Using Masking Tape for Textured Patterns

Masking tape is a really useful tool in painting I find, whether you just create patterns and paint over it, mask off edges of the painting to frame it or maybe use texture.

In the past I have created a few paintings that have had a specific part of the painting that has raised texture using masking tape, maybe just to emphasise a feature in the painting.  I have also used this method just to add some extra shapes to an abstract painting.

So I have created a quick video to show how I use this technique – in this case I am creating a small painting with a raised, textured beach hut. In this case, instead of using my standard mixture of stucco and PVA I have used ready mixed plaster – which is something that is easily available in most DIY/hardware shops – with craft PVA.

To make the pattern, stick down the masking tape where you want the beach hut (or whatever you are drawing) and mark up the pattern on it.

Then cut out the pattern using a craft knife. You can press reasonably hard (as hard as you need to to cut the tape) and you should not cut the canvas.

Peel the tape off inside the pattern and spread the texture over this area. you can then remove the remaining masking tape to reveal the beach hut and scrape some lines in it using a kebab stick or whatever you have to hand.

Here is the video:

Another example of using this technique with masking tape is a painting I did with a seagull which I sold a few years ago.

Another example of using masking tape is to create a border around the painting or just to divide up some aspects of the painting as per below: