Make Your Canvas SMOOTHER Than Paper

This video is a follow up to my previous video on how to prepare the smoothest canvas ever. Since I've been getting a bunch of questions, I've decided to make an updated version where I go into a lot more detail. I'd recommend this smooth canvas for airbrush painting, acrylics, oils, and all drawing mediums such as graphite, colored pencils, ink, pastels, etc.
I'll show you how I used MDF (medium density fiberboard) to stretch my canvas and then cover the original canvas texture with multiple coats of gesso applied and removed with a taping knife. This process is easy but takes time and can be quite messy. However it is worth it, and I found this to be the best canvas surface to paint or airbrush on. Try it out for yourself! Thanks for watching.
Supplies:
Gesso: amzn.to/3hyfr0J
Less Expensive Alternative: amzn.to/3HzGD9X
Taping Knife: amzn.to/3CdzMlx
Canvas Pliers: amzn.to/3MlCaLl
12v Stapler: amzn.to/3KfEwtv
Sanding blocks: amzn.to/3IIbEtC
Panels: amzn.to/3vCHUuw
Unprimed Canvas I Use: amzn.to/3vyTJld
These are amazon affiliate links for The Art Workshop. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Using these links helps support my channel. Thank you!

[@theartworkshop]

Updated version for 2023! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/anrdmI2HqtmsfNU In the new video I'll show you another way to do this much faster using super heavy gesso.

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

I will tell you a secret canvas you would never consider: Block-out roller blind - the cotton type (don't use nylon or other plastics) - that any DIY shop sells. They come in pure white and have extremely fine texture, and in sizes small to huge. No Gesso or other prepping necessary - airbrush directly on it, or spay opaque airbrush white over it (as I do: over my drawn pencil lines to soften these) - great surface for airbrushing !

[@mohanpugaz]

Thats one reason why paintings are costly. What an effort even before you start painting. 👌👌👌

[@jilliancrawford7577]

Thank you!! I had no idea super smooth surfaces were an option for oil until recently and super smooth surfaces are my favorite ones to work on for any medium. I also love how detailed and specific this tutorial is. It isn't vague and answers questions right when they came to mind! It saves so much on guesswork and errors! I can't wait to give this a try, thank you!!

[@AmazinGraceXOXO1]

This was so helpful I can’t even tell you how badly I’ve been looking for something like this. Thank you!

[@theartworkshop]

glad to hear it. Thanks!

[@goldandcryptonewsandupdate8199]

I agree it’s been a big problem with my paintings since I started, this will give me a huge boost

[@goldandcryptonewsandupdate8199]

Thankyou my paintings will finally have a chance to look how they always should of

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

Me too, today is mother's day, this video is like a present 🎁 Thank you so much

[@timeenuf4200]

Wasn't aware of the difference using a taping knife and paint brushes when applying gesso. Makes perfect sense. Thank you.

[@Banyaga]

Thank you for sharing!!! Without formal education on art, this is quite helpful. Hope to watch more of your videos.

[@theartworkshop]

You are most welcome! It's not for everyone, but I'm glad that it's helpful for those who want this type of canvas. Thanks and best of luck to you!

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

For years,I 'd wanted this information,lack of it has created a barrier between me and painting,I ' m do grateful, Thank you so much I subscribed rang bell and gave this beautiful video a like👍🥰😘😘❤️

[@handsofrhythm3415]

Fantastic, thank you for this level of detail.

[@fayee8986]

Can't say enough thank you! Great how to! Very helpful and very appreciated!

[@BenKrisfield]

Great Demo!!

[@donnaweathersartist7536]

Excellent video and very thorough. Thank you!

[@ananana6574]

10 layers! That's a lot. So helpful!!! Thanks for sharing

[@vonrall]

This works perfectly. Great video!

[@Sooterkin]

This video is so thorough! 🙌🏻

[@johnelliott7020]

This is great! I saw your first video and did this to the next canvases I am working on for clients. I use store purchased canvas and I do some of my bigger works on linen on custom frames. Many thanks!

[@nealbrooks9827]

Thanks. Excellent demonstration!

[@Tampabman]

Great video! Love a smooth canvas!

[@korukiwiarts]

Thank you for showing the difference. I had been thinking about this for a while, and after you had revealed some clever options by using hard board. I'm going to give it a go. 💯🍀🤗

[@photostu]

This was very informative and helpful, thank you for sharing!

[@greghenry6762]

From an auto paint background... I've taken a 1/4" piece of plexiglass cut it to the size of sandpaper. (Approximately 2 1/2" wide. I also buy rolls of paper so the length is dependent.) Ease the corners slightly (please pay a little more attention to the corners.) Fashioned a handle with two pieces of Gorilla tape. These are spectacular due to the rigidity and the ability to customize the sizes. You'll end up with a much more flat surface and can be used wet or dry. Thank you for the time spent making the videos, I understand the amount of work involved. I also appreciate your style and approach, it's done in a logical format for me to follow. Keep up the good work.

[@theartworkshop]

great tip! thank you for sharing

[@adepamph7073]

Excellent lesson. Thank you.

[@jakelagasse]

Very well put together, I’d recommend to everyone trying to advance there skills. Perfectly done for taking notes as well

[@jonathanrider4417]

Excellent presentation - thanks so much!

[@felipediazvlog]

Fantastic tips. THANKS!!!

[@freditorials]

Excellent presentation!

[@dormaettu302]

This video is so well explained. Thank you so much.

[@madArt1981]

I’ve been painting for a long time since Mom gave me my first oils 1975. I’ve been doing this for decades, I like a soothing smooth surface so I use spatula to apply my gesso and sand between layers to get a polished marble finish but using a wet sanding technique? Awesome info. I’m going to use it. Thanks for sharing

[@quixotemonreal]

Great, thorough video

[@ivancarrascoq]

I was looking for this kind of information. Thanks! 👏

[@scotthaston612]

Well done and explained, thanks a bundle

[@christophernelson8011]

I am so grateful for this video. I'm doing a mixed media piece on canvas, I gessoed my surface, but the oil pastels were not adhering to the surface as I would like. I even considered using a wood panel or even paper after this failure. But the wood is too large & heavy (the painting is 45in by66in), and the paper is just not what I want (you now? what if i make it to a gallery/museum one day?!? i want my works to be on a strong, light surface). You saved me! My oil pastels look AMAZING on this surface, you're a life saver. Thank you so much, all the way from the Caribbean!

[@theartworkshop]

So glad it was helpful!! I love to hear it worked for you. It's basically all I paint on these days.

[@mjpete27]

Sweet video! Thank you. I loved the 8 to 10 coats! I am always adding more coats to the pre-made canvases, yes I am told time and time again that I am wasting my efforts, yet my surfaces are smoother than others by far! I will take a look at your new posting and I just wanted to say thank you. Well done!

[@tinonie100]

Awesome video man! I’m grateful 👍🏽

[@sheheryarqureshi9320]

Such intricate explanation down to the tiniest detail, amazing.

[@theartworkshop]

Thanks!

[@excelfan85]

Awesome love this very good to know

[@ebattershill445]

thank you so much fro taking the time to share this , at last i can have lump free canvas to paint on !! i can also use the same thing to cover any old used canvas that i want to return to a decent working surface , thanks for remaking the vid this is so easy to follow.:)

[@theartworkshop]

glad it's helpful!

[@janmejaysinghsom]

Thank you so much dear for your precious tutorial, It is very effective

[@alirazaart6335]

great work

[@shababboum]

Thanks. Great video. So informative.You gave me all I have been needing to know.

[@aggoto8636]

Thank you SOOOO much for this! 😊

[@donartcorner5248]

Excellent!

[@GKganesan]

So helpful. Thank you ever so much!

[@SomewhatAbnormal]

This was great, thanks!

[@kerrioke8043]

Amazing, thank you!

[@moniefoster7871]

Very informative!

[@ajlau8975]

Spectacular! Where have you been? Excellent footage and explanation. Makes total sense. I've struggled previously.

[@Phoneuser4ever]

Bless this video❤

[@sophiefly4258]

Thank You so much for the wonderful explanation ❤

[@theartworkshop]

Most welcome!

[@kruliczycakruliczyca830]

Thank you for this video.

[@DavidMcFarner]

Great video.

[@CC-vw1cs]

Great explanation thank you !

[@theartworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lesgoins5124]

My wife and I are total newbies we're gonna be doing some large abstracts and pours and other of that type--GREAT JOB!

[@TamiNJosh]

How great you’re arting together 👍🏻

[@huntsail3727]

Great video, subscribed!

[@spiderman5187]

Been looking for a technique to smooth my canvases thanks heaps

[@mikkie505050]

great info bro thanks a lot

[@emiliepesavento9518]

that white canva : so satisfying 🤤

[@craftyhobbit7623]

I actually stopped painting with acrylics because I got fed up of lumpy canvas. I always found it left small white dots all over the place because the paint wouldn't go into it, and pencil lines were always wobbly, and if you watered the acrylic down it would pool in the dips.

[@hello-xm5il]

I have never liked painting on canvas either I usually use thin cardboard on the rare occasion I find myself painting with acrylic. It's smooth, and the paint absorbs down into the cardboard, so you don't have to wait for your first layer to dry. It's also way cheaper.

[@marshellebackes]

If you use KiLZ primer over MDF, for that matter, any moisture lock primer will work and prevent discoloration. Apply 2 coats of primer. Then apply the gesso.

[@rolisonpaint3]

Isnt the kilnz petroleum based? cant do acryic over oil. you could use it on the reverse.

[@augustinamadueke109]

Thank you so much,this was so helpful

[@theartworkshop]

happy to hear it!

[@samiraingold]

wow! thanks, this is so helpful 😍 never liked the feeling of painting on canvas because of its texture, i have to try that.

[@theartworkshop]

you are most welcome. Hope it helps and best of luck to you!

[@AwesomeAndrew]

This is great information, I've done quite a few of these now, and Sanded to 3000 grit, really great for the artwork I do. Thanks man, great video.

[@theartworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesduncan870]

Thank you. my art needs fine lines and your solution is perfect.Thank you very much.

[@rannveigkjpsnes9780]

Thank you!🤩

[@alexfaktor136]

Thank you for going into more detail with this video. I have prepared several MDF boards and some hot-pressed paper according to your instructions. I am now at the sanding stage and was about to use 600 grit and higher. I'm glad you corrected me and now I know this isn't really necessary. I can't wait to airbrush on these. I've been spraying on hot-pressed paper and then lightly using erasing techniques, but the paper doesn't hold up long. This gesso is the answer. Many thanks for these videos! I've learned so much from this channel.

[@theartworkshop]

So glad to hear it! Gesso on paper is such a great surface. I agree, without the gesso the paper doesn't last long with erasing techniques.

[@alexfaktor136]

This worked out very well using acrylic paint. It erases very easily and wipes off just the same if I need to totally start over. I know you probably wouldn't recommend this, but I tried spraying inks on the gesso and had mixed results. They are so thin compared to acrylics and getting good coverage takes many coats and lots of patience as it's very easy to spray too much. Using an eraser did not produce good results either. It smears the ink around and scuffs the surface more than removing the color. Any surface imperfections in the gesso are so much more noticeable using inks. I try very hard to get every detail correct in my paintings; looking at my reference photo frequently and using grids as you have suggested. I'm going to try using that higher grit sandpaper next time to minimize the surface flaws and imperfections in the gesso.

[@theartworkshop]

@@alexfaktor136 I've used white acrylic paint instead of gesso too. It works well! Gesso is usually more cost effective if you buy gallons at a time. I find the gesso easier to wet sand too. Interesting points with the inks. Are these the liquitex inks? Great for thin glazes, but not so good for erasing or coverage, I agree. It's a high quality paint, just made for a different style than what I do.

[@alexfaktor136]

@@theartworkshop I spray fountain pen inks and sometimes bleach for highlights. I used the Liquitex Basic Gesso.

[@xjf459]

Thanks a ton !!

[@AnimaSola3o4]

This video is so helpful wow. I can't stand even pre-prepped canvas and prefer a flat as surface as I can

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Thank you!

[@ChesneyAdventures]

Thank you!!

[@the250mikec]

You are AWESOME!!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@user-ow5tn5vj6u]

Excellent video - Thank you for easy to follow instructions via great camera work, editing, and to-the-point voice-over. Superb video. I do high detail graphite drawings and this is exactly what I've been looking for to do it on canvas - thank you! My only question is whether I could do an orbital sander at the end to get it *even smoother* if that's possible. Have you tried that or is the hand sander a better option? Many thanks.

[@theartworkshop]

Thanks so much- I've used every type of sander over the years and found the best to be hand sanding. You can 100% get it even smoother by hand sanding up the grits to 1000 or higher, but I found that overkill for me. You might love it though- same with an orbital sander. Best to experiment and see what works best for you. Good luck to you!

[@suspensefulness]

thank u again ...

[@miguelfinocchi6603]

Maestro,io preparavo il legno con colla di coniglio e gesso di Bologna.Questo metodo è sicuramente superiore.Grazie per i vostri meravigliosi video

[@micahofstedahl1401]

Thank you, the gesso part was very helpful. I didn’t know about wet sanding! But why does it matter that the water is distilled? Also, ACM panel is a much better alternative to MDF. You can mount canvas to it or paint directly onto it after priming it. It’s lighter, durable, archival, and not susceptible to moisture.

[@theartworkshop]

thanks for the ACM panel recommendation. I'll have to try it out!

[@studbunnyzeus]

I recently started thinking maybe I shouldn’t do canvases anymore bc of the texture it’s so hard to get some details right when there’s so many little pores 😭… I knew there was a better way lol. Thank you

[@zhang876]

have you tried mix gesso and modeling paste together(as suggested on liquids official site) for a smoother surface?

[@salsanjazz4388]

Great video! Very informative and laid out well. Easy to follow. By the way, I'm finding it a challenge to paint oil on it. Almost like glass. It's slippery and some times runny. Are you waiting until the paint is dried a bit to do wet on wet?

[@theartworkshop]

I mainly use this surface for acrylic airbrush paintings these days, but with oils I've always used an alkyd medium on this type of canvas. Gives the paint a bit more tack and easier to blend working in small sections at a time. Plus is dries a million times faster than pure linseed oil.

[@AmandaMG6]

Is this my favorite guy Watercolor-ish's voice?! 😊

[@freyjasvansdottir9904]

If anyone is wondering why the canvas is called duck it’s from the old Dutch word duuk meaning sail cloth, related to the Norwegian word duk, Icelandic dúkur, danish dug

[@theartworkshop]

love this- thank you!

[@Echobike01]

Excellent tutorial , as are all of your tutorials 👌 just one question if I may. Would acrylic sealer primer undercoat work in place of Gesso ? Thanks in advance

[@theartworkshop]

Depends what type of primer it is. Tell me the brand and I'll let you know! Sometimes primers are the same as gesso and sometimes they work like sizing. Personally, I'd stick with good old gesso. It inexpensive and works on everything.

[@MissiJade]

Where have you been for my painting journey??? Thank you so much for this video. I am trying to paint abstract style of artwork using Golden fluid acrylics and acrylic inks but the surface looks terrible because you can see all of the areas that are diluted with water and I have been battling with this. You are an absolute legend putting out this video. I see that it is a year ago that you posted this. Do you still use the same gesso technique? So much gratitude from Australia 🙏

[@theartworkshop]

thanks! still using the same technique. sometimes i use liquitex heavy gesso which requires less coats. same process though.

[@MissiJade]

@@theartworkshop ok thank you 😊

[@apachukhu6010]

Thank you..

[@Winteryears]

Just a note: the MDF can be sized with glue before the gesso is applied, rather than the way more expensive mediums, and in that way is closer to the way panels were treated years ago: sized with glue then coated with a heated mixture of chalk and glue, in several layers. I must admit that I haven't done so for years as it's a time consuming practice and acrylic gesso is an easy one-step solution that seems to hold up well.

[@theartworkshop]

awesome! Thanks

[@user-kc7mu4jp4p]

I would so much like to see an actual painting being done on this surface.

[@deniseriopel9125]

Thanks a lot! How do you prepare the sides with gesso using your technique without messing the top surface of the canvas?

[@theartworkshop]

most welcome! I don't do anything to the canvas edges. Some of the gesso drips on the sides and I kind of like the way it looks. If I want a very clean edge for exhibiting, I'll have the painting mounted in a floating frame. hope this helps.

[@margiejenkins9841]

Thank you. Very informative. I will try this technique. I want a very smooth base. My gesso was very thick and was told not to use over 25% water. Even at that it was too thick. What else can I do to thin it.

[@theartworkshop]

Thick gesso works very well for this! I actually prefer it because you don't need as many coats. use a small roller to apply it rather than a brush.

[@milosr4328]

Great tutorial! Thankyou🎉 is it possible to use hairdryer instead of waiting for each layer to dry?

[@theartworkshop]

Yes, of course! A hairdryer will speed things up if you need it. A fan works well too. I prefer letting it dry by itself though.

[@carolgatiss6065]

Great tutorial. Does this technique work for 400 gsm paper?

[@emilykg]

This is fantastic. Thank you!!! Question: if I used an airbrush could I get the same effect?

[@theartworkshop]

thanks! For applying gesso an airbrush isn't a great choice because it won't spray well (if at all), and will not go on thick enough to smooth out. Spraying with Hvlp/Lvlp work fine, but I still prefer a roller. Hope this helps!

[@zhang876]

I have trouble with the edge with removing from board and stretch on frames? The canvas seems to create those puffs around the edge.

[@pdxwildchildroberts5586]

Great vid👍💜..but guess I missed the "Rag Paper" part... anyone know what minute that was❓

[@dieterdecuijper3841]

Love your vids, been watching them for a few weeks now starting from the first one. I do have a question about the Gesso. Is it possible to roll your canvas up to store it in a tube when gesso has been applied? Or does it crack up?

[@theartworkshop]

Thanks so much. I've rolled up nearly every painting I've completed and never had one crack or start to deteriorate. Works incredibly well. Go with a good gesso like liquitex or golden though.

[@dieterdecuijper3841]

@@theartworkshop i probably will go with Liquitex, if I can get it in Belgium that is. Thank you for your reply! 🙏

[@Valerie-nf3jl]

Thankyou

[@johnduffy1114]

Thank you for a great video! My questions are: after the canvas is prepped. Do you airbrush directly on to it or do you remove it from the substrate and staple it to stretcher bars then paint on it? Also, if the substrate is .25” thick, what size staples are you using? Thanks again.

[@theartworkshop]

happy to hear it- thanks! I like to paint on a hard surface, so I paint on the canvas stretched over the panel. Most times I'll exhibit or sell the work stretched over the panel. I'll only removed it and use stretcher bars if the canvas needs to be shipped. I like to use 1/4" (6mm) t50 staples. I'll make sure that the stapler isn't set too deep for .25" panels. Makes the staples easier to remove as well. Hope this helps.

[@StandaloneVR]

Hi, I don't know anything about canvas. Is cotton still relevant if using gesso? Could it be a different fabric even synthetic instead? Thx

[@kenbarton3136]

Hi, what are your thoughts on using lana vanguard synthesis paper or Dru Blair's paper which is pretty similar. I use lana Vanguard.... would you also gesso that? Thanks

[@theartworkshop]

those papers are great. They are all basically yupo paper, which I used on the last nose painting lesson and the hammer too. I use Legion yupo paper. Without gesso, the paint scratches off very easily which some people like. 2-3 coats of gesso on it is my favorite, because you can soft erase. I prefer painting larger which is the main reason I use canvas.

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

What about using something like light modeling paste, or something with more... thickness, to level out the texture so you could do less layers? Would that work?

[@terrythomas790]

A lot of work BEFORE you get to the fun part of painting! I'll just stop after the prep, and call the painting, "The Great Blizzard". lol

[@squarebag73]

I enjoy all of your videos. You're very skilled and knowledgeable Thank you for sharing. I had 3 questions regarding surface prep. Would this process work the same over pre-primed canvas board? Can you do less layers of gesso if you want a surface with a slight tooth? and lastly, if ultra smoothness is your goal, why not use a finer grit sandpaper than 120?

[@theartworkshop]

thanks! Yes, it works great over a pre primed surface. You can add as many or as few layers as you like to reach the the smoothness of your choice. Honestly, you can sand it all the way up to the 800+ and get it even smoother. I noticed 120 is smooth enough for me, so that's where I usually stop. Hope this helps.

[@mitchelltharp8023]

Has this method been tested for archival. I want my paintings to last beyond my years and i dont know if that much gesso is good for long term

[@MasonMak-sw2um]

Will the gesso crack when you roll the canvas (for postage)?