Silver Plumber's Tape in Mixed Media Art
Metallic Tape Can be Used in a Variety of Ways in Artwork
Jun 10, 2009
Silver plumber's tape isn't just for plumbers anymore. This versatile material can be used in many different ways to enhance mixed-media artwork. Plumber's tape can be found in most hardware stores. Look for the shiny, metallic silver tape with paper backing. Sometimes this tape is called duct tape, but don't confuse it with regular duct tape, which has a dull finish and no paper backing. Silver plumber's tape has a mirror-like finish.
Gather together some materials and get ready to experiment:
- Stretched canvas or canvas panels
- Silver tape
- Oil-based pastels
- Scissors
- A bone folder or popsicle stick for burnishing
- Sharp pencil or the pointy end of a paintbrush for drawing
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Mod Podge
- Collage elements such as vintage ephemera or copies of photographs
- Sealer such as Krylon spray sealer or Mod Podge decoupage medium
Follow these instructions to create a mixed media piece with a silver tape background:
- Figure out how much tape you need to cover the surface of the canvas. Measure the tape either by holding it up against the canvas or using a ruler to figure out how much is needed. Allow for enough tape to cover the sides, if desired.
- Cut out enough strips of tape to cover the width of the canvas.
- The strips can be applied either horizontally or vertically. There is really no wrong way to do this, as long as the surface is covered. Before peeling the paper backing off the tape, lay the strip over the canvas to check placement. Gradually peel off the backing, pressing the tape into place as you go.
- Continue to apply the tape until the canvas is completely covered. Use your fingers or a burnishing tool to smooth out any wrinkles. If you decide against covering the sides of the stretched canvas, you may want to come back later and cover them with paint or ribbon.
- Now it's time for the fun part. Use a pencil or the end of a paintbrush to doodle freehand designs on the silver tape. Press down firmly enough so that the design appears to be engraved.
- Oil-based pastels may be used to add color. Rub the pastel lightly over the engraved areas. The color will be picked up in the recessed lines. Excess color can be wiped off with a paper towel or soft rag.
- Use fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand some parts of the silver tape. This will result in a matte appearance in the sanded areas and give the piece a little bit more interest.
- Choose a piece of vintage ephemera or a copy of a photo. Use Mod Podge or a glue stick to glue the paper to the canvas, wherever you'd like the focal point.
- After the glue has dried, use a spray sealer such as Krylon or a thin layer of Mod Podge to seal and protect the whole piece.
- As an optional step, cut simple shapes from the silver tape and place them randomly on the canvas to add more dimension.
Experiment with the silver tape and have fun with the process. These steps are meant to give some ideas and direction, but there are many different ways the project can be done.
 |
