Leo Martínez
The surface that artists paint on is called a 'support' because it supports the medium used to create the artwork. Supports can be made from a variety of materials, including canvas, paper, wood, metal, and more. Canvas, a durable fabric traditionally made from hemp, linen, or cotton, is commonly used as a support for various painting techniques and mediums, such as oil, acrylic, and watercolour. Before painting on a canvas, it is often treated with a substance called gesso, which creates a non-porous layer and prepares the surface to hold paint effectively. Other types of supports include watercolour paper, which comes in different textures like 'hot press' and 'cold press', and YUPO paper, which is thin and can be challenging to stretch and apply. Ultimately, the choice of support depends on the artist's preferences and the specific requirements of their art project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General term | Support |
| Other names | Substrate, ground |
| Material | Canvas, paper, cardboard, wood panel, metal, masonite, etc. |
| Paper type | Watercolour paper, drawing paper, Arches fine art paper, YUPO paper α, Washi paper, etc. |
| Paper weight | 90 lb to 400 lb; lighter papers (140 lb and below) are usually stretched |
| Canvas type | Stretched canvas, canvas panels, canvas rolls |
| Canvas preparation | Gesso, acrylic primer, acrylic gesso |
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Canvas
In the field of visual arts, the technical term for the surface that artists paint on is called a "canvas". It is a strong and durable fabric traditionally made from hemp, linen, or cotton. It provides a stable, textured, and versatile surface suitable for various painting methods and techniques, including oil, acrylic, and watercolour. Canvas comes in different forms, including stretched canvas, canvas panels, and canvas rolls.
Stretched canvas is a piece of canvas that is pulled tightly over a wooden frame, providing a firm and flat surface commonly used for creating paintings. To stretch a canvas, one needs special pliers to stretch and fix the cotton canvas to the wooden frame. Before painting, the surface is often treated with a substance called gesso, which creates a non-porous layer and prepares the canvas to hold paint effectively. Gesso is a mixture of a binder (like glue), chalk, and white pigment.
The word "ground" refers to a painting ground, which is the surface onto which one paints. It can be anything, from a primed piece of canvas to an aluminium sheet. It usually sits on top of a sealant or sizing layer of the surface. To be structurally sound, it should be compatible with both the underlying support and the paint that is going onto it.
The term "support" refers to the surface that holds the painting or the basic substructure of the painting. Each type of support has its own characteristics and is suitable or unsuitable depending on the medium used. Supports can be categorised into two main types: watercolour paper or drawing paper. The former comes in different textures, such as "Hot Press" (HP), "Not" (cold-pressed), and "Rough". The main attraction of these types of support is that they can be painted and used with a paintbrush directly onto the painting surface without too much preparation or sizing of the paper.
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Paper
Watercolour paper is a common choice for painters, as it comes in different textures to suit various artistic styles and skill levels. 'Hot Press' (HP) paper is the smoothest option, making it ideal for detailed work, while 'Not' or cold-pressed paper has a medium texture that is perfect for beginners. 'Rough' paper, as the name suggests, has a highly textured surface that can add depth and character to a painting. Heavier papers, typically those weighing 140 lb or more, are less likely to buckle when wet, so artists should consider the weight of the paper based on their preferred painting style.
Drawing paper, or drafting paper, is another versatile option that can be used with a paintbrush directly without the need for stretching or sizing. This type of paper is suitable for both dry media, such as graphite and charcoal, and wet media like watercolour and ink. It is important to note that not all papers are created equal, and artists should invest in quality paper to ensure their work lasts and does not deteriorate over time.
Some specialty papers, like YUPO paper α, offer unique characteristics but may require additional preparation. YUPO paper α, for instance, is very thin and requires a special glue to be stretched and applied to a drawing board. Washi paper, a type of Japanese paper, is another specialty paper that needs to be fixed to a drawing board or frame due to its soft and delicate nature. This paper is made from natural fibres, including kozo (mulberry), mitsumata, flax, and hemp, and is commonly used for sumi-e, brush calligraphy, and watercolour painting.
When choosing paper as a painting surface, artists should consider the weight, texture, and intended use. While paper is a convenient and accessible option, it may not offer the same level of durability as other surfaces like canvas or wood panels. However, with the right care and handling, paintings on paper can be matted, framed, and displayed to showcase the artist's creativity and skill.
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Wood
For new wood pieces, a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper may be sufficient to create a smooth surface for painting. However, it is important to dust the entire surface with a tack cloth to remove any wood specks and dust, which can affect the smoothness of the final painted surface. After sanding, a sealer or primer can be applied to provide a base for the paint to adhere to and protect the wood.
When working with raw wood, it is essential to strip and sand the surface to create a smooth substrate for the new coatings. This process ensures that the paint adheres properly and helps create a uniform finish. It is also important to test the wood for lead content before starting any work, as lead-based paint requires special certification and handling procedures.
Upcycling old wood is an environmentally friendly option that can add character to your artwork. When working with stained or painted wood, it is important to sand the surface to create a smooth base for your new design. Depending on the desired finish, you may need to strip the existing coating before applying new paint.
Overall, wood offers a unique and versatile surface for painting, providing a range of options to suit different artistic needs and preferences. With proper surface preparation, wood can be a durable and long-lasting medium for artistic expression.
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Metal
Painting on metal is a rewarding endeavour, but it can be challenging. Paint doesn't stick as well to metal as it does to wood or plaster, so it's important to use paint specifically formulated for metal surfaces. This could be labelled as multi-surface paint or spray paint for metal.
Before painting, it's crucial to prepare the metal surface. If the metal has been painted before, remove old paint, rust, debris, grease, and dirt using sandpaper, a scuffing pad, or a wire brush. If the metal is smooth, scuff up the surface with sandpaper or a scuffing pad to create a texture for the paint to stick to. After cleaning the surface, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any leftover dust or residue.
Primer is essential when painting metal. The primer should be compatible with the type of paint you plan to use (oil-based or water-based) and specifically designated for the metal type—ferrous or non-ferrous. If the metal is going outdoors, consider adding a second layer of primer to protect against metal oxidation. After applying the primer, allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding with the paint.
When choosing paint for metal, opt for either Water-Based Acrylic Paint or Oil-Based Paint. Oil-based paint is more durable but harder to work with, while water-based acrylic paint is more forgiving. You can apply the paint with a brush, roller, or spray paint. If using a brush, dip it into the paint and wipe off the excess before applying long strokes in the same direction for the best finish. If using spray paint, hold the can 6 to 12 inches away from the metal and use long, sweeping motions to avoid pooling.
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Masonite
The surface that holds a painting is called a 'support'. There are many different types of supports for painting, including canvas, paper, wood panels, and aluminium sheets. One such support is Masonite, which is a brand name for hardboard. It is made from compressed wood fibres and was invented in 1924 by William Mason, the founder of the Masonite Corporation.
When purchasing Masonite boards for painting, artists have the option to buy pre-cut panels or larger sheets that can be cut to their desired size. The boards are available in various sizes and thicknesses, with a standard thickness of 1/8". While Masonite is a versatile support, it is important to seal and prime the surface properly to ensure the paint adheres well and the artwork is preserved for the long term.
One advantage of using Masonite as a support is its strength and stability. The Wet/Dry process used in its manufacturing removes many of the chemicals and acids that can cause discolouration over time, resulting in a more inert surface than solid wood panels. Additionally, cradling the Masonite panels can enhance their stability, making them less prone to warping, especially in humid environments.
Overall, Masonite is a viable option for artists seeking a smooth and stable support for their paintings. With proper preparation and sealing, Masonite boards can provide a durable surface for a variety of media, including oil and acrylic paints. However, artists should be mindful of potential issues with adhesion and choose archival-quality boards to ensure the longevity of their artwork.
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Frequently asked questions
The technical term for the surface that artists paint on is a "
Some other surfaces that artists paint on include wood, paper, cardboard, metal, and masonite.
Before painting, the canvas surface is often treated with a substance called gesso or acrylic primer. This creates a non-porous layer and prepares the canvas to effectively hold paint.
Watercolour paper comes in different textures such as 'Hot Press' (HP), 'Not' or cold-pressed, and 'Rough'. The weight of the paper also varies, with heavier paper buckling less when wet. For lighter weight papers, it is recommended to stretch and tape them to a board.
The term for the surface that holds the painting is called the "support". It lends characteristics to the artwork and is suitable or unsuitable depending on the medium used.
