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Art Dad's Studio Essentials
26
items All of my most used tools in one spot for you to explore.
Sections
5
Prep
Paint
Finish
Embroidery
Furniture
Prep
My personal choice over a standard gesso. It acts as both the surface primer and I can paint it right over a section of work to save my work without having to worry about ruining the already complete layers.
Golden Matte Mediums
Perfect for drawing over dark areas on my work. Easy to use and easy to erase.
General’s White 558 Charcoal Pencil
I love the entire DeWalt line of tools for both studio work and around the house. This is a game changer for panel prep and you don't have to worry about a cumbersome cord.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless 5 in. Brushless Random Orbit Sander Tool Only
Don't break the bank with premium sand papers, the store brand like this one is great. Buying in buld makes it easier so you always have some on hand.
Ace 5 in. Aluminum Oxide Hook and Loop Sanding Disc 180 Grit Extra Fine 15 pk
Having multiple grits make the panel prep process super easy and you'll get the best result.
Ace 5 in. Aluminum Oxide Hook and Loop Sanding Disc 40 Grit Coarse 15 pk
You generally want a low, medium and high grit sandpaper for prep so having a set of each style will make your work easier.
Ace 5 in. Aluminum Oxide Hook and Loop Sanding Disc 320 Grit Super Fine 15 pk
Paint
This is my surface of choice for painting. Their wood panels have a thicker surface of ¼" versus most panels which use a 1/8" surface.
Trekell Art Supplies
This is my current favorite acrylic paint on the market. The colors are highly pigmented and the flow of the paint is exactly where you want it for either chunkier painting or glazing.
Golden Fluid Acrylic Paint and Sets
Trekell burshes are my favorite for spoiling myself. They are top notch when it comes to quality and will treat you right as long as you take care of them properly.
Trekell Synthetic Golden Taklon Brushes
The Majestic line of brushes from Royal & Langnickel are great for the artist on a budget. I love their snappiness and the quality of brush you get for the price is perfect.
Royal & Langnickel Majestic Brushes and Sets
I love my Paint Puck. The soft silicone tongues on the bottom make sure that the paint is fully removed from my brushes while in the middle of a paint session.
Paint Puck Ultimate Rinse Cup
The Studio XL is my go to wet palette. The highly marketed Masterson wet palette doesn't hold a candle to this. Skip Masterson, invest in a higher quality wet palette.
Wet Palette - Keep Your Paints Wet. Get yours at Redgrass.
Finish
I prefer the Gloss varnish personally. This is the gold standard for varnishing in my opinion and the price is not going to break your bank.
Gamblin Gamvar Varnish
When varnishing you need to make sure your varnish brush is cleaned properly. This will get all of the left over varnish out and make sure your brush stays in working order for years to come.
Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits
Skip the cheap sponge brushes for varnishing and invest in a purpose made varnish brush. I have had mine for over 5 years and it is showing no signs of stopping.
Gamblin Gamvar Synthetic Varnish Brushes
This is a great soap for those on a budget. It lakes a conditioner feature but it will get the job done.
Pink Soap Artist Brush Cleaner
A step up from the Pink Soap. This brush cleaner can also be used as a brush conditioner to help maintain the structure and integrity of your brushes for years to come.
The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver
If you plan on varnishing make sure you apply an isolation coat between your painting and the varnish layer. It will help with preventing yellowing and allows for removal of the varnish layer for any repairs that may need to be made.
Golden Isolation Coat
Embroidery
This piece of art equipment is really for those who plan on drilling into their work which is not many more then me. But the DeWalt drill is great for my fine studio work and around the house.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR POWERSTACK 1/2 in. Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (Battery & Charger)
The book binder needles are better than any other embroidery needle I've used. They are long, thing and get the job done.
Lineco Binders Needles
These drills are my go to. I've only had one of the really thin ones break on my and that was solely due to user error. The last a long time and get the job done.
DeWalt BLACK & GOLD High Speed Steel Pilot Point Drill Bit Set Straight Shank 20 pc
If you embroider you know the value of a good pair of scissors. Ginghers are the fiber worlds industry standard and are well worth the price tag.
Gingher Sewing Scissors
Great quality embroidery floss and a great selection of colors.
DMC Cotton Embroidery Floss and Sets
Furniture
This drawing table has been my be all, end all art surface. Its my easel for small pieces, I can lay it down flat to easily varnish my work, and its easy to clean with a simple razor blade scraper.
Studio Designs Futura Craft Station - Silver Frame/Blue Glass
Not the Raskog, but darn close. This is a handy piece of furniture to have in the studio to hold all of the odds and ends of your creativity.
artPOP! 3Tier Rolling Cart
I will take an ergonomic office chair over a gaming chair any day of the week. I like this one with the addition of a foot rest for when I need to accommodate a furry studio manager on my lap.
Inbox Zero Makenzie Ergonomic Office chair with Adjustable Armrest and Foldable Backrest,minimal assembly & Reviews | Wayfair