The Artist’s Magazine – October 2019

ArtistsNetwork.com 35

FINISHING EDGES OF AN UNFRAMED PAINTING

Large canvases and panels with finished edges can be exhibited without frames. If, however, the edges are spattered

with paint, they may need some work before the painting is suitable for display.

1

One way to clean up the edges of your surface—and

also protect them from scuffs—is to cover them with

matte black gaffer tape.

2

Beginning at the bottom edge of a fi nished painting

on a wood panel, I placed 2-inch-wide tape along the

edges. Gaff er tape is easy to tear, so I could remove the

extra material without the need for scissors or a knife.

3

I tapedallfoursideswitha singlecontinuousstrip,

makinga slightoverlapatthestartingpointalong

thebottomedge.

4

In the same way, you can make a canvas painting on

a heavy-duty stretcher presentable for the gallery.

With a bit of practice, your large work can be ready to

hang in no time.

Helen Oh is an artist and conservator, and an instructor at

the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

“As an artist, I can’t imagine my studio without all kinds of tape. ...

Each has a specifi c use.”

— helen oh