Canvas question?

Question

I'm going to paint on canvas for the first time. How do I know the canvas is of good quality and should I treat it with something before I begin painting? Thanks

Answer 1

Easy question.

Any non stretch cloth will do. Canvas really used to be the least expensive cloth around. Only if you buy it in art stores it will cost more. Basically any non stretch cloth can do. Usually you can find real cheap canvas at a cloth sales market.

1) It is the preparation that does it. Stretch it on a frame so it is tight. You don't have to stretch it so tight you can play drums but it should not wobble.

2) Apply a layer of gesso (mix of calcium carbonate and glue) to your canvas. This is what you actually will be painting on and it will stick to any cloth so be careful where you spill it.
If it gives you a hard time sticking to the cloth easily, stop. Get out a sponge and scrub down the canvas with some water and a drop of dish wash liquid. Really just a drop. Scrub the gesso you already applied in with the water. You don't have to let it dry before applying the real coat.

3) Allow it to dry. Depending on your style you may want to sand the first layer down before putting on a second coat.

4) Within 30 minutes to an hour it should be all done, dry and ready to paint on. Tap the triangular pegs in the back to give your canvas it's final stretch and start painting.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I hate the look and the feel of the cheap canvas' you see in stores, even craft stores. I think they are the worst. I prefer making my own. Mine are stapled in the back rather than the sides. I like my paintings un-framed and I paint around the whole canvas. I also like the more raw look of a hand made canvas. Evita

Answer 3

most of the canvas for artists are treated already so you don't have to make up that horrible smelling stuff anymore thank goodness for that. all you have to do is put it on your stretcher frame. you know how to do this step one make frame and have it slightly angled on the edges slopping down on the inside. always have a middle bar to keep it from warping. then staple canvas on to stretcher. at opposite sides. cut at corners as a triangle and then fold and staple to outside of frame and so on with all corners. keep as taught as possible.