How to Start & Tips    

Tips for cutting Fine Work
The ability to cut is determined by the scissors you use. They need to
have fine points which are very sharp and glide when cutting.
When manipulating fine areas, scissors should be about 4.5 inches
in length to ensure more control.

1. Select images then concept
2.  Prepare with gesso, stipple and sand.
3. Seal papers both sides with Liquitex Gloss Medium. Allow to dry completely
    before cutting.
4. Identify most difficult areas and cut them first - interior cutting is clockwise
    and exterior cutting is anti-clockwise, using tips of scissors pointing away,
    and angling scissors to 45 degrees.
5. Arrange cut-outs in a desirable design with Blu-tack.
6. Sponge a background, which complements or contrasts the design.
7. Glue using clag and a small amount of P.V.A. glue.
8. Use flattened fingertips to massage image to surface, eliminating air pockets
    and excess glue, allow to bond, then use rubber roller gently.
9. Wipe excess glue from surface (a little vinegar and water will help). Allow to
    dry well. Use an oil pencil or watered down paint and liner to disguise the edges.
10.Seal composition with Liquitex medium and varnish - use several coats if
   desired. This canbuild up on surface and reduce the number of varnish coats.
11.Use a tack cloth to remove surface dust before varnishing. Keep in a screw-
   top jar.
12.Varnish with a 1 inch imitation sable brush, going in alternate directions each
   time.
13.Wear a charcoal mask and non-fogging goggles when varnishing (fumes and
   sanding dust).
14.Apply 20 coats of varnish say a day apart, to protect design, then do a major
   sand, beginning with the coarse grade (280-400). Sand lightly, but for an extended
   time. Sand in opposite directions and when smooth, sand with the medium (600-
   800), and finally lightly with the fine sanding pad, alternating directions.
15.When surface is completely dull (no shiny surface) and dust free, paint on two
   more coats of varnish (1-2 days apart), leave to cure 3 to 4 weeks.
16.Lightly sand surface with superfine green pad (or 2000 wet and dry), ensuring
   there are no waterwave marks. If you are too powerful on the sanding pad, you
   will sand through successive layeres of varnish and achieve waterwave - moire.
   Then you will need two or three more coats of varnish, and curing time.
17.Polish with Micro-Mesh Kit, with a lot of water, working quickly with the 4000
   wrapped around a foam block, for about 4 minutes. Change to the 6000, change
   direction and rub vigorously. The same applies to the 8000, and finally the 1200.
   Clear the surface of milky residue each time. Be sure to clean the Micro-Mesh of
   impacted residue each time.