Prepare Your Painting Surfaces: A Beginner's Guide

The term support in painting refers to any material that paint is applied to. The type of paint chosen influences the choice of support, and different paints require different types of preparation. For example, non-porous surfaces may need to be abraded to allow for paint adhesion, while surfaces with protective films should be carefully removed to avoid static buildup. Supports can be rigid or flexible, with rigid supports such as wood panels providing a smooth surface and stability for painting small details. Flexible supports like canvas may require different preparation steps and are often stretched on a frame or panel to provide structure. The choice of support depends on the artist's preference and the desired effects, with various options available such as paper, canvas, wood, metal, and glass.

The type of paint used influences the choice of support

The type of paint used has a significant influence on the choice of support. The paint type, viscosity, film thickness, opacity, and scale are all factors that determine the type of support required.

For instance, the support for an oil painting can be either rigid or flexible, with each presenting its own set of opportunities and challenges. Traditionally, a hide glue, typically made from rabbit skin, was applied to protect the support from acidic oils. However, this method eventually led to cracking and flaking of the paint film. To prevent this, oil painters must size their canvases to stop the acidic oil from penetrating the support and causing the fibres to rot.

Acrylic paint is more flexible and adheres better to surfaces. In addition to traditional supports, acrylic paint can be used on untreated polyester cloth, glass fibre, metals, leather, glass, and slate.

Watercolour, on the other hand, typically uses paper as its support. This paper is usually white or slightly tinted, and it needs to be stretched to prevent puckering.

The choice of support for painting is not limited to traditional options. For example, metal sheets became a viable option for large paintings in the 1970s with the introduction of aluminium honeycomb support panels. Frank Stella was a pioneer in using this material for sculptural paintings.

The desired texture and stability of the painting surface also influence the choice of support. For instance, lightweight panels are often used as auxiliary supports to provide a smooth surface and stability for painting small details.

In summary, the type of paint used is a critical factor in selecting the appropriate support for a painting. Artists must consider the unique characteristics of different paints and the desired effects they wish to achieve to make an informed decision about the best support for their artwork.

The history of painting surfaces and supports

In the early history of painting, artists used a range of supports such as walls, paper, canvas, wood, and pottery. For instance, the ancient Greeks and Romans used encaustic painting, or hot wax painting, on wood panels for their panel paintings. This technique was also employed in the Eastern Orthodox icon tradition. With the development of oil painting in the Early Netherlandish period, artists like Jan van Eyck and Robert Campin utilised this medium to achieve a new level of naturalism in their works, creating richer colours with deep, intense tonality.

During the 16th century in Spain, there was a significant shift in the preferred support for paintings. Canvas replaced wood as the primary support, following the example set by Italy. This change brought about a new preparation process, as the previous system used for panels was unsuitable for the flexible nature of canvas. Artists began to prime the canvas before painting, and the search for alternative formulas to create a suitable painting surface intensified.

Over time, artists continued to experiment with different supports and materials. For watercolour paintings, paper is traditionally used, although other options include papyrus, bark papers, plastics, vellum or leather, fabric, wood, and even canvas. In East Asian watercolour painting, or scroll painting, inks are often used in monochrome black or browns.

In modern times, the most popular support for oil painting is stretched and primed canvas, although artists also have the option to purchase raw canvas and prepare it themselves. Acrylic paint, a versatile medium, can be used on a variety of supports, including cardboard, plywood, chipboard, hardboard, canvas boards, watercolour paper, and canvas paper. It is important to avoid oily or waxy surfaces when using acrylics.

The evolution of painting surfaces and supports has played a crucial role in the development of art, allowing artists to explore new techniques, express their ideas, and push the boundaries of what is possible in their chosen medium.

Common painting surfaces: canvas, wood, and paper

Canvas, wood, and paper are some of the most common surfaces used for painting. The type of surface chosen can impact the paint's appearance, adhesion, and the longevity of the artwork.

Canvas

Canvas is one of the most popular choices for painting surfaces, along with wood. It is lightweight, which is especially helpful when painting in large sizes. It also has great absorbency and a woven texture. Canvas can be stretched over wooden stretcher bars for a tight bounce or left unstretched and placed on a wall or floor. Stretcher bars are designed to produce a frame that can be slightly expanded to tighten a stretched canvas. If you sand or pour paint, the canvas will droop, so it needs to be propped up. Linen canvas with an oil primer is the classic standard for oil paintings. Linen canvas is more expensive and harder to stretch but offers a smooth and stiff surface that has proven longevity.

Wood

Wood panels are sturdy, rigid, easy to transport, and handle. A rigid surface is best for sanding and pouring techniques. Wood can also be cheaper than canvas. However, wood panels may be more expensive than local carpenters or woodworkers making several panels at a time.

Paper

Watercolour paper is generally white or slightly tinted and needs to be stretched to prevent puckering. Any paper that is suitable for watercolour can be used. Yupo paper is very smooth and creates wonderful effects when applying paint heavily diluted with water.

Other common painting surfaces include metal, glass, ceramic, leather, vinyl, and cardboard.

Preparing painting surfaces for long-term durability

Preparing painting surfaces is essential to ensure long-term durability. The first step is to choose the right support for the type of paint being used. For instance, if using acrylic paint, the surface must be free of oil and wax, while surfaces for oil paint must be prepared to accept the paint to prevent acidic oils from penetrating the support and causing rot.

Once the support is chosen, it needs to be prepared to accept the paint system. This involves ensuring the surface is clean, solid, and dry, without cracks and imperfections. This can be achieved by sanding, scuffing, or sandblasting the surface to create a profile that allows for better adhesion of the paint. For metal surfaces, in particular, it is crucial to remove rust, dirt, and loose paint before painting to ensure the paint adheres well. Additionally, priming metal surfaces is vital to prevent rust and enhance paint adhesion.

The next step is to apply a primer to the surface. Primers help to fill in any imperfections and create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. It is important to choose the right type of primer for the specific surface and paint being used. For example, a rust-inhibiting primer is necessary for metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion.

After priming, it is essential to allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint. Following the manufacturer's instructions is crucial to ensure compatibility and adequate adhesion. Finally, the paint can be applied, followed by any necessary intermediate coats and a finish coat to protect the paint and enhance its durability.

By following these preparation steps, artists can ensure the long-term durability of their paintings, reducing the risk of paint failure, cracking, and other forms of degradation.

The importance of confidence when choosing a painting surface

Choosing a painting surface is an important step in the painting process. It can be a daunting task, with a wide range of options available, from traditional choices like canvas, wood, and paper to more modern alternatives such as polyester canvases and aluminium panels. However, selecting the right surface is crucial as it provides the foundation for your artwork, and different surfaces can give varied effects to your painting.

Confidence plays a vital role in this selection process. While it is natural to feel hesitant about trying new surfaces, especially those that are considered "atypical," embracing confidence and a sense of adventure can lead to remarkable artistic outcomes. Artists should not feel restricted to the surfaces that "professionals" use but should instead focus on what feels comfortable and exciting to them. This sense of confidence and freedom to experiment can unlock new possibilities and enhance creativity.

The importance of confidence also extends to preparing the painting surface. Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving a professional-looking and long-lasting finish. It involves several crucial steps, such as cleaning the surface to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants, repairing any damage like cracks or dents, and priming the surface to improve adhesion and create a smooth base. Taking the time to confidently prepare the surface allows for better paint adhesion, enhances the durability of the artwork, and reduces the likelihood of issues like peeling, cracking, or flaking.

Additionally, confidence in choosing a painting surface comes from understanding the interplay between the surface and the paint type. For instance, certain paints, such as oil paints, require specific preparations to prevent the acidic oil from penetrating and damaging the support. Other factors, such as paint viscosity, film thickness, opacity, and scale, also influence the choice of the painting surface. By confidently considering these factors, artists can make informed decisions about the most suitable surface for their artistic vision.

In conclusion, confidence is essential when choosing a painting surface. It empowers artists to explore different surfaces, prepare them adequately, and understand the unique characteristics of various paints. This confidence fosters creativity, improves the overall quality of the artwork, and ultimately contributes to a more fulfilling artistic experience.

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