Step-by-Step Instructions for Professionally Finishing the Canvas Edges of Your Paintings
Un-framed wall-hung paintings with visible abandoned brushstrokes on their edges are definitely eye sore in my opinion, that nobody asked for. But they don’t have to be. Make your paintings look even more professional by painting them black!
Ideally, you would want to do this before you paint. But personally, I like to do this step once I’m done before the final step of varnishing while always making sure to be extra careful not to get any black paint on my completed artwork.
Here are the step by step instructions on how I accomplish my black painted edges.
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Step 1:
Place tape on the outer surface edges of the painting to ensure the black paint doesn’t accidentally get on to the painted surface from a wobbly paint brush stroke and to make it easier for you to pick it up while the black painted edges are still drying.
This may take you a couple of attempts to get the tape placed just right. Ideally you want the outer edge of the tape to slightly bend onto the canvas sides so the black paint isn’t visible when looking at the painting straight on.
Step 2:
Set yourself up to paint your edges on a flat surface, not your easels. Elevate your canvas off your flat painting surface (a table or even the floor will do) I like to place a small plastic shot glass under each canvas corner over a protective cover such craft paper or a painting cloth.
Step 3:
Pour out your black paint or black gesso on your pallet or in a small cup and using a flat paint brush no wider than 1.5 inch for a 1.5 inch canvas edge, paint your edges slowly and with controlled brush strokes.
I personally like to use black gesso rather than black paint because I only need one layer for it to look opaque and it doesn’t leave any streaks.
Step 4:
Carefully remove the tape. Do not let the paint dry with the tape on. If you do, you may lift up some paint when strip off the tape.
Step 5:
Let it dry. Done :)
Now your canvas art looks that much more professional with nice crisp black painted edges!
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