How to Prime a Canvas Ready for Painting
Learn how to prime a canvas with this easy to understand, step-by-step guide.
Why Prime a Canvas?
Most artists choose to buy blank canvas which is primed and ready to paint on. However,
some artists prefer to start with an unprimed canvas as it is often found that there is a greater choice of different weaves and variations of canvas available when bought in the 'Raw' state. Moreover, buy priming the canvas yourself it is possible to have greater control of texture of the surface to be painted on.
Gesso - The Priming Medium
A water based medium called 'gesso' - which can be bought from any art supplies store - should be used to prime the canvas. When buying the gesso it is important to make sure that it is suitable for the type of paints you intend to use. Some gesso is only suitable for oil paints, others are only appropriate for acrylics and some can be used for both.
Priming the Canvas
To prime the canvas Gesso can either be used in its original thick state or it can be watered down. In its thick state the gesso will fill in most of the texture of the weave of the material and in a watered down state the weave will be more visible.
To apply the primer use a wide paint brush with flat bristles and paint it on the canvas using parallel strokes. Once you have covered the front of the canvas apply the gesso to the edges taking care not to leave any drips of primer on the edges.
If you are using watered down gesso you may find that you will need to use 2 or 3 coats to achieve the desired surface. It is important to wait a few minutes for the primer to dry between coats. Once the canvas is primed to clean the brush rinse it thoroughly with water.
Other Uses for Gesso
Gesso also has other applications; it can be used as a medium to mix with your non oil based paints when thinned out with water. It can also be mixed with acrylic paints in its thick state and be used to create texture.
Gesso can also be used to prepare a canvas for reuse which has previously been painted on. Simply sand the painting flat and wipe over it with a damp cloth before priming.
