As an artist, the foundation of your work often begins with the panel you paint on. A well-prepared panel can make a significant difference in the quality and longevity of your artwork. In this video tutorial, I walk you through the process of creating your own art panels from scratch, offering tips and techniques to ensure your panels are sturdy, smooth, and ready for your next masterpiece. Below, you’ll find the transcript and some additional insights to help you follow along.
Transcript of the Video:
To begin making art panels, start by ripping a piece of backing board that will be used to support the edges of the panel. Using a portable table saw, split the board in half. Always prioritize safety when using power tools by following the manufacturer’s instructions, protecting your ears, and minimizing dust exposure.
Next, measure the edges of the panels. This example prepares eight panels: three larger ones and three smaller ones. Carefully measure the edges to prepare them for mitering.
A portable radial arm miter saw is then used to cut the edges cleanly. It is crucial to maintain safety as these tools can be dangerous. The miter saw allows for precise 45-degree cuts, which ensure the edges fit tightly and cleanly.
After the edges are cut, line up the pieces using a straight edge and secure them with tape before applying glue. This step keeps everything perfectly aligned, making the gluing process much easier.
Once all pieces are taped together, begin gluing the edges and corners with a standard wood glue, using an acid brush to spread it evenly. This method ensures strong and clean joints between the pieces. As the edges are brought together, make sure they are aligned properly. Excess glue should be cleaned up with a wet towel to maintain a neat surface.
To keep the corners at a perfect 90-degree angle, use a clamp. Depending on the size of the panel, clamp one corner and let it guide the rest, or clamp all four corners for larger panels.
After the frame dries, use it as a guide to measure the top MDF board. Cut the MDF board slightly larger than the frame to ensure a snug fit. A portable saw is ideal for making clean cuts needed for this step.
Double-check the size of the board and frame before gluing the supporting back down onto the panel. Wax paper can be placed under the panel during this step to prevent accidental gluing to the work surface. This precaution is useful and can save time in case of any adhesive mishaps.
Clean up the inside edges for a more professional finish and to ensure everything looks tidy. Check for any areas that might require additional glue or attention.
Once the glue is applied and cleaned, stack the panels with wax paper between them, place a larger board on top, and weigh it down with weights. This setup helps the panels dry flat and form a strong bond.
Before applying gesso, sand the MDF board lightly to remove its shiny surface. This step is important for proper gesso adhesion. Whether painting directly on the panel or mounting artwork, the surface needs to be well-prepared.
Apply the gesso with a brush, moving in various directions to create an interesting texture. This texture can either be sanded down for a smooth finish or left as is to add depth to the painting, depending on your artistic preference.
Finally, sand the edges of the panels to ensure they are smooth and ready for use. This final touch makes the panels more comfortable to handle and ready for the next creative project.
Creating your own panels can be a rewarding part of the artistic process, allowing you to have complete control over the quality and texture of your canvases. I hope this tutorial helps you in crafting your own custom panels. Happy painting!
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