Can you use mattisse acrylic paints on a stretched canvas without patchiness?

Question

Hello,
I've used mattisse acrylic paints on a canvas and it has come up patchy when dry. I was wondering how do you get rid of the patchiness or are there alternatives?
Any help would be appreciated :)

Answer 1

You need to make sure that you prime it correctly!..

Answer 2

Acrylics often appear streaky when dry if you have thinned them with water, which stretches the binders in the paint too far to disperse the pigments properly. Always thin your paint with acrylic medium instead of water when painting on gessoed canvas.

If the paint is actually peeling off the canvas in places, it could also be from excessive use of water, or it could be the primer - some economy gessos are too slick for proper paint adhesion. Either spend a bit more on the canvas, or give the cheaper canvas a light sanding with steel wool, wipe it down with a damp cloth, let dry, and give it a coat or two of decent (medium-to-high priced) gesso before painting.

If you mean the surface looks dull in some places and shiny in others, that's not unusual with acrylics as some pigments dry more matte than others. Just use a varnish when you're done to even out the shine.

I've never used Matisse except for testing a couple of samples, which I didn't really like... maybe try another brand?

Answer 3

If your canvas is patchy when dry, it could be a problem with the primer. You need to have applied at least 2 coats of a good acrylic primer (more if quality is poorer) rub down gently with fine-grade sandpaper in between coats, making sure all dust is removed before next coat is applied. Or if it is the primer that is showing through, the paint could be too thin. I prefer to use System 3 acrylic paint, it is a good quality paint, that is not too expensive.

Try rubbing your painting gently with a fine grade sandpaper and build up the layers where it is patchy.

Answer 4

The solution to your problem, would be to either put a heavier layer of the same product ie to cover the patchiness, it is not the best way ,because i believe your problem lies not with the product but with the surface primer, if you have used unadulterated product then it may also be your technique, put it down to experience and do it again, this time prepare the surface in the correct manner, use a good primer, allow to dry thoroughly, avoid pools of primer on the suface. regards LF

Answer 5

Could be you just aren't using enough paint. Try laying it on thicker.
I didn't like Matisse paints when I tried them. I find Windsor and Newton great

Answer 6

sounds like you did not prime very well,(very important), you might get it right if you apply a clear glaze but don't hope for too much,good luck in the future and happy painting

Answer 7

USE MORE PAINT IN THE PATCHY AND SUCH BE ALRIGHT:-)