Many sketchers desire to have clean, even borders in their sketchbooks. However, most artist's tapes are too wide for this purpose, making them cumbersome to work with. Wide tapes need to be trimmed down in some way. Alternatively, borders on sketchbook pages can be measured and taped off, with the excess tape folded over to the back of the leaf. Still a lot of work. A few years ago, I came across a product that enables you to make thin, even borders without any fuss.
This narrow roll of painter's tape, 6mm (.23") wide, produced by Painter's Mate is a great solution. It is easy to use and is available at most hardware and paint supply stores.
Its slim profile doesn't take up much space when added to your sketch kit for working on location. More importantly, you don't have to mess with measuring, folding over wide pieces of tape, or having to cut them down into thinner strips.
To create an even border edge, simply line up the edge of the tape to the outside edge of your sketchbook page or paper. If you don't get it square the first time, no problem as it is easy to remove and reposition. Pages can swiftly be subdivided for smaller sketches, as seen below.
Always Check First
It is always a good idea to test the surface of the paper you are using with tape of any type. Painter's tape removes easily, but that is dependant on how long the tape has been on the paper. Always remove the tape by carefully pulling the strips downwards and to the side. NEVER pull upwards (the same goes when tearing paper). If you find that it does remove or mark the paper's surface in any way, then take the strips of tape and adhere them to your pant leg or shirt sleeve first before applying them to the paper.
When working on location or in the studio, materials that help expedite the working process, making it seamless and more enjoyable, are priceless!
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