Sanding Paper
This week’s lesson is short and sweet. The photo above shows the inside of two book covers, both of which have been re-lined in printed paper. The one on the left shows the paper as purchased, glued in place. The one on the right shows the same paper after sanding with a sanding block. Any questions?
Sanding is an almost immediate way to age most printed papers. In the case of my example, I was working with a paper that looked brand-spanking new, both in terms of the intensity of the colors, and the shiny surface finish. Sanding toned the colors down, and completely removed the shine from the surface.
I prefer sanding blocks to sanding paper because they’re easier to hold. I usually buy mine at the hardware store, in the paint supply section. My favorite is coarse on one side, and medium on the other. I have one that’s fine on one side, and I hardly ever use it.
One thing to note about sanding blocks is that they pick up the ink color of whatever is being sanded, as sort of a fine dust. This is a good thing while you’re sanding that piece, because the dust tones the piece and mellows the colors, but not so great when you move on to the next piece, whose colors may be completely different. Wipe the blocks down with a soft cloth after use to remove any loose dust. I’ve actually exploited this quality by sanding a gessoed board, then sanding a paper I wanted to lighten—the white dust gives a sort of ghostly haze to the paper.
That’s it for today. Now, go sand something…
Aug 17th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Dang Lisa, once again you show that the simplest techniques do the most :-). I have a whole pile of ugly bright paper that I can play with now!
Aug 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I wonder how my sanding block for wet-sanding plaster patch will work on my papers- if it’s just barely damp…I know the wrinkles that could occur as the paper dries- but was thinking it might be nice to actually (and easily) wear some of the paper off in itty bitty chunks- (also the moisture would hold the dust down- which for my lungs is good, but not good for the dust effect you mention - sighhh)…another great lesson from my guru - thanks for the reminder to use my construction tools!
Aug 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Oh, superb - I’ve sanded kids board books for prepping, but never paper to mellow it, and it works so well!
Cheers!
Aug 17th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Ah, Lisa, you’ve done it again! I never really thought about the fact that the DUST will mellow the colors and the sheen of the paper you’ve sanded! Bravo, now I’m going to Go Sand Stuff.
Aug 17th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I wish I could get out of the house more ! I can remember having to use big sheets of sanding pater, so bought me a sanding machine, which made things easier. One thing about it, you keep me up to times without leaving home!
Go, girl, Go!
Aug 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
thanks for today’s lesson Lisa! Off to check out your challenge.
Aug 17th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Another brilliantly simple effective idea! Thanks Lisa!
Aug 17th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Thank you Lisa,
I have sanded a lot of things and surfaces but never thought to do it on paper. Great tut, short and sweet.
Lesley
Aug 17th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
I love sanding paper, it’s such a great distressed look. Sometimes I also add a bit of color — either darker or lighter, depending on goal mood — by running a piece of chalk over the sanded paper, which puts chalk dust in the scratches and adds another layer of depth. You can wipe off the excess dust with a paper towel.
Aug 18th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Great tip! Thanks Lisa!
Aug 19th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Great Lisa, thanks for the tip.
Aug 19th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
sounds simple, looks effective, must give it a try. Wonder if this would work with photographs?
Aug 19th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I have a ton of cheap sanding paper I never use because it’s annoying to use. This gives me an idea to make a fake sanding block by taping it to the back of a wooden stamp block.
Aug 20th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Cool! Now I have to go buy a sanding block.
Thanks Lisa!!!!
Aug 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 am
Good tip about using the hardware section. The same items in the craft stores are almost double the price for the same function!