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Tips: How to get a smooth, flat, even surfaced collage:
1.
Heavy Papers. Start with heavy watercolor or printmaking paper as
a base for the collage.
2.
Uniform Weights. Work with papers that have a uniform weight. For
example - use all medium weight collage papers. If your original
papers are too thin, too thick, or fragile, photocopy them in advance
onto Cranes 100% cotton fiber paper, available in boxes in stationery
stores. Photocopying also allows you to create multiples of an image,
reduce or enlarge an image. Cranes paper works well with medium weight
acid-free printmaking and drawing papers.
3.
Plan Ahead. Plan the collage as much in advance as possible. Sort
and select papers you will use by image, scale, texture and color.
Determine how you will begin, and if collage papers will overlap or if
paper edges will butt.
4.
Set up your workspace. Include an area to sort and view papers, to
place papers on the substrate (collage base) and to apply glue. Add a
space for the glue container, brush and water tub, pencils, scissors,
and any other tools. Keep paper towels and trash bin nearby.
5.
The Right Glue. Work with the right glue for the paper you use. I
always use PVA white glue because it works well with medium weight
papers. Make sure glue is the right consistency (viscosity) – not
too thick and not too thin. I also use distilled water to thin my
glue, and work with a small amount of glue in a small glue container,
separated from the larger glue container. This helps avoid any
contamination into the large glue supply. I purchase small plastic flip-top containers for this purpose
sold in art supply stores.
6.
The Right Brush. Work
with the right size brush. I use a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch bristle or
sponge brush. Apply the right amount of glue onto the back of the
collage papers. Too much glue causes glue puddles, leaks, streaks and
air bubbles. Too little glue reduces quality adhesion.
7.
Work on a clean surface. Place each collage piece face down on
clean paper towel. Apply glue to back of collage piece with even
strokes, starting the brush at the center of the collage piece with a
sweeping brush stroke out toward the edges of the paper. Continue
brush to just outside the edge of the collage paper (onto the paper
towel). This ensures glue is coating the edges of collage paper. Note:
I change and turn paper towels often so that paper towels are clean,
and glue never gets on the front of the collage papers.
7.
Reduce excess glue. Blot glue from the back of the collage paper:
Flip over glued collage paper and place glue side face down onto paper
towel and press gently to remove excess glue before placing collage
piece onto the substrate. If paper is placed incorrectly, quickly lift
it up, place it onto a clean paper towel and reapply glue (steps 5, 6
and 7 above) and place again onto collage substrate.
9.
Squegee. Use your hand or a plastic squeegee and press the glued
paper down onto the collage substrate. Protect the surface of the
collage in progress. Use a paper towel or glassine sheet to prevent
fingerprints, glue or dirt when you transfer glued papers. Use a
wooden 1 inch wooden wallpaper seam roller to roll edges of each glued
paper down to ensure a good bond and prevent edges from curling up.
10.
Gesso. Continue to apply collage papers until piece is completed
to your satisfaction. If the collage base has curled or warped (for
example, the entire finished collage does not lie flat), place it face
down on a heavy, clean cardboard surface and tape down back of collage
1/4 inch in from all sides with acid free tape. Brush a single, even
coat of gesso in a horizontal direction to cover the entire back of
collage right up to the taped edge. Allow to dry. Brush a second coat
of gesso in opposite vertical direction to cover the entire back of
the collage. Allow to dry. Remove tape and discard. Collage should be
completely flat. Protect the front surface of collage with acrylic gel
medium or varnish. When framing the collage, do not allow glass or
Plexiglas to touch the collage surface.
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