What are the various kinds of paints that can be used on canvas and what sets best on it?

Answer 1

You can use Acrylics, oil paints and watercolor on a canvas. I prefer using acrylic when I want a lot of texture. But oil colors look more "richer" compared to the plastic- like texture of acrylic. Blending is a lot more easier with Oils than Acrylic. With watercolor, the problem is that you have to built up layers of the painting and all the mistakes stand out. WIth acrylic and oil, any mistake can be easily covered up.
I also tried painting on a silk canvas with silk paints and it's really tricky (the paint flows too quickly).
You could also experiment with inks (linoleum print inks) on a regular canvas.

Answer 2

I only know about oils as that's all I have used for over forty-five years and I have had no problems so far. Be sure the canvas is properly primed (most come this way) and paint on stretched canvas as opposed to canvas board. It costs more but stretched canvas never warps and it has a 'give' to it under the brush that is exciting to work with. It is the beginnings of the painting's communication with the painter... so important in the creative process.
Have a look at my work if you like.
http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=31019
Good luck!

Answer 3

Everyone is right that oils and acrylics are used on canvas and you will want to prime your canvas by using something called gesso, its just like a white paint, you will want to apply a couple layers and sand in between to smooth brush strokes. Priming the canvas allows a smoother surface and not as much paint is lost in absorbing into the canvas. As said before oils blend easily but take longer to dry, acrylics sometimes get dry while your working but can be kept wet by spraying with water. Water colors can be used but usually not on canvas, paper is usually used for water colors. There is also inks that are sometimes used. Good luck.

Answer 4

Oils, acrylics

What did you want to do with the canvas?

Answer 5

oils and acrylics.