Wax paper can be a vital tool if you’re keeping an art journal. Wax paper can separate damp art journal pages — after they’ve been painted or collaged — so they don’t stick together. I carry wax paper with me when I travel, so I can work on several journal pages in a row, and not wait for pages to dry.
Wax paper has many great features:
- Wax paper is inexpensive.
- It’s very slightly porous (so the pages dry underneath)
- It’s super-easy to use.
- Wax paper is environmentally friendly.
- You can often use the same sheet two or three times before throwing it away.
You’ll find wax paper at the grocery store, in the aisle with foil and plastic (cling) wrap. In the States, the leading brand is Reynolds’ Cut-Rite wax paper. That’s it in the photo, above. The package is about the same size as a roll of foil or plastic (cling) wrap.
Sometimes it’s half-hidden on the bottom shelf. In other areas, wax paper is a popular product for use with microwave ovens, so you’ll find wax paper more prominently displayed.
When I’m separating journal pages with wax paper, I cut or tear the wax paper so that it’s slightly larger than the journal page. An extra half-inch on each side is usually enough.
The key to success is not to allow much weight or pressure on wet pages. In other words, the wax paper should practically float on the damp page. Don’t press it onto the page.
WAX PAPER AND GESSO
Generally, I gesso five or six pages at a time. I’ve successfully gesso’d up to eight pages at a time. However, I’m usually working with spiral-bound sketchbooks. They’re generally my favorite journals.
If I was working with a regular, bound journal, I’d watch carefully to see how much the binding “pulls” the pages together. I might only be able to work with two pages at a time: one wet page and the back of the facing page.
Wax paper is not 100% reliable when you want to keep wet pages apart.
The wax paper sticks about 10 – 15% of the time, when I’m using it. I may collage over those pages later, since the surface of the page is already a bit distressed. Or, I may leave them “as-is” to reflect the creative process.
It all depends upon how they look when the page is dry and I take a fresh look at it.
I’ve used wax paper when I’ve gesso’d in airplanes (very dry air) and — at the other extreme — in sultry, humid Houston.
I have slightly better success with wax paper when the air is dry and the pages dry more quickly.
If you try wax paper and don’t have much success with it, try gently crushing the wax paper so it holds the pages slightly apart.
It’s important to gently crush the wax paper; if you fold it enough that the wax falls off at the crease, that line (or point) may stick to wet paint, gel medium, or gesso.
WAX PAPER AND PAINT
When I want to separate wet, painted journal pages, I’m far more careful with the pages.
Then, I will separate two pages at the most: The one that I’ve just painted, and the one that I’m currently working on. Because wax paper isn’t 100% non-stick, I don’t want to risk damage.
Remember: Less weight or pressure on the wax paper means less risk of sticking.
WAX PAPER AND GEL MEDIUM OR GLUE
Wax paper is best for separating pages with small amounts of wet gel medium or glue on them. However, most gel medium won’t stick to wax paper.
In storage, I also use wax paper to protect every page of my collaged art journals. Then, even during sultry summer heat, the gel medium doesn’t re-soften and stick to the page opposite it.
Think of it this way: We use an iron to “melt” gel medium for image transfers. Likewise, gel medium can become sticky if you store your journals in a hot attic, garage, or other warm area.
Unlike gel medium, glue can be hit-or-miss with wax paper. It can vary with how wet the glue is, and if the glue contains alcohol or any kind of solvent.
You can test this ahead of time. Put a blob of the glue on a piece of paper, and place a piece of wax paper on top of it. Press gently, enough so contact occurs.
Then, wait a minute or two and see if the wax paper sticks to the glue. If it does, wax paper won’t protect your journal pages where that glue is wet and exposed.
You may be safe with sheets of foil as separators. Or, consider thin sheets of teflon-coated plastic, sold in kitchen supply shops; they’re sold for use when baking very sticky cookies, meringues, and so on.
Plastic wrap (cling film) isn’t usually helpful. It tends to stick to paint, gel medium and glue, and some glues will completely melt it.
SUMMARY
Wax paper is a valuable tool when you’re working with wet pages in your art journal or illustrated diary.
Wax paper isn’t foolproof, but it’s still one of the best and least expensive ways to keep wet pages from sticking to each other.
You’ll have the best luck when you’re working with wet gel medium. Gesso and glue have a higher “failure” rate with wax paper.
However, in art there are no “failures,” just challenges and opportunities to create new and different art to make the most of life’s surprises.
The good news is, wax paper will prevent most wet pages from sticking together.
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