New Studio

[iontheable]

So I move into my new apartment this week and I am converting a 2 car garage into an art facility, its going to host all my art work, music and painting s alike.

With that said, I will be building a desk for my computer and art lab.

With all that unecessary out of the way, my question is this: what material would you have down as a surface for your drawing space?

I'm looking for a material that will be directly underneath a sheet of paper, so it has to be fine and smooth but still have some grip.

I'm not looking for the most expensive avenue, but I would like quality.


Let me know what you come up with!

Thanks!

[KarylGilbertson]

Maybe try a large self-healing cutting mat? They're a little soft, but smooth, and you can trim your artwork on that surface without scratching any tabletops. You can get them at arts and/or crafts stores, I think they make big big ones for people who make quilts.

[kab]

They do come in really large sizes, I've seen 2.5x2 meter ones and I'm sure larger sizes are available, but if you plan on buying a table-top sized one at an art-supply store, I'm pretty sure it will be expensive. I recommend you look around for a good price before you buy. Hope to see some progress shots of your studio, I love seeing how people work =)

[Peter Coene]

Maybe try a large self-healing cutting mat? They're a little soft, but smooth, and you can trim your artwork on that surface without scratching any tabletops. You can get them at arts and/or crafts stores, I think they make big big ones for people who make quilts.

Really good idea on that one.

[iontheable]

Maybe try a large self-healing cutting mat? They're a little soft, but smooth, and you can trim your artwork on that surface without scratching any tabletops. You can get them at arts and/or crafts stores, I think they make big big ones for people who make quilts.

Excellent idea, I had not even come close to thinking down that avenue...kept thinking about super fine laminated wood and such.

Thank You!

I'm not convinced it will be hard enough though, I do a lot of charcoal and hard pencil and pen work. I'll have to a craft store and see.

Another issue is possibly this (I'll try to explain this design as best as I can) so this desk is going to host a few computers, some of my music recording equipment and the 'drafting' table.

The drafting portion is where I'm looking to lay this material, but heres how it works: it will be on hinges, so that I can raise it from the rear(away from me) and make it into an easel-like setup.

\
\
/\
hinges--> o \
______|___\ CHAIR :)


So that's probably the best visual I could give ya, so maybe I could just screw a mat onto that, like I said, I'm not sure and I'm not in a rush..though I am excited hehe

It just dawned on me that looking at other drafting tables online for material reference might give me a hand..

Sometimes, I r a moron :)

THANKS AGAIN!

If anyone else has tips, please feel free..I'll post pics once all this is done..I'm expecting a nice finished product, stained and all.

**Update** I'm looking into buying a sheet of melamine particle board..and possibly one of those small craft mats to place on top only when needed because the advantage to having a good cutting surface is endless.

[lewisaurus]

I have a wooden drafting table with a 1/4" piece of Lucite clamped to the top. It works great for pencil work,
and if I'm going to get messy with paint I just take the Lucite off and use the wood surface.

[Noah Bradley]

Masonite is another option of you don't want to go for wood. Dirt cheap and smooth as anything.

[iontheable]

Masonite is another option of you don't want to go for wood. Dirt cheap and smooth as anything.

How strong is that Masonite? I love the price I'm going to hit home depot later and check out it's texture.

Thank you!

[Noah Bradley]

Depends on how thick you buy it. I think it might come as thick as 1/2", but I just pulled that number of the air. ;) Odds are you'd want to attach it to a piece of plywood or something. It would give you the added bonus that if/when you shred it up and cover it in paint, you could always take off just the masonite and buy a replacement for a few bucks.

[iontheable]

Depends on how thick you buy it. I think it might come as thick as 1/2", but I just pulled that number of the air. ;) Odds are you'd want to attach it to a piece of plywood or something. It would give you the added bonus that if/when you shred it up and cover it in paint, you could always take off just the masonite and buy a replacement for a few bucks.

Freaking awesome point man, about the replacing of it..I have special sets of screws, like drywall picture hangers, that would work perfectly for masonite on plywood.

Word

[VulgarDragon]

Glass. You can get a thick piece of glass to do your drawings on...and if you put lamp underneath it can also double as a lightbox. Also it is not very likely to get scratched and is easy to clean. Masonite is also an excellent idea, and that is what I use...I put it over the drawing table and if it gets messed up I can replace it. It is also handy, I take a piece of masonite with me around the house (on couch or on bed) and draw on it.

[iontheable]

Ya I never much liked the texture of glass when it comes to drawing.

[TASmith]

And, once your masonite gets old, you can chop it into smaller sections, gesso over it, and paint on it!

[Noah Bradley]

I love masonite. :)

(though try to get home depot to cut it for you; the dust it kicks out when you cut it can be some seriously nasty stuff)

[digital_zombie]

Some great ideas! I second the masonite idea. Its wonderful, strong, and as TASmith said, really great to paint on w/a coat of gesso. :) Good luck! Can't wait to see the finished product.