Completing the edge: Using Gaffer Tape to Finish your Artwork on Artefex Aluminum Honeycomb Art Panels

In the realm of artistic innovation this has been one of our favorites. The finishing touches and the final presentation are crucial to making sure the artwork is complete. For artists seeking a clean edge finish for their honeycomb aluminum art panels, the solution lies in the unassuming yet highly effective gaffer tape. This non-reflective cloth tape, available in a spectrum of colors and widths, not only provides a clean edge finish but also boasts easy application and removal. In this blog post, we delve into the process behind applying gaffer tape, exploring its application process with a spotlight on Sherry Sivo’s project featuring ‘Bienvenidos’ on an Artefex custom honeycomb panel.

A surprising Solution: Artefex Honeycomb Panels and Gaffer Tape

Unveiling ‘Bienvenidos’

The focal point of our discussion is Sherry Sivos work named ‘Bienvenidos,’ a delightful combination of oil and LED neon meticulously crafted on an Artefex custom lead-primed canvas. This unique creation finds its home in the foyer of a contemporary Miami condo, where it needed to be hung without a frame in a sleek contemporary presentation.

The Need for Customization

The successful realization of this project hinged on the necessity for large, lightweight, and rigid construction. Artefex’s custom-sized honeycomb panels emerged as the ideal solution for Sherry, by providing the structural integrity required in order to be hung in an area that will be constantly exposed to changes in the environment such as relative humidity.

Gaffer Tape Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting the Right Tape

Gaffer tape, with its non-reflective surface and varied options in colors and widths, is a very accessible companion for achieving a clean edge finish. Its unobtrusive nature ensures that attention remains on the artwork rather than the tape itself. The matte finish makes it inconspicuous in the final presentation.

Methodical Application

To ensure a flawless finish, follow these steps:

1. Lift and Loosen: Begin by lifting the leading end of the tape and loosening it gradually, handling several inches at a time.
2. Strategic Placement: Stick the tape to the panel edge, starting from a less visible point, such as the bottom edge.
3. Smooth Application: Continue applying the tape around the panel, smoothing it as you progress. Finish with an inch overlap, cutting the end at an angle for a polished look.

Long-Term Durability

The edges of ‘Bienvenidos’ were taped 18 months ago and the result speaks for itself — no bubbling or lifting has occurred. With that being said one must keep in mind that by design this is not a long term solution. Rather this is an easy and clean presentation that can easily be reversed if the circumstances change in the future. For instance if the artwork will be framed when moved to a different location, which is common. The benefit of using this method is that when removing this tape it is designed to leave no residue and reapplication is easy.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Artistry with Gaffer Tape

In the world of art presentation, the finishing touches matter. Gaffer tape is a simple solutions to achieve a clean edge finish on a honeycomb panel. Its ease of application and variety of options, make it a valuable asset for artists seeking to hide the honeycomb edge. As showcased by ‘Bienvenidos’ on an Artefex honeycomb panel, the marriage of artistic vision and practical execution can result in a masterpiece that stands the test of time.

An effective clean edge finish for the honeycomb panel, gaffer tape is a non-reflective cloth tape available in different colors and widths. It is easy to place on panel edges and is easy to remove. 
The following images feature ‘Bienvenidos’ , oil and LED neon on Artefex custom lead primed canvas. This large piece is installed in the foyer of a contemporary Miami condo. The project required large, light weight and rigid construction, achieved with the custom sized Artefex honeycomb panel.

To apply the tape, lift leading end of tape and loosen several inches at a time, stick the tape to panel edge in a less visible point like the bottom edge. Continue around the panel, smoothing the tape you apply and end with an inch overlap, cutting the end at angle.

The edges were taped 18 months ago, where it remains intact, no bubbling or lifting has occurred. I used the bright flash to highlight the tape placement so you can see where it meets the front edge of the honeycomb, but in natural light it is not visible, as you can see in the other photos.