Guides

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A guide to priming canvas

Learn why priming your canvas is crucial for protecting and enhancing your paintings. Discover expert tips on choosing the right priming materials and techniques to achieve flawless results with Winsor...

How do I prime different types of canvas?

If you’re working with cotton canvas and want to use either oil or acrylic colour, an acrylic gesso primer is generally used, though you can use any of them. If you’re priming...

What are the pre-primed canvas options?

You don’t have to size and prime a canvas yourself. Winsor & Newton offers acrylic-primed cotton and linen pre-stretched canvases in different depths and sizes. If you want to avoid...

What is the difference between priming and underpainting?

While priming prepares the canvas ready to receive paint, underpainting is a first layer of paint applied after priming. Traditionally a lean layer with a reduced palette, it’s a tonal rendering...

What does sizing a canvas mean?

Understand the crucial differences between sizing and priming. Discover how these techniques protect and enhance your artwork, ensuring a durable and professional finish.

Ultimate guide to Gesso: Applying, drying time, and techniques

Discover the art of canvas preparation with our comprehensive guide to gesso. From application techniques to drying times and canvas priming tips, explore how to achieve the perfect foundation for...

What is the difference between stretched and unstretched canvas?

Stretched canvas, securely mounted over a wooden frame, offers a flat, taut surface ideal for painting. This prevents the canvas from wrinkling or distorting under brushstrokes. Conversely, painting on unstretched...

How to make cotton canvas smoother

All canvas needs to be primed before you start painting, to ensure the paint isn’t absorbed into the surface. The more layers of primer (often referred to as gesso) that...

Can I draw on canvas? What’s the best way to do it?

Many artists find it helpful to sketch an outline of their planned composition on canvas before starting a painting. You can use pencil, charcoal or transfer paper, and do this...

Can I use watercolour on canvas?

Canvas that’s been primed for oil or acrylic paint isn’t suitable for watercolour because the surface isn’t absorbent. However, you can buy special watercolour canvases that have been prepared so that they...

Understanding canvas options: Boards, Rolls, Sheets, and Papers

Explore different canvas options: canvas boards for portability and durability, canvas rolls for custom-sized canvases, canvas sheets as pre-cut alternatives, and canvas paper with a textured surface suitable for oil and...