The Framers Forum

I was asked recently for another commission using a two tone blue moulding that the cutomer particularly wanted to repeat. As the moulding had been withdrawn I bought plain wood moulding and painted it but have found some leaching from one colour to the other. I put this down to the tape not being firmly attached but I don't want to lift off any paint under the tape. Can anyone recommend a good adhesive tape that will prevent capillary action but will not lift paint beneath?

Thanks,

Dave

Hi Dave.

What paint are you using?

Masking tape is the best stuff. Make sure you have the edge firmly rubbed down. Don't use the paint too 'wet' and don't load the brush too heavily. This should lessen the bleeding, but whatever you do it's difficult not to get a ragged bit here and there. It's nice to have the join between two colours coinciding with a groove or any natural division in the moulding, but that's not always possible. If you want a really clean line on a flat surface, the only way really is to spray on light coats. As for paint lifting when removing the tape, maybe it needs to dry longer before masking.

Thanks Prospero,

I had considered using spray paints but the shades of blue required were only achieved by mixing two colours together. I wasn't sure if any tape spec would have the edge grip qualities without lifting some of the paint bebeathy (I left the paint two days to dry off but still get slight lifting which detracts from the end effect) I guess I could say I've 'distressed it' for the customer.

I appreciate your help though.

Thanks

Dave

are you putting some kind of primer on the wood first?

to stop the paint bleeding into the wood too much?

Dave. Can you post a pic of the moulding you are trying to copy? Or tell me the supplier/ref - I may have it in a catalogue.

Are you applying paint on bare wood? Not varnished/wax polished or anything like that....

Hi Prospero,

I've forwarded 5 JPEGs of the mouldings to John in the hope he will forward them to you.

The first couple are of Lion Moulding 1176 but I'm not sure of the manufacturer of the speckled gold with dark brown outside edge.

If you can lay your hands on some I would be keen to buy them off you.

Kind regards,

Dave