All About Laser Technology for Art!

    Laser Cutting Machines are machines that produce a high powered laser beam in order to cut or etch customized designs into certain types of materials. These materials vary between different kinds of steel, woods, and plastics. It works by vaporizing the edge of a material resulting in a clean cut edge.  

Laser Cutting Machine

The advantages of using a laser beam are that they create better precision on complex works as well as reduce the contamination of the piece. Some materials can be very difficult or near impossible to cut therefore a laser machine reduces the chance of a material warping when being cut in comparison to other cutting machinery, reducing any possible contamination of a workpiece. As well, a laser machine allows cutting small holes and complex details that other machinery might not be able to do. The main disadvantage of a laser machine is that it is very expensive to maintain. There are three main types of laser machines; that being CO2 (Gas) lasers, Crystal lasers, and Fiber lasers. 

Laser Cutting Machine in use

CO2 (Gas) Lasers are best used for cutting nonmetals or engraving metals as it uses a technique of carbon dioxide mixed laser. This is known as the oldest method of laser machines.  These lasers are mainly used for industrial cutting on materials such as titanium, stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, engineered wood, wax, fabrics, and paper.

Crystal Lasers allow processing of both metal and non-metal materials through the method of crystal mediums which allows for high-powered metal cutting capabilities. This is a more expensive method of laser cutting as well as has a shorter lifespan.

Fiber Lasers feature the newest technology regarding cutting methods. Fiber lasers use a stronger, more focused beam which is ideal for cutting heavier metals as well as creating lower production costs.

Laser Machines work by directing the output of a high-power laser most commonly through optics. Moreover, the laser beam is generally focused using a high-quality lens on the material being worked on. This is a non-contact process, meaning the beam doesn't touch the material being cut. 

                                                    Materials that can be used with a Laser Machine

These machines can be used to create engravings, markings, etchings, and cuts on a variety of materials such as metals, woods, plastic, cardboard, paper, cork, or glass. Some of the methods for cutting are vaporization, melt and blow, melt blow and burn, thermal stress cracking, scribing, cold cutting and burning stabilized laser cutting. Although laser machines can work with such a large amount of materials, there are a few materials that you should avoid. This includes wood coated with resin or oils, epoxy, fiberglass, coated carbon fiber, polypropylene, milk bottle plastic, ABS, PVC/artificial leather/pleather/vinyl, or thick (>1mm) polycarbonate.

With these different uses that a laser machine can produce on a variety of materials, comes a variety of creations. Laser Machines can be used to create wood burning, plaque engraving, cut out designs, and an assortment of laser cut wood projects. 

 

                                    Wood Burning                                   Plaque Engraving

Cut out design

Laser Machine art projects

All About Magnetic Poster Frames!

Magnetic Poster Frames are the perfect option for displaying your photos and artworks! These easy to assemble hangers are a great alternative to picture frames. Coming in a variety of sizes and colours, these affordable displays are great for those on a budget looking to amplify their décor.

Magnetic Poster Frames consist of four thin pieces of wood, with each pair being magnetized together. All you have to do is place the wood piece with a magnet on a flat surface, magnet side up, and position your artwork on it. Then once the artwork is centered, place the second piece of wood on top to magnetize the art in place. Make sure the wood with the hanging strap is on the top side of your artwork. And voila, as simple as that you have a fully ready display!

These Magnetic Poster Frames come in a variety of sizes such as 8”, 9”, 12”, 19”, 24”, 37”, and are also available for custom sizing! They are also available in three different colours; Oak, Pine or Walnut. These shades vary from very light to deep natural wood colourings.

Size Chart

• 8”

• 9”

• 12”

• 24”

• 37”

• CUSTOM

How to Finish Your Frames!

There are many styles of finishes when it comes to frames. And that's not including types of products to finish frames with! When looking for the perfect picture frame to fit your style, it's important to understand all the possible finishes that could add to your home. Whether that be a metallic finish, a wax finish, a crackle finish, a painted finish, or an antique finish. This article will help break down what each finish is and how to accomplish it. 

A Metallic Finish has a slightly glossy, pearl-like appearance. It is best to use this finish on smaller frames as the effect can be overwhelming on a large frame, thus taking away from the image it holds. To achieve this look, first prep the surface of the frame rather by sanding or wiping down any dust with a rag, depending on the material of the frame. Then apply two coats of any special metallic paint. Let dry and viola a metallic frame!

Metallic Finish

A Wax Finish is the most subtle of finishes as well as the most luxurious. This polished appearch is easy to achieve. Begin with staining your frame to the desired colour, or leaving it as is if the colour is one you like but want to elevate. Once the frame is dry, apply a clear coat of wax using a rag or brush, and let dry. Then sand with a steel wool pad and apply the wax again. Repeat with sanding and one more final coat of wax, and finally buff out with a cloth.

Wax Finish

A Crackle Finish showcases a multidimensional use of paints in a crackling effect as its layers create depth. This finish is more difficult to achieve due to its unpredictable nature. This is also determined by the thickness of your layers. To achieve a crackle finish; you must add a layer of crackling paint, then a crackling gel, and then a final layer of crackling paint. Another option to get a crackling effect is to apply a coat of glycerophtalic paint and before it completely dries, add a layer of acrylic paint. Then after it's dried, apply a thin layer of furniture polish and it should naturally crackle.

Crackle Finish

A Painted Finish is the most common of finishes due to its easy application and endless colour options. It is also the best option for durability and longevity, however a painted finish adds a completely solid colour thus hiding the wood grain which can be undesirable for some people. Before painting, it is important to prep the surface of your frame by sanding and filling in any unwanted holes or defects with wood filler paste. Sand again after allowing the paste to dry and wipe any dust away with a cloth or a sponge. Then add 1-2 coats of paint, sanding in between layers and allowing 24 hours to dry for each. You can also apply a varnish or lacquer on top for a glossy finish!

Painted Finish

An Antique Finish creates a beautifully distressed-vintage appearance. There are multiple methods that can be used to achieve this look. The simplest way to attempt this look is to paint your frame with a lighter colour and allow it to dry. Then using a cloth, soak it in a darker paint and sporadically dust your frame with it to create an aged-bespeckled appearance. The next method is to apply a dark coloured paint to your frame and allow it to dry. Then apply two coats of a lighter coloured paint on top and allow to dry. Then use sandpaper to remove any areas of the lighter paint that you want the darker paint to peek through for a worn effect. Using sandpaper is effective in removing the paint however, attempt lightly as it can also remove any intricate details of the frame itself. The last method is to paint your frame with a dark chalk paint and allow it to dry. Once dry, rub the frame all over with a beeswax candlestick. Then paint over with a lighter chalk paint and allow it to dry. The wax creates a barrier so the paint will not be able to stick in certain areas. Finally use strips of clear packing tape and stick to sections of the frame that you want paint to be removed from for a distressed look. 

Antique Finish

After reviewing all of these finishes; Metallic, Wax, Crackle, Painted, and Antique, we hope at least one of these helped determine how you would like to finish your frames. All of these methods can be achieved with a few simple steps as long as you have the right materials. Don’t forget to always prep your surfaces, whether it be sanding or wiping away any dust as it'll make it harder for the finishes to stick. Overall, these finishes are perfect for those of you who enjoy DIY-ing your projects and creating unique, low cost home decor!

A Quick Guide to Mediums and Gesso!

 When it comes to painting, there are many terms and techniques used that may be unfamiliar. In this paragraph, we will be going to break down each term and how it's used. Before beginning your painting, you will want to apply a pre layer called Grounds, short for “background”. The Ground (base) layer is used to support your painting’s colour and tone. It consists of rather gesso, paint, or other wet mediums, depending on the surface it is being painted on such as panels or canvas. Gesso is a primer made from a combination of paint pigment, chalk, and binder. It is used to prepare or prime a surface for oil painting. When painting, there are materials that can change the consistency of your paint to add texture. These materials are called Texture Gels and they are used by mixing with the paint. Texture Gels have a stiff texture that makes it easy to shape and hold form. In the opposite effect, we have Mediums, which are meant to thin out paints. Mediums are best used for acrylic paints to lengthen working time. Another material you can add to your paint is Additives. Instead of just adding texture, additives reduce the drag on a brush or provide anti-slip. They also make the paint flow better on a surface as well as stick better to difficult surfaces. A Liquid Polymer is mixed with the paints as it extends the paint, creates glazes, enhances gloss, and increases film integrity.. After you’re done with your painting, you still have to apply a Finish. There are multiple finishes to choose from with different levels of sheen; matte, satin, or gloss. This is the final layer of the painting, it should be thin, transparent, and colourless. This layer is also meant to protect the painting from the atmosphere, a Varnish is the perfect option for protection and differing sheen levels.

Grounds                                                  Gesso

Mediums                                           Liquid Polymer

Texture Gels                                    Finishes

Cold Wax!

 

Cold Wax is a soft buttery paste that consists of beeswax, solvent, and resin. It is used in painting, specifically oil painting, to help with many techniques. Cold wax can also be used with other mediums beside oil, such as alkyd oil colours, alkyd based painting mediums, and Gamsol. It also mixes well with other mediums such as dry pigment, powdered charcoal, marble dust, chalk pastel, graphite and oils sticks. Cold Wax is not physically cold or requires cold temperatures, the name refers to the fact that it requires no heat. Cold Wax was created in the 1930’s by Arthur Dove, an American artist. He did so by melting beeswax in turpentine and linseed oil. However it is derived from encaustic painting which has been around since the 4th century B.C, created by the Ancient Greeks. Pausias, a Greek painter of the 4th century B.C is said to have been one of the first recorded artists to use the encaustic painting methods. Pausias encaustic painting Cold Wax is very similar to encaustic painting. Encaustic painting is also a wax medium that creates similar effects to that of cold wax. Encaustic painting builds up relief and gives the painting a rich optical effect creating a startlingly life-like illusion. This environmentally safe medium emits no toxic fumes and uses no solvents. The biggest difference between cold wax and encaustic painting is that encaustic painting must have the wax be molten to work with and then reheated once it is applied to the surface. Whereas with cold wax, no heating is required.  Cold Wax paste has a very easy application process. All you have to do is mix the paste with the oil paint on your mixing palette. When mixing, you will need a ratio of 20% wax to 50% oil paint. The wax and oil paint mixture can be applied with an assortment of materials such as paint brushes, palette knives, colour pushers, squeegee, or rollers. It is best to apply the mixture to rather paper, canvas, or panel as it needs to be applied to an absorbent surface. Once applied, the wax then evaporates and hardens to the density of a beeswax candle. You can also remove cold wax with Gamsol. Cold Wax can also be used as a varnish, and does not just have to be used when mixed with paints. Instead wait for your painting to dry, and then rub a thin coat of the cold wax medium on top. This is a popular desired effect for acrylic paintings.  Cold Wax can add a number of things to your oil paintings! It helps speed up drying times and it increases the paint's workability. It also adds body, transparency, and depth to your artworks. Cold wax makes the oil colours thicker and dry with a more matte finish. When being used, cold wax and oil paint create a glazing effect with transparent layers being built up.   After using cold wax, it will take about 24 hours to dry to a matte finish. However, if you would prefer a satin sheen finish, use a soft cotton cloth to buff out the cold wax after 4-6 hours. It’s good to note that once the cold wax-oil paint mixture has dried, you can still continue to paint on top of it. Cold Wax paintings are best in cooler temperatures as they do have a melting point of 155 degrees F, therefore be careful where you store it. Pros Speeds up drying time As quick as within 24 hours! Requires no special ventilation Unlike encaustic painting Makes oil paints thicker and matte Perfect for layering! Adds body, transparency, and depth Cons Cannot mix with acrylic paint But can be used as a varnish on top of an acrylic painting! Has a melting point of 155 F Needs to be kept in a cooler environment! Cold Wax is a wonderful medium to test out on your oil paintings! It’s a simple, beginner friendly medium that only requires a small amount to be mixed into your paints. The results create beautiful matte finishes that enhance the body, transparency, and depth of your artworks. The fast drying times the wax creates are a huge bonus to your painting process as well! Using cold wax is definitely a technique to try out on your paintings.

Chalk Paint VS Milk Paint

     Milk Paint is an organic, environmentally friendly paint that has been used for thousands of years. This water based paint is made up of all natural ingredients such as clay, milk, lime, and pigment. The durability of Milk Paint makes it last for hundreds of years if protected from any elements. Its decorative finish produces an intense depth of colour and low luster chalky finish.

Milk Paint Finish

Chalk Paint is a water based paint that consists of a fine powder such as calcium carbonate or plaster that is then mixed with water. The colour component comes from adding commercial acrylic paint. The surfaces this paint can be applied to include but are not limited to: wood, plaster, melamine, metal, glass, flooring, brick, and concrete! It produces a velvet finish, a textured-aged finish, a smooth finish, or even a wash.

Chalk Paint Finish

The biggest difference between Milk and Chalk paint is the formula it comes in. Milk Paint arrives in a powder formula that needs to be activated by water, whereas Chalk Paint arrives in a liquid formula that is ready to be used. Both are water based and environmentally friendly however Milk Paint is completely all natural. However with it being all natural, it requires more coats of paint than Chalk Paint does as the Chalk Paint is a lot thicker. Both paints create a vintage aesthetic and are applied in similar manners. Each paint is user friendly and perfect for furniture upscaling!

Comparison

All About Chalk Paint!

 Chalk Paint was invented in 1990 by British artist Annie Sloan. This beginner friendly paint is fool proof and can make any paint job look professional. Chalk Paint can fit any style, whether it be modern, rustic, bohemian, eclectic, or farmhouse! This paint is perfect for those of you who love to DIY or revamp your furniture. This environmentally safe paint is made for sustainable restoration. Many public work engineers use this paint to mark sidewalks when doing construction.

The surfaces this paint can be applied to include but are not limited to: wood, plaster, melamine, metal, glass, flooring, brick, and concrete! This water based paint consists of a fine powder such as calcium carbonate or plaster that is then mixed with water. The colour component comes from adding commercial acrylic paint.

This decorative furniture paint requires no prep work and can be applied to any clean, dry surface. The Chalk Paint is quick, easy, and reliable to use. When applying Chalk Paint, always make sure to add two thin coats in order to get full coverage. The application process is also determined by the type of brush you use as well. These types of brushes can be a flat brush, a roller brush, or a spray gun! Many colours are available but you are also able to mix the colours to create your own shades. There are many finishes available when it comes to Chalk Paint. Depending on how you apply it, you can have a velvet finish, a textured-aged finish, a smooth finish, or even a wash. You can get these finishes by adding water to the paint, or leaving the lid off to thicken it out. After two hours of drying; to protect your finish, avoid flaking, and create a long lasting durable surface, apply a wax or lacquer to seal it all together. 

    Chalk Paint is the perfect start to upgrading your home furniture as it is an easy, beginner friendly product. With its many colours and finishes, you will be sure to find the perfect match for your home.

Chalk paint - Wikipedia

What is Chalk Paint™? | Annie Sloan