Tooth

Tooth

Definition

Tooth refers to the surface texture or slight roughness of paper, canvas, or other substrates that allows art mediums, such as paint or pencil, to adhere effectively. A surface with good tooth provides grip for pigments, preventing slipping and enabling better control and coverage.

Characteristics

• Varies from smooth (hot-pressed papers or fine canvas) to rough (cold-pressed papers or textured canvas).
• Higher tooth allows for more layers and richer application of medium.
• Too coarse a tooth can create uneven lines or difficulty in achieving fine detail.

Applications in Art and Framing

• Choosing appropriate paper or canvas based on the medium used (e.g., watercolor, charcoal, pastel).
• Enhancing adhesion for paints, pencils, or pastels, ensuring longevity of artwork.
• Influencing the final aesthetic texture of an artwork, which affects framing choices for visual harmony.

Best Practices

• Select substrate tooth according to the medium and desired effect.
• Test unfamiliar surfaces before committing to a large artwork.
• Preserve tooth integrity by using protective glazing when framing delicate media like pastels or charcoal.

Related Terms

• Reveal
• Reef Knot
• Sawblade Lubricant
• Self Leveling