making tape, same as you, but still haven't found a way not to damage the paper. I want to try a combination of cream masking tape and washi tape : masking tape to stretch the paper, with something strong, then a border inside with washi tape just to protect the paper with less risk of damage.
I just never thought of trying magic scotch tape. I thought the glue on it would be too strong !
The traditional technique was gummed kraft paper band. But it is not removed : you just cut the paper inside. Maybe we just expect too much of masking tapes. Maybe we should just use it for stretching the paper, not for masking, and use masking fluid if we want to preserve a white border.
Thanks for the information, Paul! 😁Who knew that tape was such an exlansive topic. Gummed tape was one I considered including as well, as I have plenty around but don't use it personally, but for my usage it didn't make much sense, I felt. Really appreciate your comment and insight!
Yeah, adhesive tape is a huge field. And each tape is designed for a precise use case.
Actually, I thought about it after I answered : gummed tape is used when you wet your paper first, because other tapes won't stick, I think. I myself only work on small format, so I don't bother to do a proper stretch (and I mainly paint in sktechbooks anyway, not on free sheets of paper, so I don't bother at all !) and have little practical knowledge of it. But on big format, you need to wet the paper first, on both sides. When wet, the paper expands (hence the waves it makes if not stretched) : with the gummed tape, you glue it to a rigid board while still wet. Then when it dries, it is literaly stretched on the board, there is tension in the paper. This way, when you rewet it while painting, it stays flat.
Since you work with very wet washes, you may want to try this technique.
All this requires preparation, time, planning in advance... When I want to paint a little, for fun, paper needs to be ready right now to get colored. I barely can wait for a wash to dry, I can't wait 24h for white paper to dry on its board. So I don't care if it makes waves that move the pigments. Happy little accidents. I actually like those sketchbooks with "3D pages".
On the subject of removing tape - I forget who, but an artist on YT suggested heating the tape with a heat tool/hairdryer, and then pull gently downwards towards you - I was a little sceptical
, but tried it anyway - I can honestly say that I haven't had a case of damaged paper since. It's a fairly slow process, but my goodness, a complete game changer, in my experience. I use a couple of different weight and texture papers, and I've found it very successful. A word of caution though, if you ever use acrylic paint, don't hold the heat tool too close, it will bubble - ask me how I know 😮
@@paulgrassart8935 Thanks Paul. 🙂As it happens, I have a large roll of gummed tape that's been sitting on my shelf for about two years, for the day when I eventually do just this. You're absolutely right that it takes little preparation. I get caught up in the spontaneity of painting sometimes which puts me off the idea of much prep but it's perhaps a little self-defeating. Particularly since the prep and the painting will be done at different times anyway. It'll happen I've no doubt! There's an artist I follow who I believe also uses this method, and looks to have great results. Thanks again for taking the time to share this, I appreciate it.
@@pctm8189 It does bubble! I had the same thing last year on an acrylic, thankfully a very small area... just adds character, right? 😎
The purple, low-tack painters tape is amazing! Also, after you tear off a strip, stick it on and off your pants a couple of times before putting it down to paper. if you've been working on a painting for a number of days/weeks, heat the tape with a blow dryer or heat gun a little as you peel it back. Honestly, it's perfect! guaranteed! Scotch ( the red package, NOT the green packaging!) tape IS great for smaller works, but again, heat slightly as you pull it back and you will have no issues!
Definitely, I wish I'd mentioned heating up the tape in the video but it didn't occur to me until reading the comments. Since I crop the edges off my framed paintings it's not something I've worried about for a while but I wanted to put myself in someone else's shoes and it would have been a great thing to include. Thank you. 😃
As the art teacher who often helped the theatre kids with scenic designs and builds, I have tape. Lots of tape. My freshmen learn very quickly that they have to be more specific when they ask for tape. I have a meter-long twine with the following tapes threaded onto it: washi (two widths), Scotch Magic, blue painters, masking (two widths), duct tape (silver & black), spike tape (three colors), and finally, gaffe. This tape bundle hangs from a hook just under my desk. So when the freshman ask, "Mrs. B, can I have some tape?" I reach under my desk, pull the bundle out and say, "Yes, but please be more specific." The freshmen usually have never see that many types of tape in one gathering and don't know how to respond. My seasoned students, giggle and then start the long explanation for each as if they are now the "professor of all-things tape."
I teach Stagecraft. I also have many, many kinds of tape, not just for painting.They learn quickly to be specific. 😎
Pro Artist Tape (white) is the best one that I have found. It has never torn or lifted my paper (Arches 140-300 or Fabriano Artistico 140-300). Leaks are rare even with repeated wet washes. It’s also supposedly acid-free fwiw. Love geeking out on stuff like this 😊
I use a heat gun, or w hair drier, to soften the glue on the tape while I pull it off. Works a treat
Before you put the tape on the paper tape the tape and tape it on your clothes before you put it on the paper and then your paper won’t tear when removing it.
Washi tape is good for masking off different parts of the page for special effects, and only briefly. It will sometimes curl and fall off, and some of the really pretty ones I don't want to remove when the picture is done.
"Delicate surface" tape sold for house painting is washi tape, just really wide. Scotch brand is purple. Frogtape brand is yellow.
With standard painters' tape, applying gentle heat (blow dryer) softens the adhesive making removal cleaner and gentler on your paper. Also technique matters, peel by pulling parallel to the surface and at a slight angle away from the painting like you did, but don't lift up. Slow and easy, keep opposing tension on the paper. Pulling upwards from the surface separates the fibers and causes tear out.
Never had tear out removing warmed up tape. If using painters' tape on dry paper, I pick up lint on the tape first to reduce tack (or simply switch to painters' washi tape).
Thanks for the demo on the wide, old-school regular paper tape. I like to work really wet sometimes. Stretching and gummed tape is still best practice, but I don't always have the time and space to do that (or want to cut off the gummed tape border). Ready to use tape is so darned convenient and I really like the clean border left behind after I peel the tape.
I don't like the blue painter's tape because I don't like how the color interacts with my painting. I have settled into either the plain wide masking tape, or drafting tape. I like the clean white of the drafting tape. I also use "artist's" tape, but only on small paintings as it seems to have very low tack, and isn't the best barrier to puddles of water. I find the patterns on washi tape are also distracting for my art and seem to skew the color perception similar to the painter's tape.
I’ve made good results with a combination of washi tape und masking tape. I use the washi tape to tape off the edges of the painting and then use masking tape to tape it to my painting surface. So far I have had good results 😄
Good to know, as someone who only troubled with watercolour (and trouble it was) in recent years, having painted in oil and acrylic for over 50, that I stumbled on the best tape - the broad masking tape that you use. Even then, some papers do seem to damage more easily than others: you always need to be careful, and not just rip it off.
Hey Robert, thank you. Agree with the importance of putting some care into removing the tape, I've often been a poor example of it, at least with paintings that I intend to crop. I'm putting more paintings behind glass again recently though, so I've been a little friendlier to the edges as a general rule! I would like to have made a point of mentioning it in the video too. I recorded some careful removals and some careless ones and I think pretty much all the footage was used but I think I said nothing about it. I've been using some Arches paper recently for the first time in a few years and even anticipating the differences it's still always interesting shifting back and forth. Tape aside, I find the differences in how they respond to paint quite difficult to describe, too. Appreciate the comment. 👍
Very funny.... I've never seen your videos before, I JUSTNOW got back from the store buying the GREEN tape for watercolor purposes, sat down to relax a minute before actually starting to tape off my 300-lb paper for a new painting, and what/who do you think pops up on my feed but you and this very informative, not to mention timely video?! LOL. And I have never known anyone in the US who has used regular old masking tape for taping up a watercolor, but pretty sure I've got some laying around here and I will give it a go, because I really hate the green tape. By the way, I do have trouble with it, but mostly bleeding, no problems at all with it taking paper away. I use Arches 300 lb. exclusively, but I always warm it up with my blowdryer (on low) as I peel the tape off, and it works like a charm every single time; never had any issues at all, paper clean. Bleeding, now that's another issue altogether, but like you, nope, I'm not wasting my time stretching paper. Yuck.
Hey Vickie! Wow that is some timing. I used a blowdryer for a while a few years back as well and definitely noticed a big improvement when it came to removing the tape. The only issue I ran into sometimes was the heat warping the paper slightly, even though it had been left to dry. In hindsight I might have had the heat a bit too high! Thanks so much for your comment, and I hope the tape works better than the green one for you!
You crack me up. If I was neater than you I probably wouldn’t need any tape at all! I now understand why your paintings are so fantastic. You are a true perfectionist. I use artist tape mostly because I also do a lot of framing and use it to attach paintings to a backing board. I find that artist tape is the best ( I have used all you showed) it really works great. The big drawback is it’s more expensive than any of the others. Because of my framing business I usually have it on hand, hence the reason I use it a lot. I find it to be the best out of all the others, I guess that why they say “you get what you pay for “! Thanks for another great video. I always learn something and really enjoy your vids!
Thanks @yunzers 🙂 That makes a lot of sense! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the video- I see the appeal in choosing the artist tape for its quality, especially if you have it to hand already! I’m glad to know the videos are hitting the mark for you, and I’m looking forward to sharing more in the future. Thanks again for your support! 🎨
I use 3M brand surgical tape! And sometimes washi tape.
For some strange reason I came across this video during a time I am having real issues with tape on my watercolor papers. I use various brands and weights of paper depending on whether or not the work is for practice or the final work. I use pure cellulose, various percentages of cellulose along with cotton, and 100% cotton. Earlier I only used the beige 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch wide masking tape and had no issues, even if I left the tape on the work for several days. Lately, I have been experiencing the loss of the top layer of the paper and even torn paper because the tape will not let go. Therefore I started trying other tapes, the blues and the greens, even found a yellow, and all were advertised to be good for watercolor use. Well, they still caused problems. What happened? Are the paper manufacturers making different papers now? One artist has stated he wets both sides of the paper and that gets it to adhere to the Masonite board I use to paint on. That is good until the paper dries. If I have to leave the work for some reason I find when I get back a day or so later the paper is no longer stuck to the board. Suggestions? Also, where do you get the extra wide tape? I have not seen it anywhere around here. Thanks for this video. I just may have learned a thing or two.
Great review. 👍 I was taught to use buff color masking tape. My first instructor rationalized that the neutral color avoided any influence to the watercolor pigments used in a painting. The differences between adhesive properties you explained makes sense. Nice job!🎉
Not only informative, but I love your painting ❤️❤️
Thank you so much 😀
Heat gun or hair dryer helps remove tape with no damage to paper. And imo, washi tape is worthless. Let the kids play with it because it’s not going to stick to anything.
Tim, ah the tape debate. I think I have found a solution, strange that for WATERcolour.
I use both tapes, masking tape to ‘hold’ the paper and washy tape to get the clean edge, it works for me.
I am addicted to your art and it influences me to paint more; so thank you.
As someone who was told I was shit at art 40 years ago I am about to start pub based watercolour classes.
That's a solution I haven't thought of, I gather it has good results for you? I've used multiple layers of tape at times but never different kinds at once. I see how it could work well. 🙂 Thank you.
You should try holbein soft tape. It's one of the best tapes I've ever used for watercolor! I also use scotch magic tape as well and for larger paintings I use a wide width frog tape, the yellow one which works really for watercolor paintings. Also, if you really want that strength of tackiness with tapes but don't want it to tear your watercolor paper, running a hair dryer or a heat tool over the tape as you pull it up helps with that A LOT! It will lift off the paper very gently and won't tear.
Thanks Kara, I've heard of Hobein but haven't tried it myself, I'll check it out!
Love your paintings or inkings!
I got a tip off of TH-cam a while back that using a hair dryer or heat gun to remove tape will loosen the glue and allow it to come off without damaging the paper. Seems to work. Just a thought.
Thanks Tim. You’ve somehow managed to create a video about tape that’s entertaining, informative, humorous, and strangely moving…all at the same time. Well done.
I use painters tape. It’s supposed to be less adhesive than regular masking tape…at least that’s what I thought till I watched your video? The biggest problem I encounter is damage to the paper when removing. I have not had any major problems, as long as I’m using quality 100% cotton paper (Arches seems to work really well,) but it does seem to vary with different brands. Pulp papers and lighter weights are particularly vulnerable.
Thanks again for the wonderful video.
Thanks so much John. It's funny you mention Arches paper, as I just wrote in another comment that I think Arches paper holds up better from memory, but I was struggling to recall for sure as I've been using Saunders for some time. I'm glad to hear that the painters tape works well for you. I know a number of people who use it and have success with it, and that's all that matters really isn't it. Originally in the video I was going to mention that it's quite a personal choice, but it all just started to sound a bit too serious for a video about tape. 😁
Hi Tim, it might be worth noting that most masking tapes like the coloured tapes are sold with degrees of adhesion properties. Differing from low to high tack for different jobs. I guess it is a case of try and test to see which suits you best. Over twenty years of teaching has taught me to advise my students not to leave any tapes on the work too long as the longer it is left the more the bonding with happen, and the risk of paper damage will increase.
Also as you peel away the tape, by angling the pull away and off the paper will further minimise the tear issues. Good video btw, cheers Paul
Hi Paul, thanks for your comment. 🙂 I agree, all good points; I definitely neglected to cover the colour categories here. Looking back there are a few other simple things I'd like to have included as well, like applying heat and the angle of attack etc. Since I crop my paintings I have pretty bad form at removing tape already, and in hindsight I wish I'd pointed it out a bit more clearly, just to avoid others picking up any of my bad habits without knowing what they're doing. 😂 I'm glad you liked the video - appreciate your thoughts.
I'll never look at tape the same ever again
😂
I am back to good old half or three quarter inch wide beige masking tape. The blue and green painter tape has ruined the edge of almost all of my paintings. I tried what was called ‘architect’s’ tape. It leaked and often tore my paper. Gummed Kraft tape works sometimes and sometimes it does not. I have also found the paper one is using has a lot to do with tape removal issues. Test your tape on the paper you plan to use before you paint your picture.
I have used every single one of these tapes ironically not the last two that you seem to like the best! never thought of using scotch tape… Two factors that play in a lot to my tape choices, our cost of the tape and the type of paper I’m using. Non-cotton cold pressed watercolor paper seems to be easier to remove all kinds of tape from. it is my hot press, 100% cotton paper that has given me trouble with no matter what type I use. I have resorted to removing the tape very slowly and using a wet watercolor brush to go behind the tape as I lift it, careful not to touch the edge of the painting where there is color. It’s like doing surgery lol I also press the tape across my clothing about five or six times before I apply it to the paper.… I’ve only been using blue painters tape. I’m going to try the wide beige colored masking tape and see if I get better results!
That's a great point, I've also noticed that cold pressed paper is easier to remove the tape from. A shame, since I mainly use hot pressed! I hope the new tape works well for you. 🙂
I love it when you tube connects me to interesting well presented artists. The tape… always a question. I too use the non bleached masking tape that I find at Sherwin Williams paint stores here in the USA. It is half the cost of the blue and green and the neutral colour does not bug my eyes or disturb me as I use other colours. If I don’t stretch. If I stretch it is gummed paper tape and staples. Then I use the washii tape inside the paper tape as a rough white edge that I use for support when I mat and frame. Washii tape with neutral colours😂. I love watching you paint! So much movement and light!!! Brilliant!
I use tape for a huge variety of purposes in my life, in place of Bandages for split nails, tape on fabric to stop fraying until I get a piece sewed or stabilized, tape to visualize added elements to 3D works before finalizing them with acrylic or other adhesive forms, tape for watercolors. I used to dread stretching paper! So I tried many alternative ideas, finding I loved the convenience but not the cost of the sheets already in block form. I too settled on wide masking tape; depending on the main focus of the work, and if I need it to be slightly less sticky, I will take lengths of tape and gently apply them to my clothes, lift off and apply to delicate papers such as rice or mulberry. The clothing leaves small bits of fuzz, lint and whatever that dulls the stick of the tape just enough that it works great for those less sticky needs, even on delicate laces and fine works. Enjoyed your rundown, thank you. I don't think I have ever even seen the Magic scotch tape before now, obviously it is not the run of the mill clear or invisible or double sided.
And you are absolutely right, tape is an issue, with more that just watercolors.
I think I'll now save the green tape I hadn't tried yet, for painting the walls.
I can definitely see Frog Tape working better with acrylics, as most of the issues I have with them wouldn't be a factor. Thanks Margaret, I'm glad it was helpful.
Thanks for this Tim. The search for a tape that works on paper these days seems to be something that many of us are doing. In the early 1990's I used, as did many artists, the white masking tape and I though I was using 90lb and 140lb watercolour paper, the tape very rarely bled or tore. Then came the green tape and suddenly that was all one could find. The white tape, when you could find it, was sticky, gummy and old. And frustrating to work with as it just ripped instead of peeling off the role easily, The blue tape is the same, with lots of bleed, just as you said. I tried Washi tape, it peeled off when water hit it unless I used it on small pieces of paper. I will try the Magic Tape. I wish it came in giant rolls!!! and I guess I will hunt for the plain old unbleached masking tape again! PS: I read some of the comments and we are all dealing with the same issues. Maybe it is the quality of the paper rather than just the tape!!!
It's interesting, I've noticed the same lately - lots of comments in relation to tape and running into issues. An interesting idea about the paper being the culprit as well. I used to use Arches paper much more often, and I seem to recall it holding up against the tape I used a little better than Saunders, but it's been a while so I couldn't be sure without testing it again for myself. But I do love SW paper! Although the scotch tape is plastic rather than paper, I think of it as a bit like washi tape, but tackier. I'd avoid pressing it too hard into the paper when you apply it, but it's definitely worth a try. 🙂 Thank you as always!
The tape I used up until a while ago, after it ran out, was the low tack yellow frog tape that comes in those funky tubs. It was a little hit and miss when using it on different kinds of watercolour paper and for no noticeable reason; it didn't seem to matter about the tooth of the paper or how thin or thick it was, sometimes it would pull away the border of the paper and sometimes it wouldn't. Being gentle with it meant that you could generally avoid terrible damage but it wasn't entirely preventable. I did have some wide masking tape that was lightly perforated so you could tear it off in squares and that worked without any issues. Anyway, I loved your video and agreed with what you said. You're very to-the-point and informative so thank you very much as always. Wishing you a good day whenever you see this!!😁
Thanks Ben! I haven't seen perforated tape like the sort you mention but I'd be interested to give it a try if I come across any. I think that tape is one of those areas that it's easy to view as a bit boring or niche, but it can make such a big difference and there's a lot to the topic. I definitely don't know it all and there have already been some great comments here from people already with a lot of knowledge on the topic as well. 😃 Thank you for taking the time to comment and I'm glad the video was helpful. Have a great day too!
I stopped buying regular masking tape years ago, because I found it hard just to pull some off the roll! Years ago it was never a problem. I the change I believe came with poor and cheaper manufacturing. It is so frustrating . Maybe in the UK it's better. (I'm in Maryland)
Warming up the tape (with heating tool or ordinary hair dryer) helps to remove it without tearing the paper. I use both ordinary masking tape or Scotch blue masking tape with watercolour painting. Washi tapes are pretty but uselessly weak to tape the paper on board. They may work only if you need to cover an area of the painting for a moment (like you would use masking fluid), but not on much else. And I have tried many of them.
Interesting. I've always stayed away from regular masking tape and used the blue or green tape. I have/had the idea the regular tape's glue contained more acid in it, being more dangerous to use, plus it might pull the paper up. I figured "painter's tape" was with art paints, too. Thank you for setting this straight.
I only use masking tape, mainly because we have a cupboard full of it at work. But it's perfect for the job.
Tanks, I found this very informative
Glad to hear!
Very good information..thank you so much. Love your abstracts
Really great information. I struggle with finding a tape myself for watercolor. Thanks for sharing. Your art is beautiful.
Thanks so much, Kee. :)
If I'm going to stretch my paper (140#) I use brown kraft tape. It's strong and holds the paper well. I've used both painter's blue tape and plain masking tape and haven't had any issues with either. The only time I have issues with the tape pulling some of the paper off is when I use it on handmade papers.
Hi TS
Thanks for this video feature!
I use fish glue paper tape for watercolor and
Wide masking tape for acrylic
I am glad you are recommending whitish tapes. I have tried the blue one and I find it very distracting and a "bad influence" on my color selection. Great video.
I have the same experience with coloured tape as well, particularly the blue tape. The page seemed cold before any colours were applied, so I can see how it might knock colour selection out. Thank you. 🙂
I wonder if it depends on the country? My blue painter's tape doesn't rip my paper but the masking tape did. I just bought drafting tape to try as I saw someone else on youtube recommend it.
Interesting - that's not something I've heard of but it could be! I hope the drafting tape works well for you. 🙂
I have found the blue or yellow painters tape (the yellow says it is the lighter tack kind of that brand 3M?) and white artist's tape, all to be about the same. The trick for me is to make them a bit less sticky by rubbing them on some sort of fabric so that they will pick up enough lint to reduce their stickiness, just enough so that they won't pull the paper up when removing it. At the same time, I want there to still be enough adhesion to prevent paint seepage. This usually works. But it would be great if I didn't even have to do this at all.
Thanks Nancy. I remember someone telling me about applying tape to clothing first a few years ago, but it's not something I ever did myself, and totally forgot it as a tip for this video. Would have been a good one to include, alone with using heat when removing the tape. 😁 Appreciate your comment. 👍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks for watching, Delphine.
I use a Keba Artmate metal stretching frame to stretch my paper then apply a bit of SAA blue masking fluid along the edges to provide a nice crisp edge. This avoids the need for any tape whatsoever. Works for me!👍🏻😎
Hey Gordon, you're the second person to mention masking tape around the edges! I might have been living under a rock but I haven't heard of people using it that way, a really great idea. 😃
This was great, thank you. I’ve often wondered what you use and, know I know. I use washi tape, and frog tape when painting with acrylics and heat the tape with a hairdryer or heat tool to make it easier to take off. But I’ll try this now!
I try different things too. I tried washing tape first and then artist’s tape over it for more stability. One time I put a slightly smaller piece of watercolor paper under the w. paper I use for painting and that seemed to work. All in all I just end up putting books on top of painting after it’s dry 😆 I’m not a professional artist just a creative artist of life. 🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽Mia
I have had good success with the yellow frog tape for delicate surfaces. But I worry about the tape leaving an acidic residue. So I've been spending probably too much on low tack art tape. I'm mainly painting in sketchbooks so using it for a crisp border and holding the page firmly down (I wrap it around to the back). Great video!
I was taught to stretch my paper by stapling all around, using doubled corrugated plastic board (as is used on campaign signs-- one good way to recycle them). Just regular width cream masking tape, to make crisp painting edges. Strength not a factor, since the staples do the job until you're done. We would have several of these board, and stretch several sheets of watercolor paper at a time. If you wanted to do plein air painting, they are lightweight to carry. However will sail away if not clamped to the easel.
You are the second person that i read that staple the paper!!! Is with the schoolar home stapler?
Wow I have never tried to use the corrugated plastic as a stretch board! Thanks for this. I am going to give it a try. Election coming up in Houston… I see many signs in my future… my students will love it. I usually use Grafix board to stretch . Like Gatorboard just not as expensive. Yes I use gummed paper tape and staples! That paper is NOT going to move. Going to try just staples on the plastic. 🎉
That's fascinating, I've known of others stapling their paper as well from here on TH-cam - struggling to remember who, it was a while ago. But particularly the idea using corrugated plastic as a board - the punctures in a wooden board is the main thing that put me off the idea since I use boards treated for water resistance. Thanks for sharing! 😃
@@aDricalua Not sure what you mean. I just use one of the staplers that you can use two ways, either folded or opened up. I open it up, because the staples don't need to be pressed closed when they are driven through the paper into the board.
I started using the blue tape for my watercolor paper
Ahhh, tape! LOL! I have a box full of it but just a few work for watercolor paper! I have only used gummed paper tape or staples and tape for stretching paper and those both are damaging so if I want an inner white border, I have added another lighter tape before painting. Adding a tiny bit of masking fluid to the inner edge will prevent paint from seeping under the tape.
Stretching in the summer is not hard if you are headed out to paint. I had an instructor who showed us how he did it on a hot summer's day, just before we got in our cars and headed out. He used gummed paper tape and the same sized papers. When he was done with his painting, he just cut out the inside painting. The next time, he added another paper and taped it to the layer beneath. He said he had to start over when the stack of tape became unstable! The thing is, the rim of tape let it dry quickly. Having a hot car to put the stretching paper in, assisted in drying the paper!
As far as sticky tapes go, I mostly use artist tape. It is worth the extra cost. I have also liked drafting tape and still have a couple of rolls that my husband brought home when his office switched from drafting equipment to computers. Even after a couple of decades, it is still good!
With any tape there is a problem with a too tacky tape. I got used to sticking the tape to my clothing before I stick it to paper. That bit of whatever it sticks to seems to prevent it from adhering too tightly. When pulling off the tape, the rule is to ALWAYS pull the tape off at an angle that is away from the painting. It is amazing how much that helps! If it does start to tear, you can see that the paper is tearing quickly and can often correct it.
Thanks for sharing the wealth of knowledge, Kathleen! 🙂 One thing I actually meant to mention in the video was about pulling the tape at an angle - specifically because I rarely do it myself! If I want to preserve the edge I do, but if I plan on using the painting in one of my frames the edges of the painting are being removed anyway so I don't worry about it, but wouldn't want others picking up my bad habits! Haha.
I use ordinary 'bog standard' masking tape. I usually work on quarter and half imperial sheets, and although I have tried Washi tape, I prefer the masking tape. Like you, I found the Washi tape tended to peel off mid painting. That's not great!
Thanks for the tape manifesto! I have a wet in wet style and gone through the same tape journey. Frog takes the surface off even after warming with hairdryer, although I’ve used this method of removal successfully with other strong tapes. Scotch magic is my regular one but bleeds underneath with rough papers. I await a ‘perfect’ tape…. in my dreams probably! Love your videos Tim. Keep sharing. Thanks so much, Jill R
Thanks Jill. 🙂 You're definitely right about scotch causing leakage on rougher paper - I'd forgotten this happens as I've only been using hot pressed for a while but definitely a good thing to remember as well!
Who knew I would fall down the rabbit hole of tape? Thank you for this info because I've ruined so many painting using the blue tape in particular. Grumble grumble. Thanks again!
Don't mention it! And I had a similar feeling of falling down a rabbit hole in making the video as well. 😃
Good vid. Thanks, thumbs up, and subscribed.
Thank you! 🙂
Here in South Africa we don’t have a selection of tapes. Forced to use masking, blue/green painters tape and electrical tape I had the frustration of paper being ripped. As a scientist I started thinking about the chemicals of the sticky part. Started to heat the tape (hairdryer) before start removing the tape - and then to keep heating the area as I slowly pull. Hope my experience is of help to someone battling with tapes. Greetings from sunny South Africa- where the art wish list is long and art materials very very expensive
I’ve tried many different tapes too but have settled on a favourite. I agree with you regarding the craft type of washi tape but there is a painter’s washi tape too. Here in Australia it is a neon green/yellow colour and comes in various widths. It has a low tack adhesive, so removes cleanly but does not allow seepage and it gives a beautifully sharp, clean line.
The key with washi tape is to make sure you have genuine washi tape- made from mulberry paper. It can handle getting wet, whereas ‘craft’ washi tape is a paper tape with highly variable adhesive.
Have always used the 1" so-called artist or masking tape. Had to rummage around for a source for 2" tape which I needed because I'm doing a series where the paintings have wide borders and I didn't want to have to run multiple rounds of tape each time. The 2" tape is quite nice to use. I try to not leave it on too long and remove it slowly. So far so good.
I'm glad to hear they work well for you, Mary. 😃
You have a really great beard and I love your hair!
Oh thank you Claire! 😁
I love your painting and all the information. I do not have the patience to stretch the paper. Somebody recommended Tesa Standard Masking tape - I wish I remembered who it was. I do not know if this tape is widely available. I managed to find it and it became my favorite by far.
Thank you so much, Nina. 🙂 I used Tesa tape one time, and I had some problems with it tearing when I tried to remove it from the roll. I thought it was only because it was a rather old roll of tape, so given your success with it, that probably was the issue. I'll keep an eye out for it again!
I'll give this wide tape a shot.
I hope it works well for you!
Masking tape, I heat up the tape and peal slowly sometimes it work but major fail on my big watercolour thank you for your views
I have at least seven varieties of masking tape- maybe more - and used them with limited success. The important variable you don't mention is paper sizing. If you're using a soft sized paper like me - usually identified as not suitable for use with masking fluid - tapes won't work well. As I love wet into wet I use a plastic or perspex board ,wet both sides of the heavy paper and use six inch wide clips to secure it if needed. .That' controls the limited buckling well.
The clean edge problem is one that seems seperate and insoluble as if the adhesive is strong enough to form a waterproof edge it also will damage a soft size paper. I've found some red washi painter's masking tape that works quite well for this though. I might try magic tape now - it's really useful as a way of lifting off grahite and coloured pencil so is handy stuff.
I reckon any tape strong enough to hold paper down is going to require cutting the painting out of it. If you're using small hard sized paper and dryish paint a low tack tape will give a clean edge. As I hate stretching and work big and wet on very heavy paper I've given up on clean edges.
I was just wondering what tape to use with my watercolour. I've been using the blue painter's and not totally satisfied with how it comes off with pieces of the paper still attached. Thanks for this!!
Thanks Josiah!
General decorators masking tape is good for me, although care is needed when removing it.
I've tried a low-tack blue tape and purple tape, which was on sale in my local art store in Madrid. There is less risk of damaging the paper, but water can creep underneath and so ruin the clean border at the end.
Watercolour artist Michael Solovyev uses a black tape, which he says helps by providing a reference for the darkest value, the paper being the lightest value. I was almost sold on the idea, but the only black tape I can find is PVC electrical tape, which isn't suitable at all.
I've seen some artists just use bulldog clips, which they keep refixing as the paper expands. With this method there is no white border, but then they painting is mounted in a paspatout - problem solved (as long as you can find one with the right dimensions). Hey, with your framing skills, could you make a video on how to make a paspatout without using those expensive tools that I often see in videos about it?
I've used gummed tape a few times, but it's messy and I gave up on it. Maybe I should give it another go.
I do use washi tape when doing small paintings in sketchbooks or A5 size pads. The pattern can be a distraction, but it can also inspire the painting!
Hey Mark! The black tape is an interesting one- I'm mostly joking about the painters tape, provided the paper damage isn't a concern, which it hasn't been for me. The blue tape is one I could actually see myself using in a pinch, but it's very easy to land on a favourite and not move from there!
I've seen people using bulldog clips as well and I gave it a try a few years ago but didn't quite get along with it.
Thanks for the information. 🙂👍
Have you used old-fashioned gum tape? I That's what I was taught at Uni to use to stretch wet watercolour paper on boards. It's very strong and to release it ,you dampen the tape and lift it off.
Hey Suzy, thank you. 🙂 It's funny, I've had gum tape in my studio for a couple of years after looking at some of the benefits, but I'm still yet to use it myself. It will happen though!
In the Netherlands we have NIPPON GOLD TAPE Watercolour tape 38MM X 50M
Eenvoudig te gebruiken zelfkevende afplaktape die geen lijmresten achterlaat!
Éénvoudig je papier afplakken of opspannen.
Nippon goldtape is aquareltape dat is gemaakt van rijstpapier. Het wordt gebruikt om losse vellen aquarelpapier vast te zetten op een ondergrond.
Het grote voordeel is dat je het papier (en de tape zelf) niet nat hoeft te maken. De tape is ook (na drogen van de aquarel) verwijderbaar zodat er een mooie strakke witte rand ontstaat. De Nippon afplaktape is een hoogwaardige schilderstape die voor iedere kunstenaar van pas zal komen!
Eigenschappen:
Goede kwaliteit schilderstape.
Gemaakt van rijstpapier.
Zelfklevend.
Te gebruiken als masking tape.
I’ve seen people heat up the coloured tape gently to get it off without damage. Not sure what it does to the painting long term, but it’s a known technique.
Thanks for your comment, Dee! I used a blowdryer when removing the tape for a while a few years back and it definitely helps considerably, I'm with you.
Have you tried the Holbein professional soft tape? I started using it several years ago....its pretty good...i also am careful taking in off, you can also heat it or any tape just a little and it will release easier...the Holbein tape us worth a try...it comes in many sizes i have half inch up to 2 inches but i cant remember where i found the 2 inch size
Hey @cinhill22 🙂 A few people have mentioned Holbein - it's not one I've tried myself but I'll be checking it out. Appreciate the info!
Have you tried Art Tape which is described as medium tack and acid free? I have a roll and it is 1" wide and works pretty well. On Amazon. But I am not using the 300 pound paper.
I don't believe I have, but I'll check it out! Thanks Paula. 🙂
Thank you so much for your enjoyable and informative video❤ will you please say who did the music? Thanks! ❤
Hey @Pattymelt415 🙂 I keep meaning to add the music to the descriptions - I'll manage it at some point! In the meantime...
Mountain Solitude - Moorland Songs
Holding on to Hope - Megan Wofford
The Heart Knows - Luella Gren
Inconclusive Results - Peter Sandberg
Duo Voces - Gavin Luke
Enjoy. 😃
@@TimSchofieldArt thank you so much! I was particularly moved by the very first piece of music. ❤️
Anyone else just totally stopped listening to what he was saying when he started doing that ink painting? Mesmerizing! Yes, I've used blue painters tape and yup, it tore my paper in the painting area!
Haha, thank you Mary! 😁
I stretch my paper because it only takes four minutes. I’m not sure why people skip such a simple task. Anyway, I use gummed tape (one you didn’t review) and staples. I use drafter’s tape (another one you didn’t review) for crisp clean edges. I use a bone folder to adhere the drafter’s tape however, because it can leak otherwise. I’ve used all the tapes you reviewed, but prefer the ones I now use.
Oh I agree, us non-stretchers are the worst. 🙃 I'm glad you have something that works well for you!
I use the blue and have for several years. I paint on Saunders Waterford 140lb CP(not). I use a fair amount of water and as the paper buckles the tape pulls away from the paper and the gatorboard. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment or, I figure, it's just part of the process...right? I've rarely had any tearing issues with the paper, but the tape will grab bits off the deckled edges. I've actually had masking tape tear my paper. I'll probably try the masking tape again since I'm on my last roll of blue and, hey, who doesn't like an excuse to buy more stuff!! Plus, I'm easily swayed by TH-cam videos...
Haha I hear that. It's fun to experiment a bit again, but if blue works for you, it works! Something that's come up in conversation here in the comments is the bold colour of the tape making it difficult to balance your own colours, compared to a more neutral colour. Given that the tapes I use are quite neutral colours, swapping to blue and green did throw me off a little bit, but I imagine that's not a problem for everyone, and perhaps something you could adjust to over time anyway.
I use a hairdryer to remove my tape
What an important and much-needed subject to share your insights on. I feel so bad for the beautiful pieces that had to succumb to the blue, green, and washi tapes in the process though 😆 Bravo!
Thank you, Stephen! I'm really glad - it's worth the sacrificed paintings if someone gets something helpful out of it! 😃
Everything you ever needed to know about tape 👌
Thank you, Francis! 🙂
I sell my unframed paintings and if there's been a leak discovered after I take off the tape I'll mention it to the customer. None has ever minded and a few even say it adds to the painting. So I just use plain old masking tape now but have had the blue, green, yellow painters tape, construction grade masking tape, washi tape and the brown crafting tape ( which is the worse ever and doesn't really work to stretch paper).
Totally agree, Paula. I've sold unframed paintings with some leaks and there's never been a concern raised either. I cycled through quite a few myself a few years ago, landed on these two and never really moved from them. The only thing I can think of that I haven't tried much of is brown gummed tape, ironically enough, since I have a huge roll of it! In hindsight it would have made a lot of sense to include it here... 🤔 Another time!
This video was more equally good than your other videos. 😏
Hahaha thanks so much. 😁
My father swears by drafting tape, but its hard to find it these days.
I just bought some on amazon at the recommendation of another watercolor artist on youtube.
What about frog tape? The green or yellow?
The green tape in this video is the green frog tape. 🙂 The yellow frog tape will be easier to remove and cause less damage, but it's still likely to post a challenge. Being careful when removing it, applying heat and following the usual good practices for tidy, undamaged edges might make the yellow tape an option. I don't much like the surface of Frog tape though, I think it makes blooms at the edges more difficult to avoid.
Tim.. the music at the start.. who is it ? I've been trying to re-find that for years after switching from Spotify to amazon music & I cannae mind the guys name 🤔
I got it under the name of Mountain Solitude - Moorland Songs. It should come up here in TH-cam under that, at least! I hope it helps. 😁
I wish you mentioned the type of paper you use. IMO, that matters.
I agree 🙂 I have a separate video about the paper I use already.
@@TimSchofieldArt Would you please name the paper here or put the name of the video here? Historically I have difficulty identifying video content based on its name and it takes me a long time to find the content I'm looking for. Yours might be different but I can't take that chance.
It's Saunders Waterford hot pressed high white 300lb
@@TimSchofieldArt Thank you!!
Use surgical tape….comes off…..seals….works for me
Paper tape
you're so funny
😁 Thank you.