Texture medium for a relief painting?

Question

Trying to find a texture medium to put onto canvas, then paint.
Mud/plaster wont work because it will crack and eventually fall off. I have heard of using silica gel, but cannot find it anywhere. Also need to cover a canvas about 6' x 4'. Will be painting over it w/ acrylic and acrylic fluid medium.
It needs to be formable/workable for a short amount of time and dry hard. Also on a budget.
Any ideas?

Answer 1

Liquitex makes several mediums. One is a Stucco, which dries overnight and does not crack.You have a thick porous surface that allows the canvass to seem like paper. Drying time can be speed ed up with a hair dryer. It would take about 5 jars to do the size you are talking about at $12 each.
Liquetex also make an acrylic modeling paste which is less expensive, and dries hard, not porous. It comes in tubs but still requires overnight drying if you are applying it very thick. If this is a school project Liquetex might give it to you as they have a scholarship project program sometimes if you write and say what you need it for.

Answer 2

I also do texture painting I use a product called Atelier Modelling Compound, its great, doesnt crack or chip and I use it on canvas and never had a problem.

Answer 3

Golden makes excellent mediums for this purpose. Look at JerrysArtarama. com, CheapJoes.com, and other on-line art catalogs for cheaper products. Also check your college bookstore, they usually have the lowest prices of all sources. Sounds like fun.