Marcus Chen
The surface on which paint is applied is known as the substrate. Common substrates include canvas, paper, cardboard, wood panels, and metal. The substrate is often treated before painting to protect the work from discoloration and deterioration. The treatment may also modify the absorbency, texture, and color of the surface. Palettes, typically wooden or paper plates, are used by artists to mix colors. Once the paint has dried, a varnish may be applied to protect the painting from the elements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General term | Substrate |
| Specific terms | Canvas, wood, panel, paper, cardboard, metal |
| Canvas types | Cotton, linen, cotton duck |
| Canvas features | Texture, tooth, weave, elasticity |
| Priming | Modifies absorbency, texture, and color of surface |
| Palette | Surface for mixing colors, could be wooden or a paper plate |
| Varnish | Final layer to protect painting from elements |
| Brushes | Made from animal tails or skin, synthetic nylon fibers |
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What You'll Learn
Canvas, the surface you paint on
Canvas is a surface used for painting. It is a material stretched across a wooden frame. Canvas has been used for centuries, with some of the earliest canvas paintings dating back to the 1400s. There are different types of canvas, including cotton canvas and canvas board. Cotton canvas is perfect for beginners and professionals alike, as it is long-lasting and durable. Canvas board, on the other hand, is more affordable and suitable for beginners. It is made of cotton stretched across a fibreboard frame.
Before painting on a canvas, it is important to prime it first. Priming the canvas involves applying a thin, smooth layer of a substance called gesso to the material. This step helps to prevent the canvas from absorbing paint and becoming baggy. It also creates a robust surface that enhances the paint's pigment. Once the primer is dry, you can apply a base layer of paint, also known as an underpainting or toning. This layer creates a harmonious colour foundation for your painting and prevents the white of the canvas from showing through your brushstrokes.
The colour you choose for the base layer depends on the purpose of the stain and its role in your painting. For example, you may use earth tones like raw umber, burnt sienna, or yellow ochre to create a balanced surface that won't overpower your painting. Alternatively, you can use complementary colours to create a striking effect, such as using green as the main colour and a dull or faded red as the stain. You can also leave parts of the stained canvas exposed in the final painting to suggest elements like rocks, soil, or leaves.
Canvas is an excellent surface for painting due to its elasticity, providing a different feel from the unyielding surface of wood. It offers endless possibilities for artistic expression, from portraits to abstract compositions. With its long history and versatility, canvas continues to be a preferred medium for artists of all skill levels.
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Priming the surface before painting
Preparing the surface before painting is crucial for achieving a smooth and professional finish. Here are some essential tips for priming different surfaces:
Walls and Drywall
If you're painting interior walls, it's important to prime them first. Priming adds texture to the walls and helps the paint adhere better, resulting in a more even finish. Water-based latex primer and oil-based primer are both suitable for interior walls. When choosing a primer, consider the existing paint on the walls. If it's oil-based, you'll need a primer that can adhere to it, as most acrylic and latex paints won't stick to oil-based surfaces without primer. Additionally, if you're painting over a dark-coloured wall with a lighter shade, a coat or two of primer will provide a clean, neutral base.
Wood
When painting on wood, it's essential to use a primer to seal the porous surface and prevent the paint from absorbing unevenly. Primer will also help hide knots and tannins in the wood, which can bleed through the paint and ruin your finish. Oil-based primers are ideal for blocking stains and covering porous wood surfaces. If you're dealing with new wood trim or siding, primer will help create a smooth, uniform base and prevent moisture absorption.
Metal
Untreated metals, such as aluminium, often require a primer to protect against corrosion and improve adhesion. Metal primers may contain additional materials like sacrificial zinc for added protection. However, it's important to note that some metals, such as oxidised metals, may need a preparation step like plasma activation before applying a primer or paint.
Plastic
Priming plastic surfaces is usually only necessary when making a drastic colour change or when a long-lasting coat of paint is desired. Most household plastics are not very porous and are resistant to moisture damage. When choosing a primer for plastic, ensure that the propellant or solvent will not dissolve or warp the plastic.
General Tips
Regardless of the surface, always protect the areas you don't plan to paint. Use painter's tape to mask off moulding, trim, windows, and the ceiling. Cover floors and furniture with drop cloths to catch any paint drips or splatters. Additionally, lightly dampen your paint roller or brush before applying primer to get a faster and more even application. Finally, remember to smooth out the primed surface with fine grit sandpaper and wipe it clean before applying the paint.
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Palette, the surface for mixing colours
A palette is a surface used by artists for mixing colours. It is also used to refer to the range of colours used by an artist. Artists use a palette knife to mix colours on the palette, instead of a brush, to keep the paint clean.
To organise a palette, artists can squeeze out their paints in a row, from right to left, in the following order: Earths, greens, blues, violets, reds, yellows, and white. Artists can then mix primary colours to create secondary colours, ensuring that enough paint is squeezed out to allow for the mixing of additional puddles of paint. It is important to keep the palette's mixing area clean to prevent contamination of colours. Artists can also create "mother" puddles of colours that will be needed in the painting, such as shadow and light hues.
The palette can be made of wood and come in a variety of colours. Artists can also use a plant mister to lightly mist the colours on the palette with water every few minutes to keep the palette fresh.
Jane Blundell, an artist, has created the "Ultimate Mixing Palette: A World of Colours", which is a set of 14 or 15 tubes of paint that can be used to create a wide range of colours. This palette is suitable for both beginners and experienced artists and aims to provide a balance between having too few and too many colours, allowing artists to mix colours efficiently without creating "mud".
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Varnish, the protective final layer
Varnish is a clear, transparent hard protective coating or film that is applied as the final layer to paintings and wooden surfaces. Varnishing is a technique that has been used since ancient Egypt and East and South Asia. The purpose of varnish is to protect the paint or wood from dirt, scratches, stains, moisture, and UV damage. It also enhances the appearance of the surface by creating a glossy or matte finish.
There are two primary types of varnish finishes: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based varnishes are durable and provide a warm, amber appearance to the wood due to their natural yellowish shade. They take longer to dry and emit strong fumes during application. Water-based varnishes, on the other hand, dry quickly, have a low odour, and retain the natural colour of the wood. They are also less likely to yellow over time.
When applying varnish, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in the fumes. High-quality brushes or sprayers should be used to apply thin, even coats. Sanding between coats with fine-grit sandpaper can help achieve a smooth and glossy finish. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying and curing times.
Varnish can be removed and reapplied to restore the vibrancy of a painting or wooden surface. This process can be done without damaging the underlying paint layer, as the dirt will be embedded in the varnish layer. However, non-removable varnishes are also available on the market, so it is important to choose the appropriate type of varnish for your project.
The word "varnish" originates from Medieval Latin "vernix", meaning odorous resin, which may be derived from Middle Greek "berōnikón" or "beroníkē", meaning amber or amber-coloured glass.
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Medium, the mixture to dilute paint
When it comes to diluting paint, the mixture used is often referred to as a "medium". The specific medium or solvent will depend on the type of paint being used and the desired effect. Here are some common mixtures used to dilute paint:
Water
Water is commonly used to dilute water-based paints such as latex and emulsion paints. It is important to note that adding water to paint will dilute its colour, so multiple coats may be necessary to achieve the desired colour. When diluting latex paint, it is recommended to start with 4 ounces (118 millilitres) of water for every 70% of paint, and adjust the ratio as needed. For emulsion paint, a ratio of 70/30 or 80/20 (paint to water) is suggested. Fence paint, which is often water-based, typically requires only 10% water, with an additional 10% added if the paint is still too thick.
Turpentine
Turpentine is a common medium for thinning oil-based paints. The recommended ratio is 3 parts paint to 1 part turpentine. Turpentine is also used for underpainting in oil painting, where it is diluted with a small amount of oil to compensate for the loss of binder concentration.
Other Solvents
In addition to turpentine, other solvents such as white spirit, paint thinners, mineral spirits, naphtha, and xylol can be used to thin oil-based paints. These solvents are typically mixed with paint at a ratio of 3 parts paint to 1 part solvent.
It is important to note that not all paints can be thinned, and some may require specific mixing agents. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and test the paint on a small area before starting your project.
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Frequently asked questions
Canvas is the most common surface used for painting. The two biggest categories of canvas are cotton canvas and linen canvas.
Other surfaces that can be used for painting include wood, panels, paper, metal, and cardboard.
Priming a surface modifies its absorbency, texture, and color before painting. It also helps to neutralize any natural acidities and protect the work from discoloration or deterioration.
