We don’t need to tell you how versatile acrylic paint is. From capturing realistic landscapes and sprawling outdoor murals to bringing your abstract artwork to life, there’s little that acrylic paint can’t do.
And while acrylic paint is perfect on its own, you can make your next project even more eye-catching by using other materials you already have around your home, like masking tape.
Acrylic paint masking tape techniques are perfect for creating crisp lines and geometric shapes. Next time you want to create an abstract painting or straight edges, you’ll be reaching for some tape.
Ready to master acrylic painting using masking tape?
Tips for Mastering Masking Tape
Beginner artists and seasoned painters alike can use masking tape to create super straight edges in their art. To achieve these clean lines it’s important to make sure the paint doesn’t bleed.
Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your acrylic painting using masking tape retains its integrity. The experts at A Butterfly House recommend applying a clear layer of mod podge or another clear medium on the seam of the tape. After letting it dry completely you can then apply your acrylic paint.
This is the best way to prevent the paint from bleeding so you achieve crisp lines. You should also make sure to take your time putting the tape down. The surface should be free of dust and debris and consider using a tool like a putty knife to seal the edges completely. Then, wait until the paint is completely dry before removing the tape.
These simple steps can go a long way to improving your acrylic painting masking tape techniques.
Easy Masking Tape Acrylic Paint Techniques
Now for what you’ve been waiting for, the best acrylic paint masking tape techniques you can try for yourself! We’re covering everything from the more traditional to abstract painting techniques with acrylic and masking tape and everything in between.
Straight Lines
One of the simpler acrylic paint masking tape techniques involves using masking tape to create straight lines in your artwork. All you need to do is apply the tape on the surface in the desired position. Make sure it’s adhered properly to the safe surface with the tips mentioned above.
Then, just paint over the tape and let it dry before removing it. You will have crisp, clean lines as a result! This technique can be used to create stripes for a mural or abstract piece.
Geometric Shapes
Once you’re comfortable using masking tape (or even painter’s tape) with acrylic, you can try your hand at making geometric shapes. Grab a pair of scissors and cut the tape into your designed shape. Rectangles, triangles, squares, or even hearts and flowers - it’s truly up to you!
Then stick the tape onto the desired surface, paint over it, let it dry, and remove the tape. This technique allows you to create precise shapes in your artwork and you can get creative layering your colors and shapes over one another (just make sure to let your painting completely dry before each layer).
If you're afraid of painting into the shape, or if you want to make a fluid stroke behind the shape mask, you can use masking tape in combination with butcher paper. Simply cut the butcher paper to the shape and size you want, tape the edges leaving half of the width of tape available to stick to your painting surface, and apply to your painting. This way you don't have to worry about going over the tape alone and ruining the silhouette of your shape.
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Stenciling
If you want to get fancy with your scissors, this masking tape acrylic paint technique is for you. It’s surprisingly easy to make a stencil out of tape and you can let your imagination go wild. You can create intricate patterns or unique shapes with ease.
Of course, using that much tape can add up. You can instead use butcher paper or a heavy cardstock to make stencils. The former might move around a bit and need to be taped down, but the latter will lay flat.
Stenciling is great when you want to create clean outlines in your artwork.
Layering
Using masking tape can also allow you to protect certain areas from paint and create layered effects. For instance, you can cover a specific area of your artwork or details you want to preserve and then apply a glaze or other medium to the rest. This can be subtle or more dramatic, like if you want certain shapes or areas to be preserved before you cover it all in a puddle pour.
Negative Space
Similarly, you can use masking tape to create negative space in your art. The experts at Art Ignition explain that negative space is beneficial to help draw your eye to the subject of your art and allow it space to breathe and be appreciated. It also creates balance and can make paintings more visually pleasing.
Use masking tape strategically to create negative space on canvas, wood, or other materials.
Want to try these acrylic paint masking tape techniques for yourself? Explore 92 brilliant colors of professional acrylic paint from Nova Color to get started!