How to Paint a Canvas Backdrop BEST METHOD for Photography

[@kstanley9119]

If you have the space to hang the drop cloth in a garage or basement you can use a steamer to get the wrinkles and creases out. Takes less time than using an iron. In the past two weeks I have painted five back drops using Nicole's method(Two - 9x12, Three 6x9), they turned out great.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That is a fantastic suggestion! Thanks for sharing :) I'm so glad you've enjoyed my method!

[@MargaretaRing]

Thanks for this video, I’m thinking to paint my own flatlay backdrop for wedding photography. ❤️

[@christinaskinner6510]

Thank you for such a detailed tutorial! I feel prepared to make one and hopefully avoid a lot of trial and error thanks to your instructions. Appreciate it!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome! You will love your backdrop :)

[@JeniseDunn]

WOW! This was well done. Clear, concise and to the point. Thanks!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you, Jenise, for the feedback! :)

[@adrianaeissa]

This was such a clear put together video to watch. I can’t wait to create my own custom drop!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you, Adriana! Yes, you need to paint your own backdrop :)

[@milesian1]

I first discovered you while searching for a workable DIY method to make V-flats, and I've just kept watching. You explain everything so well, and the links to materials are very helpful. I mostly do headshots in my small studio and want to mix things up with backgrounds, so this is the perfect tutorial for me to get started on making some custom canvas backdrops. Just ordered the right sized canvas and should have something completed by next weekend!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback and for watching my videos! You will have a lot of fun making your own canvas :)

[@Mialovesphoto]

Agree 100%

[@maurih360]

Thank you so much for this!! Greetings from Argentina

[@georgevp]

A while ago invested in 2 9×12 raw canvas hoping I could bleach them but found doing so was a chore beyond my ability. Like your technique seems pretty easily to do, and I will be trying it once I get all the materials together.

[@NoahStephens]

That pink is pretty beautiful

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Noah! I love it too :)

[@ashishpkeshwani]

I don't think anyone else has explained this with so much detail and better anywhere before. LOVED IT and THANK YOU!!! It would be great if you have any tips on creating your v-flats

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I did my best to be thorough :) A v-flats video is next!

[@Mialovesphoto]

You have the best DIY videos. Thank you.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Glad you like them!

[@Mialovesphoto]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla Just finished my first backdrop. You really do have the best DIYs. Thank you.

[@susanpszenitzki3953]

Thanks!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the Super Thanks Susan!!! I appreciate it so much :)

[@giftedsp97]

Thank you so much for this video! I have wanted a canvas backdrop for sometime now, but they are so very expensive! This has given me the motivation to try it on my own! Love your channel by the way! I have learned so much!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

thank you so much for the feedback! Being able to make a pro canvas for $60 definitely take some of the pressure off :)

[@jpatani]

Great video. What kind of pipe do you use to roll up the canvas for storage?

[@gentletummy]

Thank you! I use 2" PVC pipe that's used for outdoor irrigation and plumbing.

[@kevingoodchild3049]

I'm certainly inspired Nicole, canvas ordered ! and paint shopping tomorrow :-)

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That's awesome! It's going too look amazing :)

[@grearte]

A very easy-to-follow DIY video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Gustavo! And you're welcome :)

[@jhardawnephotography5674]

Perfect! Detailed and easy to follow!

[@citlallirico5524]

Thank you! You are incredibly inspiring!

[@skillcubator1]

That's so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@joserobertoluppino2399]

...amazing video... Nicole, you are the best... thanks so much and salute from brazil...

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome! Hello to Brazil! :)

[@hankkingsley9183]

You can also stretch canvas on a backdrop frame and steam iron it, seems easier than ironing board to me

[@stevenaxelrod2909]

Thank you for your well explained and demonstrated backdrop tutorial.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for the feedback...I appreciate it :)

[@jcam783]

Thank you for sharing this video , it's been awhile since I've attempted to paint my own canvas . Love how well you explained the whole procedure and will be having another go at this . Beautiful photos !!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback J Cam! I'm so glad that you like my video and especially that you want to paint your own canvas :)

[@artandadventurerv]

I absolutely love your channel! You give us growing photographers such great instruction and ideas! Thank you so much!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Paige, thank you so much for the feedback! I appreciate it :)

[@hillahay331]

Amazing detail, thank you so much! Doing mine tomorrow :)

[@Bettysworldofficial]

Thank you so much , I enjoyed your video a lot . I will paint my canvas . Thank you again for the video

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! You will love it :)

[@yuliyarivkina9301]

Did you need to wait till the base layer paint is dry before applying the texture coat?

[@petemcknight803]

I love the flowing fabrics you use in your photos. It’s a beautiful signature addition that makes your work stand out. Also, nice selfies! 🥰

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback! I love the movement and emotion flowing fabric brings to portraits :) I prefer staying behind the camera but when you're on a deadline to finish your video you improvise by using the models you have in hand...haha!

[@Mikefarwell-67]

hey Nicole, Ive painted two 8 oz drops, I used flat black, primed with PVA, then 2 coats flat black....simple black backdrops the only issue is that its easy to scratch the paint with my fingernails, so I tried some waterborne polyureathane flat finish really didnt help with one coat??? So does youre floordrops get pretty scratched up???

[@gregbowman3077]

I am doing a similar project but started with dyes to make a Grey, Black, and Brown. They came out OK, a little cheaper than this paint method. The black was too light, so I am going to use Nicole's method to improve it. The Pink rocks, that is on the to do list. Thank you much Nicole!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Greg, thank you so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it. I've never tried using dyes.

[@gregbowman3077]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla I watched your video because I wanted to see if there is a better method. Dye is fine for bland middle tones without texture, which might work in some instances. I will be painting them and might double up the 9x12s like you did for larger scale pictures. Dyeing the tarps is easy, dye them in your washing machine and dry them in the dryer or outside on a flat surface. Congrats on the fellowship. Loved your images, lots of great ideas there.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

@@gregbowman3077 thank you for sharing. Let me know how your painted canvases turn out :)

[@ginaiannucci]

Nicole, do you paint your darkest color first and lighter color texturized on top?

[@f.kieranfinney457]

I have a big muslin hand-painted bg that I have always hated. Looks like a blue tiger scratched it. These pro backdrops can be washed. Heavy use equals dirt. So. I’m curious if you’ve washed one. Perhaps oil-based paint would be more permanent. Wish I knew how the originals are made.

[@heartofntx]

Had I seen this before the one I painted, it would have turned out beautifully! One thing I do to cut cost is to go to my local paint store and sift through the mis tinted flat paints. 💙💚💙

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That's a great idea to reduce your paint cost!!

[@JulieLandrieu]

Love! I finally have the space to try this out, although I probably have to wait until the proper season haha. Thank you for sharing!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you! Yes, you definitely need to give it a try! Let me know how it turns out :)

[@vladagorbounova8701]

You photos are amazing!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! :)

[@AyoolaBoyejo]

Thanks for the very detailed explanation. I noticed you did not seal the canvas before painting like some tutorials advise, do you see any benefit to doing that?

[@BeenaDeming]

Wow..Love your work.. Thank you for sharing this.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you Beena! I'm so glad you liked my video :)

[@mattmarcheski5292]

Such an incredible video!! So many great tips and straight to the point- amazing!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I appreciate it and I'm so glad you liked the video :)

[@KJ_nyc]

Oliphant insists on using 12 oz canvas. How much difference do you think there is between 10 and 12 oz? What advantages could there be by using 12 oz? Many backdrop painters also prime their canvas first, or purchase primed canvas before painting. You don't do this, yet you seem to have good results. Do you think using a primer/paint product is enough? Is that why you didn't prime first? Excellent video.

[@casacappsphotography]

Hi Nicole! Discovered your channel and your content is fantastic! i’m wondering what size is your shooting area? I have a 12‘ x 16‘ space that I’m considering converting to a small studio but I worry it’s not large enough. However I noticed your shooting space is very similar at least in width.

[@chellecherie]

Hi Nicole, question for you about the paint. When it drys does it flake? Have you made any changes since you started making your own?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

No, I have not had any paint flaking on the backdrops...yet :)

[@bdotlee]

Do you have a link to the bar system that can handle this weight?

[@youngjdavidl]

What model is your portable backdrop stand??

[@cynthiatamez7119]

Does the base color have to be dry before putting the texture ?

[@GarcesBrosStudios]

This is so awesome thank you for your video!

[@cameronblake3783]

Trying this soon! So thankful!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Fantastic!! And you’re welcome :)

[@alvintelan9812]

Thanks for this video. You make it so simple.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes, it's a simple process but I love the pro results! :)

[@renoalcantara9350]

Great job! You make it look so easy! I just tried my own set and it isn’t easy ! I struggled with the texture on the first one I made but tomorrow I’ll find out how my second one will turn out! Thanks for the video.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hello Reno, I’m so glad to hear you’re giving it a try! You will get better and better with each attempt as you create what is the most attractive to you :)

[@nickchandley5414]

Very well done! Bravo!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

thank you so much for the feedback! :)

[@fraidashay1]

Thank you, this video is fantastic!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

you are so welcome! Thank you for the feedback :)

[@EProVids]

This AZ boy was thinking of painting up some canvases this week.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

woohoo...that sounds like a good time! :)

[@studiomomentzz]

What is the paint Normal Wall Paint or any other?

[@stephenmuller5098]

Great tips, thanks again!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed my video :)

[@hwphotography1731]

This was very informative and very cool to see 🙂

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm so glad you liked my video :)

[@myziephotography4798]

Thank you for this! Can’t wait to try 🙌🏽

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome! Have fun with it :)

[@larissa2851]

Nicole, the part where you are talking about the canva is not showing. Is it possible to link the one you use? Thank you!

[@gentletummy]

I included the links in the video description :)

[@mirandavandenberk786]

This is great ,I go try this. Only get to find a place where I can paint it

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Yes, go for it! :) It will be your work of art!

[@ilovephoto100percent]

Is it possible to use spunbond as a canvas? Large size, cheap and easy to find.

[@ilovephoto100percent]

"spunbond" is a material for covering plants

[@shavornemarnell4855]

You have inspired me to give this a go, however I work with babies and toddlers and wondered the best way to secure the floor layer as I imagine it would slide about?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Awesome! You definitely need to try it :) I haven't needed to secure mine to the floor. But you can try taping it down with some painters tape or gaffers tape. Maybe just tape down the underneath plastic so you can paint from edge to edge on your canvas without having to paint over any tape.

[@shavornemarnell4855]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla makes sense whilst painting it... then secure to floor when in use. Another question..... don't suppose you can wash these?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Shavorne, I apologize...I misunderstood your question :) Yes, I definitely tape down the edges of the canvas I lay down on the ground before a photoshoot if I'm photographing a dancer or any subject who will be moving around a lot. I have a roll of 3" gaffers tape I use. I tear off strips that are about 8" long and tape the corners and the mid-point on 3 of the edges.

[@lilypalomar8196]

Hermosos tus canvas😍😍😍

[@tamaraburk9963]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@pattyforster6517]

Nicole, Have you tried lightening up the base coat for the textured second color instead of buying separate cans of paint. I would think, since you are doing close shades, it may work?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Yes, that would work. But since I'm painting multiple canvases at once I prefer to have the separate color of paint so I can have consistent results across all the canvases. And since I use up a full gallon on one canvas, I need another quart of paint anyway. Then I keep the quart for touch-ups as needed in between photoshoots. Occasionally with dancers, I have to touch up marks made by their point shoes :) I have a small favor to ask, help me keep making free DIY tutorials with the new Super Thanks button located below the video. It's the heart with the dollar sign inside of it :)

[@artandadventurerv]

Didn't you also paint a white/cream colored one? What are the colors you used to paint that one please? Thank you!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

No, I only painted a light gray set. When I warm up the colors in post, it can appear more cream :)

[@johnnywestmoreland7667]

Hi I know it’s been a while since you posted this video but do you remember what colors you used to make your brown backdrop

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Johnny, if you watch my other backdrop video, I have the color names listed at 8:37 in the video :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6eyZKl3btlnrLMsi=Up2BS6VXDpkFfepW

[@CourtneyBStylisteducation]

Thanks for this video! Are the washable after being painted?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

thank you for the feedback! :) I haven't tried washing one yet. I'm sure you can spot clean it if needed. But I wouldn't recommend putting it in the washing machine. If you end up trying it, let me know how it turns out :)

[@shieralaelucilla2536]

Can we used katsa fabric an alternative canvas?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Shiera, I haven't used that fabric before but as long as it has a tight enough weave to hold paint then I think it would work.

[@crystalmarsh685]

Love this!! Thanks for sharing! How do you attach the canvas to a core when using the varipole system? Are you taping or gluing them to an aluminum or pvc core first?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you for the feedback! I just use gaffers tape to attach the canvases to the metal varipole poles :)

[@pattymattes7124]

Another question for you. Does it have to be 2" pvc. Could I use a 1 1/2" or 1 1/4" PVC? The 2" weighs a little over 7 pounds and I found that quite heavy.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

I have not used a pipe smaller than 2" but I'm sure it would work fine for storage. It might be more prone to wrinkles is all. If you try a smaller pipe, let me know how it turns out :)

[@pattymattes7124]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla Thanks! I will. I understand about the wrinkles but 7 pounds is a bit on the heavy side for me. I'm thinking I can handle the 1 1/2". I'm going to do this very soon and I'll let you know. I think your videos on doing a diy painted canvas are by far the best I've seen on KZbin. Thank you for doing this!!!

[@stefanski8620]

Awesome video! Wow! Thank You!!!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are welcome! Thank you for the feedback :)

[@skillcubator1]

Can you please share the link for the canvas you used?

[@gentletummy]

Yes, I included links in the video description :)

[@skillcubator1]

@@gentletummy thanks. And do we need to prime it?

[@gentletummy]

nope :) @@skillcubator1

[@justinen1828]

What brand were the canvases? For some reason when I watched the video it blurred that part so I couldn't actually see which one it was

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

I included links in the video description. The brand names on Amazon change over time :)

[@GiselaMabelPerezMoquete]

Wowww!!! Thank you!!!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome! :)

[@irenedavo3768]

Beautiful

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you! :)

[@kristijanignjatovski4415]

let me ask you, since these are paints for interior walls, will the paint start to break over time?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hi Kristijan, that is a very good question! I have not noticed any breakage or cracking on any of my canvases since I painted them. Granted, I've only had them for about three years.

[@trevorwickman3021]

Hi Nicole I just finished my first of many by the looks of things. I don't have the 2 inch pvc pipe yet and was wondering if that helps with wrinkles when the canvas is new. I did iron prior but I have wrinkles now it's done. Do you think I could iron it from the back again and not harm the paint?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

After I first iron the canvas, I roll it on to the pvc pipe to minimize wrinkles before I take it outside to paint it. Yes, I've been able to iron the backside of the canvas after it's painted. I use a spray bottle with water to help generate more steam for my iron.

[@trevorwickman3021]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla Thank-you so much. You are the best.

[@orendorffstudios3835]

the link to the 9x12 8oz canvas doesn't go to that product. was wondering if you had another link?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Thank you so much for letting me know! I just updated the link :) amzn.to/3u2U8Mf

[@pattymattes7124]

I dyed a 9 by 12 canvas drop cloth I got from Harbor Freight but didn't like the results. Would you know if it's possible to paint over it? The weave is thicker than a muslin cloth. Thanks!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Yes, I think that would work!

[@pattymattes7124]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla Thank you!!!

[@yayitan11]

Thank you so much 🤍❤

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

you are so welcome! :)

[@GerrickTaylor23]

What do you use to to connect your backdrops to the poles?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Gaffers tape :)

[@Brotherhood-of-The-Skallywag]

Nicole. How do you attach your canvas backdrops to your roller system?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

I use gaffer's tape :)

[@Brotherhood-of-The-Skallywag]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla Hmm ok. That’s what I’ve been using but I thought there might be something better. 🤪 Thanks

[@paulmclinden2859]

Hi, I've just bought 6oz and a heavy-duty 12oz canvas, just awaiting arrival. My question is, have you had any issues with the paint peeling or cracking due to repeated rolling and unrolling of the canvas? Also, do you think that watering down the paint would make the paint stick to the canvas longer and resist peeling or cracking for longer?

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

No, I haven't had any issues with cracking or peeling yet :)

[@rjspiffy]

I just tried painting my first canvas using this method. After my first coat the canvas has become quite wrinkled along the edges and has waves throughout the canvas. Have you encountered this before? Also the canvas is no longer square it's warped.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

I have found that the thickness of my canvas dropcloth can affect how much the canvas warps once painted. And yes, depending on how well the canvas was woven, it may not result in a perfect rectangle. I've trimmed off the outer inch or so of my thinner canvases that had more warping to get a flatter edge.

[@sevenbridgesoneriver4838]

Hey Nicole, I live in a place called "Rip off Britain" where the price of canvas is way more than you purchase canvas for. Am I looking for the wrong type of canvas or is there just a huge difference in price between the US and the UK? Help! I'd love to paint my own however, my final costing for an 8'x8' is coming in around £190 including paint ($240) 🤷🏻‍♂

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Hello, I'm not familiar with your area, but that sounds REALLY expensive. I use the simple canvas dropcloths painters use to protect the floor when they paint.

[@pocholoy1381]

Hello i've watched both your vids on backdrops and I don't know if I missed it but are these dropcloths primed? Or is that the reason you do the base color twice? the first acts as the prime base? I can't order the exact ones you have linked as im all the way across the globe so I'm trying to do it with what we have locally. Many thanks for the videos :)

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

No, they are not primed :) Yes, that's why I apply two coats of my base color. I buy the dropcloths and iron them right out of the package.

[@pocholoy1381]

@@NicoleCarsonBonilla thank you for clarification and reply. Excited to give this a try 😊

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

@@pocholoy1381 awesome! Let me know how it turns out :)

[@mingtelo]

is some of the video missing?

[@김태영-i1m6x]

do you use what paint??

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

I use interior latex paint. The kind you would use to paint the inside walls of your home :)

[@roberthartung594]

Have you ever tired this method with 3 shades? Say Black, dark gray, and a lighter shade of gray?

[@kstanley9119]

Another painting tip, put your paint tray in a garbage bag instead of a plastic insert. Easy clean up.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

That is a great suggestion!! I will have to try that.

[@100mazay100]

Хитрюга ... впрочем как и все фотографы ...

[@memodelahouse]

Thanks!

[@memodelahouse]

I know about someone who makes this backdrops for a living and they put "something" on it before the paint. They brush it all over, it looks as if it was milk or white paint, but they say is not paint. Of course I don't know what it is but they say it prolongs the life and color of the backdrop and also, instead of ironing, you just dampen with water and hang it overnight, and next day is completely wrinkle free, this is actually their method for getting rid of wrinkles without damaging it.

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

You are so welcome!! Thanks for the Super Thanks...you rock :)

[@marksherfick470]

Thanks!

[@NicoleCarsonBonilla]

Mark, you're so welcome!!! And THANK YOU for the support :)