Sanding and safety

[Brightening Air]

I am new to Wet Canvas and have been lurking for a few weeks. I've haven't painted in quite a while but I'm ready to get out the brushes again; starting with finishing a painting that I began about a year ago.

After I sanded off a layer of paint, it occurred to me that I had just dispersed cadmium. I've sanded off layers in the past without thinking about it. Now that my baby granddaughter is living with us, I'm more safety-conscious.

Does anyone have an alternative to sanding to remove layers of paint or a safe way to sand?


Kelly

[DAK723]

Sorry, but I don't have an answer to your question. But I am curious, why are sanding off layers. I know that people do it, but in over 35 years of painting I have never done so once. Just curious as to why you can't just paint over your last layer.

Don

[George Servais]

Hi Kelly and welcome to the forum. I am assuming that you are speaking of canvas. If so, I gave up on sanding a canvas. Too darned much work. I just take the canvas off, turn it around and staple it back on. If you are talking about Masonite of some other form of hardboard take it outside and use a finishing sander with a mask and eye protection.

[George Servais]

Hi Kelly and welcome to the forum. I am assuming that you are speaking of canvas. If so, I gave up on sanding a canvas. Too darned much work. I just take the canvas off, turn it around and staple it back on.At least that is what the old masters did. If you are talking about Masonite of some other form of hardboard take it outside and use a finishing sander with a mask and eye protection.

[idylbrush]

You might consider using a wet/dry sandpaper and sanding the surface wet. Use a spray bottle and dry cloth or paper towel to clean up. Either wash or dispose of the cleaning cloth/towel.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...r#.UCMaZ6lw29c

[Brightening Air]

Sorry, I should have given more information. The substrate is Masonite. The painting is all flesh tones - see below. I was glazing and the shadows were starting to look chalky. I thought glazing over chalky would just make things worse, so I stepped back a layer or two, which definitely helped. I then glazed a layer of tit white, burnt sienna, and cad yellow lemon over most of the painting, which brings it back to a starting point of sorts.

The other reason I sometimes sand is that I like to glaze but don't like the way glazing flows and settles over an uneven surface.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Kelly

[George Servais]

Hi Kelly and welcome to the forum. I am assuming that you are speaking of canvas. If so, I gave up on sanding a canvas. Too darned much work. I just take the canvas off, turn it around and staple it back on.At least that is what the old masters did. If you are talking about Masonite of some other form of hardboard take it outside and use a finishing sander with a mask and eye protection.

[George Servais]

Sorry about the multiple posts. apparently my keyboard is shot and I have switched to another computer.