ATC making - Finishing off for a professional Look

Mixed Media Art Questions for Milliande

I made some mini collage on 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 papers that I attached to old playing cards- but I want to know additonal ideas re. the best materials to use to make the front stay securely and neatly attached.

Double sided tape does not always work that well on the playing cards.

I also tried to cover the front surface of the card with a liquid glaze used for jig saw puzzles, - it was ok but It does not look that professional so I tried some others with wide packing tape to cover the front -

any other suggestions to make it have a more finished look?



Mixed Media Art Questions Answered by Milliande
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Playing Cards can have quite a gloss finish due to the coating used on the cards, so I would first use some fine grade sandpaper to give the surface some " tooth" so that any adhesive may adhere to it better.

As for adhering the collage art to the playing card.. I would use a gel medium glue as they do not contain a high water content therefore less buckling will happen when glued to a soft surface like a playing card.

As for the front of the collage card .. a spray sealer might work ..somethign that is often used to fix pastels ( a pastel spray fixative) if you just want a little bit of a sealing effect without it showing up too much

For a proper Seal use a brush on art varnish , Golden produces one that also contains a UV protector if the Art collage is to be displayed -- it will prevent it from fading, especially iof the collage art contains paper elements that are not acid free

There are also matte and semi matt spray varnished available if the collage has been painted with water soluble crayons or watercolors-- these will prevent the artwork from smudging if it needs to be sealed.

hope this helps
...milliande