Outlining Non-Linear Shapes: Paint Tricks For Perfect Edges

Creating a non-linear shape outline in a digital painting is a simple process. You can use the 'Snap to Grid' feature to draw outlines, or manually position the Ruler stencil. For non-digital paintings, you can use tape to mask out the area outside the shape you want to create. You can also use transparent plastic or translucent paper to create a template. If you're working on a larger canvas, you can use vinyl shelf liner or vinyl wallpaper.

Using stencils and selections

Stencils are a great way to outline a non-linear shape in Paint. They mask out areas of paint and can be transformed and saved. You can use existing stencils or create your own out of other images. To create a stencil, you can use the Transform tool to edit and move, flip, resize, or rotate your image.

To outline a non-linear shape, you can use the Ruler stencil to draw straight lines or use the Ctrl/Cmd or Ctrl + Shift command. If you want to create a border, you can duplicate your image, expand or shrink it, and change the colour of the border layer.

If you want to create a very simple shape, such as a circle, you can use existing stencils or the selection tool to define the area before adding paint. The Selection tool lets you draw freehand or create circles and ellipses to get curving edges. You can use the Selection tool in 'Paint Area' mode to paint a neat curving line around the edge of a stencil in Ruler or Guide mode.

Selections are a little more complicated than stencils and cannot be saved and reused. However, they are often very quick to use, especially with keyboard shortcuts, and let you edit your selection to get the precise result you want. You can use active selections in combination with stencils if you want to paint a larger area with a complicated shape.

Tracing shapes with tape

Prepare the Surface

Start by covering the areas of the canvas that you won't be painting. Use paper or a light material, fixed with masking tape, to protect these areas. If your canvas is textured, use a thin bead of tacky putty to fill in the gaps and ensure a smooth surface.

Create a Template

To mask the inside of the desired shape, create a template using transparent plastic or translucent paper. Cut out the shape, leaving a margin within the outlines for the tape. Hold the template in place while you tape it to the board. You can also use chipboard or open up a large cereal box to create a template that can be reused.

Trace with Tape

Now, take your painter's tape and trace or draw the desired shape onto the tape. If you're using a wide shape, you can overlap multiple strips of tape to contain the shape. Wax paper or used backer paper can be used as an easy-release surface to draw the shape before transferring it to your canvas.

Apply Tape to Canvas

After cutting out the shape from the tape, carefully peel it from the backing and position it on your canvas. Press it down smoothly, especially if your canvas has curves or uneven surfaces.

Paint and Reveal

Prime your canvas or surface with a light spray coat, and once dry, use fine sandpaper to smooth out any grit. Spray with your base colour and let it dry. Now, you're ready to apply your desired colour. Lightly spray or paint within the taped area, being careful not to get paint on the taped sections.

Finally, within about 10 minutes of spraying the final coat, start peeling the tape off slowly. Enjoy your beautifully traced non-linear shape!

Utilising grids and guides

When outlining a non-linear shape on a digital painting platform such as ArtRage, utilising grids and guides can be highly beneficial. Grids and guides allow you to plan and structure your work, ensuring precision and accuracy in your outlines. Here are some detailed instructions on how to effectively use these tools:

Planning with Grids

The 'Snap to Grid' feature in ArtRage is a valuable tool for creating outlines. This feature lets you snap your brush strokes to a grid, enabling you to draw straight lines and shapes with ease. To use this feature effectively:

• Enable the 'Snap to Grid' option in your settings.
• Adjust the grid size to suit your needs—a smaller grid size provides more precision.
• Use the grid as a guide to draw your outlines, allowing the lines to snap to the grid intersections.

Working with Guides

Guides are another essential tool for outlining non-linear shapes. They provide visual references to help you draw accurate lines and shapes. Here's how you can use them:

• Manually position the Ruler stencil to create a guide. You can use the Ctrl or Cmd key to activate the Ruler tool and draw straight lines.
• Combine guides with stencils by adding a border around your stencil. This will help you draw a neat outline, especially for complex shapes.
• Use the 'Paint Area' mode to draw lines along the edges of your guides. This will create an active selection that follows the shape of your outline.

Stencils and Selections

Stencils are incredibly useful when working with non-linear shapes. They allow you to mask out specific areas, ensuring that your paint only applies to the desired sections. Here's how to make the most of stencils:

• Create a stencil by selecting the desired shape and transforming it into a stencil. You can also use pre-made stencils available in the desktop editions of ArtRage.
• Position your stencil over the area you want to outline. You can adjust and transform the stencil as needed.
• Use the Selection tool (Shift + T) to modify your selection further. You can invert the selection (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + I) or clear it (Ctrl/Cmd + D) as required.
• Draw around the edges of your stencil to create a precise outline.

Combining Techniques

For more complex shapes, you can combine grids, guides, and stencils to achieve the desired outline. Here's how you can integrate these techniques:

• Use the 'Snap to Grid' feature to plan out the basic structure of your non-linear shape.
• Create a stencil that aligns with the grid to mask out the specific area you want to outline.
• Position guides along the edges of your stencil to ensure accurate drawing.
• Draw your outline by following the guides and the stencil, achieving a precise and neat result.

By utilising grids, guides, and stencils, you can effectively outline non-linear shapes in your digital paintings. These tools provide structure and precision, allowing you to create clean and professional-looking outlines, even for the most complex shapes.

Drawing with layers

When creating a non-linear shape on a digital painting program such as ArtRage, Paint.NET, or similar software, you can use layers to outline and add borders to your shapes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

Preparing the Canvas and Layers

Firstly, open your chosen software and create a new canvas. You can then use the Layers menu to add new layers to your canvas. For a non-linear shape, you will likely need at least two layers: one for the shape itself and another for the outline or border. Duplicate your base layer to create a new layer for the outline.

Creating the Shape

On your base layer, use the drawing tools to create your desired non-linear shape. This could be a freehand drawing or a more precise shape using the available tools and stencils. If you are using ArtRage, you can take advantage of the "Guides and Grids" feature, the "Snap to Grid" function, or the Ruler stencil to help you draw your shape more accurately.

Adding the Outline

With your shape complete, select the duplicate layer and adjust its position slightly to create a border effect. You can do this by using the transform tools to expand or shrink the second shape, ensuring it is slightly larger than the original. This will give you a quick and easy outline around your shape.

If you require a more intricate border, you can utilize stencils and selections. Stencils can be positioned over your original shape, and by using the "Invert Stencil" option, you can paint around the blocked-out area. For more complex shapes, consider using the Ruler Mode in ArtRage to ensure a neat and precise outline.

Refining the Appearance

Once your outline is in place, you can experiment with different appearances. Try adjusting the colour of the outline layer to make it stand out. You can also merge the layers together and use the "Fill tool" to edit the appearance further.

Additionally, if you want to create a silhouette effect, as described in the Paint.NET instructions, you can manipulate the brightness and contrast settings of the layers. By sliding the brightness bar to the left and the contrast bar to the right, you can achieve a black silhouette of your original shape.

Advanced Techniques

For a more advanced technique, you can create line art on a separate layer above your colours. You can then change the line art to the "multiply" blending mode, allowing it to mix with the colours underneath. This will give you the ability to change the colours of your outline while maintaining the defined shape.

By following these steps and utilizing the features provided by your chosen software, you can effectively outline non-linear shapes using layers and various tools.

Applying vinyl templates

Surface Preparation

Firstly, it is crucial to assess the surface to which you will be applying the vinyl. Different types of vinyl are suitable for different surfaces. For instance, specialty vinyl is required for highly textured surfaces like brick or concrete walls. The paint or finish of the surface also plays a significant role in vinyl adhesion. Gloss paints offer the best adhesion for vinyl, while matte paints and textured paints may cause adhesion issues. Therefore, it is recommended to test the vinyl on the application surface before beginning. Additionally, ensure that the paint is cured; it is best to wait at least a week after painting before applying vinyl, as uncured paint can cause vinyl to peel.

Installation Process

During the installation process, pay close attention to the vinyl application technique. Vinyl application can be tricky, and it is common for inexperienced individuals to apply vinyl with wrinkles or in a crooked manner. Consider consulting an experienced installer before attempting the application yourself.

Post-Installation

After applying the vinyl, you may need to wait for the paint to dry before removing the vinyl template. In some cases, you may be able to peel off the vinyl immediately, but be cautious to avoid letting wet vinyl touch the painted surface. Start from the top corner and work your way out towards the opposite lower corner. For small and hard-to-reach pieces of vinyl, using a pin can help in the removal process.

By following these steps and paying close attention to surface preparation, the installation process, and post-installation care, you can successfully apply vinyl templates to non-linear shapes, creating a visually pleasing and long-lasting result.

Frequently asked questions