Isabella Flores
Artists have a wide variety of surfaces to choose from when it comes to painting. While canvas is the traditional favourite, artists also paint on masonite, hardwood panels, paper, plywood, MDF, and even vinyl records. The choice of surface depends on the type of painting being created. For instance, portraits are best painted on smooth surfaces like Arches fine art paper or masonite panels. Photorealism paintings require a smooth surface too, so that the intricate details are not lost in the grain of the canvas. For such paintings, artists use Ampersand's Gessobord, which is a pre-primed, archival, museum-quality hardboard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Canvas, Masonite, Hardwood, Hardboard Panels, Paper, MDF, Wood Panels, Copper, Ceramics, Pottery, Tiles, Wallpaper, Plastics |
| Canvas Characteristics | Lightweight, durable, portable, can withstand a lot of paint, water, and different mediums, works with oils or acrylics, good for texture mediums and embellishments |
| Paper Characteristics | Inexpensive, easy to frame, thinner than canvas, not suitable for multiple layers or heavy textures, requires taping to a board to prevent buckling |
| Masonite Characteristics | Smooth front surface, rough and textured back surface, cheaper than canvas, durable, good for acrylics, sealed with linseed oil after hot pressing |
| Hardwood Characteristics | Heavy, expensive, long-lasting if treated properly |
| MDF Characteristics | Dense, durable, cheaper, thicker than Masonite, contains carcinogenic formaldehyde |
| Wood Panels Characteristics | Stable, good for heavy applications of texture medium, gesso or paint, made of birch, oak or other hardwood, may need to be sealed with clear gloss acrylic sealer |
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What You'll Learn
Canvas
When choosing a canvas, artists should consider their goals and budget. Cheap student canvases are great for experimentation, while high-quality canvases are better for creating masterpieces intended for sale or gallery display. The texture of the canvas also matters, as it determines how paint transfers from the brush. Artists can control the texture of their canvas by adding layers of gesso and/or paint. Some artists may prefer a smooth surface, while others might want the texture of the weave to show through. Priming is crucial for sealing and protecting the canvas, and it can be done by hand or sprayed on.
The choice between canvas and other surfaces like panels or hardboard depends on individual preference and the intended purpose of the artwork. Canvas is preferred for its texture, versatility, and ease of hanging, but it may lose rigidity over time. Hardbord, on the other hand, is more durable but cannot be rolled up for transportation. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, and artists should choose the surface that best suits their unique intentions and goals.
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Hardboard panels
One of the advantages of using hardboard panels is their versatility. They come in a variety of finishes, including acrylic gesso, oil ground, and linen-adhered finishes, making them suitable for a wide range of artistic styles and media. For example, the Ampersand Artist Panel Wood Art Board is an acrylic gesso surface on an MDF panel that can be used with oils and acrylics. Hardboard panels are also available in tempered or untempered forms. The tempering process involves treating the board with linseed oil, resulting in a harder and more sealed surface. However, this makes the board unsuitable for acrylics, as they do not mix well with oil. Therefore, artists using acrylics should opt for untempered hardboard panels, which are softer and more absorbent.
When choosing a hardboard panel, it is important to consider the type of wood used and its potential impact on your health. MDF, for example, is a newer type of hardboard that is denser than plywood or particle board but not as dense as masonite. While MDF is durable and provides a good surface for acrylic paint, it contains carcinogenic formaldehyde, which can be released into the air if the board is cut. As a result, it is important to take precautions when using MDF, such as wearing a respirator and priming all sides of the board before painting.
Another factor to consider when choosing a hardboard panel is the finish and preparation of the surface. Some hardboard panels come pre-primed and ready to paint, such as the Ampersand Gessobord, which is a museum-quality hardboard that readily accepts acrylic paint. Other panels may require priming before use, allowing artists to create their own unique painting grounds and textures. Additionally, some hardboard panels have pre-sanded edges, providing a smooth and consistent surface for painting, while others may require sanding to create the desired finish.
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Paper
The type of paper used can significantly impact the final artwork. For instance, the same print file can look different when printed on various types of paper, with some papers showing lighter colours and others displaying more concentrated colours. Paper weight is also an important consideration, as heavier paper can take more printing ink. Watercolour paper, for example, should be at least 140 lb.
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Wood
There are several types of wood that artists can choose from. One option is to repurpose old pieces of furniture, such as a headboard, or old pieces of wood. Wood that has been exposed to the elements for thirty to fifty years and has not split will likely last a long time. Another option is to use plywood, which can be long-lasting if treated properly, or birch wood panels, which are well-received.
Artists can also use hardboard panels, also known as masonite. This is a medium-density fiberboard made from wood fibres that have been broken down and moulded into a board using heat, pressure, and the natural adhesion of lignin. It is a good choice for beginners as it is cheap but durable, and some professional artists prefer it over canvas. Untempered masonite is recommended for use with acrylics, as it is softer and slightly more absorbent. Artists can also purchase pre-primed masonite in a range of colours. However, large masonite panels can bend and possibly warp over time, so it is important to use wood battening across the back and prime the front, back, and edges of the board to prevent this.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is another option for artists to paint on. It is denser than plywood and particleboard but less dense than masonite. It is also thicker than masonite, which is typically only 1/8" or 1/4" thick, with MDF sheets available in a range of thicknesses up to 1 inch. However, MDF contains carcinogenic formaldehyde, which can be released into the air and inhaled if the board is cut into. Safer MDF products are becoming available, but precautions should still be taken, such as using a respirator when cutting and priming all sides of the board before painting.
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Ceramics
Painting on ceramics is a fun and creative way to express yourself and create unique pieces. When it comes to the preferred surface for painting, artists have a variety of options to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Here is a detailed guide specifically focused on ceramics as a preferred surface for professional artists:
Types of Ceramic Surfaces
Preparing the Ceramic Surface
Before painting on ceramics, proper preparation is essential. For glazed ceramics, it is recommended to lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture that helps the paint adhere better. This can be done using sandpaper or steel wool, followed by wiping away the dust with a clean cloth. For unglazed ceramics, ensuring that the surface is clean and dry is crucial before starting the painting process.
Choosing the Right Paint
The type of paint used depends on the intended use of the ceramic piece. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for ceramics due to its versatility, vibrant colours, and ease of use. It can be applied to both glazed and unglazed surfaces with proper preparation. For glazed ceramics, a primer designed for non-porous surfaces should be used before painting. Enamel paint is another option known for its durability and glossy finish. Additionally, spray paint is a popular choice for ceramics as it provides a smooth finish without visible brush strokes.
Painting Techniques
When painting on ceramics, it is important to apply paint in thin, even layers to prevent drips and uneven coverage. Allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next layer is crucial. High-quality brushes suited for the type of paint should be used, with fine-tipped brushes for detailed work and larger brushes for covering wider areas. For unique textures and patterns, sponges or stencils can be utilized.
Durability and Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of painted ceramics, proper sealing and maintenance are essential. After painting, some paints may require sealing with a clear acrylic spray or varnish to protect the paint and enhance durability. Additionally, it is important to follow the specific instructions for the type of paint used, including curing times and oven-drying procedures, to ensure the paint hardens and bonds effectively to the ceramic surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Artists paint on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood, paper, and hardboard panels. The choice of surface depends on the type of art project and the artist's personal preference. Some artists prefer canvas because it is lightweight, durable, and portable, while others prefer wood panels for their stability and ability to handle heavy textures. Hardboard panels, such as masonite and MDF, are also popular due to their smooth surface, durability, and affordability. Ultimately, the choice of surface depends on the artist's preferred medium, technique, and desired effect.
Ampersand Gessobord is a popular choice for artists due to its smooth, pre-primed surface, which is ideal for intricate details and photorealism. Artists also use untempered masonite with acrylics because it is softer and slightly more absorbent.
Canvas is lightweight, durable, and portable. It can withstand a lot of paint, water, and different mediums, including oils and acrylics. Canvas also works well with various texture mediums and embellishments. However, for portraits or very detailed paintings, the smooth surface of hardboard panels may be preferred to avoid the visible canvas texture interfering with the painting.
Yes, artists can paint on a variety of alternative surfaces such as ceramics, pottery, tiles, wallpaper, plastics, and more. These non-traditional materials can inspire unique and innovative artworks. Additionally, paper is a valid surface for painting, especially high-quality archival paper, which can create permanent artworks.
