Cradled Panel Prep

[Donna T]

I thought this was worth sharing because I’ve seen cradled panels in galleries that don’t look so great from the side. This artist shows how to keep the sides looking neat.

 

[Terri]

Very impressive prep work there! She has a nice method. No doubt, her finished edges are crisp looking.

And now I feel like a loser for preferring to paint my sides. They've always looked so lonely.

 

[Bongo]

Very impressive prep work there! She has a nice method. No doubt, her finished edges are crisp looking.

And now I feel like a loser for preferring to paint my sides. They've always looked so lonely.

lI always paint my edges black, because I use cheap pine or poplar.

 

[Hermes2020]

I make my panels the same way, but use 16mm thick, 40mm wide strips of MDF instead of wood. I also glue two strips on the back and screw on the little brackets with rings (I don't know what they are called) that hold the hanging wire. It is easier than having to do this after the painting is finished.

Some painters continue the painting around the edges, but I don't like that. I prefer to paint the edges white or black, depending on the painting.

 

[Donna T]

It’s good to hear how you guys do your cradled panels. I wonder if a thin layer of acrylic medium around the edges would help even if you paint the sides black. Would it fill any gaps and prevent the black paint from flowing over to the front of the panel?

 

[Bongo]

I attached the cradle to the panel after the panel's painted so no danger of getting black paint on the picture.

I always put the best strips of wood on the sides, where they will show when hung. I lightly sand the strips, then use matte black spray paint. Sometimes, for a "natural" look, I use shellac (or amber-tinted shellac) instead.

I don't make cradles for every painting. That saves storage space and expense.

 

[Donna T]

That’s an interesting way to do it, Bongo; thanks so much for explaining. I’ve heard of using black gesso but your spray paint is probably a better choice.