Make Your Canvas SMOOTHER Than Paper

[@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 spray opaque airbrush white over it (as I do: over my drawn pencil lines to soften these) - great surface for airbrushing !

[@MariaRegan-rg9ib]

@@Steinstra-vj7wl that is a BRILLIANT idea. Does the material last for a long time? I create original pieces to sell.

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

@@MariaRegan-rg9ib Yes, forever, better than canvas does. It is extremely strong.

[@sharonalicea7998]

@theartworkshop you mentioned you ship the canvas rolled up. How does the canvas hold up to shipping after? Any cracks on the canvas or artwork? I ask as you apply so many layers. Also, where does the collector take the canvas roll to have it mounted on a canvas frame?

[@mamedrzayev9338]

@@Steinstra-vj7wlo

[@timeenuf4200]

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

[@mohanpugaz]

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

[@animalpower7315]

That's why they have Tue expression starving artist. All the best art supplies available for sale to the public is peasant supplies. The elites have certain pigments worth millions. Almost every famous artist knew people in power that's how they became famous while the general public will never be successful with art. Most famous artist had their apprentices do their art they received credit for. And the same elites control the only 3 art galleries that will make you amount to anything. Sotheby's is one. They control most major art sales. Good thing the bible says don't recreate anything above or below so I'm sure its wiser to work and spread our light and salt then to have a desire to buy endless amounts of art supplies spending time alone and not guiding our flock. Populations collectively spent Endless hours. Days weeks months years decades centuries wasting their life while when we could have spent that time spreading the truth and the word. Look how the world behaves with the tree. How would they act without the tree? Just the time and energy artists have used we could have pushed evil tyrants and globalists performing the corporate takeover away from our country. Artists are a small fraction of the population. With the whole population combined we are still failing at protecting our country. Oh well guess I'll go oil pastel some more. :) I'm a victim of the system also. Spending more mammon on supplies soon in a fruitless endeavor to earn money on art like they teach you in school.

[@yasshilpi6427]

Omg, I was about to start acrylic painting without gesso and saw this video, thank you so much 🙏🏻....

[@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!!

[@kristalnegronfuentes8271]

One of the best videos explaining how to prime a canvas. Thank your for it!

[@theartworkshop]

happy to hear that- thank you back!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@caseyallred9878]

This is the first video I've found which gives me confidence in getting canvases prepped. The ability to whip together a viable canvas for a project simply from the dimensions as long as I have the canvas and mdf for it is really liberating and much more realistic of a process for getting a lot of canvases ready without having to invest in the lumber for frames

[@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!

[@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.

[@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👍🥰😘😘❤️

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 👍🏻

[@jeffd72703]

Wow! That’s a lot of effort you put into making this video. Thanks!

[@tinakelly6782]

Clear explanation, one of the best art instructor. Very useful, beneficial and practical to all level of artists. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@greatsewing6061]

Very informative. Glad to see procedures for a smooth canvas.

[@ananana6574]

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

[@sheheryarqureshi9320]

Such intricate explanation down to the tiniest detail, amazing.

[@theartworkshop]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@handsofrhythm3415]

Fantastic, thank you for this level of detail.

[@chrish.3378]

Thanks a lot for this video. I'ven been searching for a way to smooth my canvas for a long time and this was by far the most helpful video 🙏

[@theartworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@MarisaG-g7d]

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!

[@gaga1812]

great thx. I use Fabriano fine grain watercolour paper and add gesso 2 times- works like a charm

[@theartworkshop]

That's one of the best! I love Fabriano paper

[@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.

[@vonrall]

This works perfectly. Great video!

[@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!

[@SharifD-PaletteAnArtdsb]

This is very useful for so many artists.

[@nealbrooks9827]

Thanks. Excellent demonstration!

[@janmejaysinghsom]

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

[@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!

[@jakelagasse]

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

[@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!

[@donnaweathersartist7536]

Excellent video and very thorough. Thank you!

[@evanbates1212]

Love this information. Thank you!

[@theartworkshop]

You are very welcome! thank you back.

[@Sooterkin]

This video is so thorough! 🙌🏻

[@fayee8986]

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

[@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. 💯🍀🤗

[@jonathanrider4417]

Excellent presentation - thanks so much!

[@blu12gaming44]

Thanks!

[@theartworkshop]

Blu!! Thanks so very much!!

[@blu12gaming44]

@@theartworkshop You're welcome!

[@photostu]

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

[@dontwren]

this is so clutch THANK YOU!!

[@theartworkshop]

You're welcome!!

[@JanineMKartist]

I'm going to mount canvas onto gallery panel rather than stretch. I seal the panel first with GAC 100 and the canvas cut to fit (not wrap around). back and then front of canvas after it's mounted and dried. Right now I'm just doing a test piece first.

[@theartworkshop]

excellent way to do it! mounted canvases are perfect surfaces to work on

[@scotthaston612]

Well done and explained, thanks a bundle

[@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.

[@dormaettu302]

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

[@Enuffisenough]

Great video! Love a smooth canvas!

[@AnimaSola3o4]

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

[@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

[@zhang876]

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

[@ivancarrascoq]

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

[@shababboum]

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

[@emiliepesavento9518]

that white canva : so satisfying 🤤

[@manicairbrush4395]

Great stuff! Q- After all these coats and fully cured you can roll these for shipping? No cracking, chipping ect...?

[@theartworkshop]

Yes, of course! It rolls up perfectly, and I've never had one start to crack or chip yet. Make sure you varnish/clear coat the final painting before rolling it up though.

[@ajl1973]

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

[@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

[@excelfan85]

Awesome love this very good to know

[@freditorials]

Excellent presentation!

[@moonmagnolia7]

Thank you! Yes, this does help.

[@adepamph7073]

Excellent lesson. Thank you.

[@ZadenZane]

What if there's crossbars on the back of your canvas and taking it off the stretcher isn't an option? The only thing I can think of is chopping the bars off or forcing stiff card under the struts but have you got any other ideas? I've already got a few 30" canvases "ready primed" but they need more gesso. Any ideas?

[@theartworkshop]

Unfortunately, you can't sand it with crossbars. Won't work for that because those lines will 100% show through.

[@ZadenZane]

​​@@theartworkshopunfortunately I've already got a few. I think I'm going to shove card under them for the priming. So far I haven't properly sanded anything I just gesso vertically, horizontally and diagonally each way and add layers of white paint. (This is for acrylic on canvas.) I don't mind painting on a crisscrossy pattern but bumpy canvas I don't like. The first "pre-primed" canvas I ever bought I tried to paint silver but these white patches would not go away. That's when I learned to buy my own gesso.

[@spiderman5187]

Been looking for a technique to smooth my canvases thanks heaps

[@karenmusa3052]

Fantastic tutorial, thanku so much ❤

[@theartworkshop]

Thank you!

[@TianaArtist]

Does the canvas crack when you roll it up restretch it? That’s the only reason I haven’t done any multiple gesso layers - gesso feels sooo brittle when layed down thick - where as oil feels more flexible even when dried

[@kruliczycakruliczyca830]

Thank you for this video.

[@dp6216]

Thanks for this video, very helpful. I spaced out and used a brush instead of a roller to apply the gesso, so I'm guessing I have more gesso after 5 coats than I would have had with the roller. The taping knife works well to flatten out the layers. I live in a humid environment, wondering if each coat should be slightly tacky or not before recoating? Also wondering how flexible the 12-24 hr cure time is. Will be impossible to sand after 24hrs, or just take longer?

[@theartworkshop]

Thanks! I'll often gesso canvases and then sand them months later. Works just fine but does take a bit more effort.

[@pdxwildchildroberts5586]

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

[@yyguuyg]

Should I allow it to dry after the sanding/leveling with tape knife step? That is, should I let it dry before polishing with a cloth/shop towel? I am concerned that if I don't, the slurry that is filling the cracks will get wiped off. Thank you so much for this video!!

[@felipediazcristianismo]

Fantastic tips. THANKS!!!

[@tinonie100]

Awesome video man! I’m grateful 👍🏽

[@jamesduncan870]

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

[@sophiefly4258]

Thank You so much for the wonderful explanation ❤

[@theartworkshop]

Most welcome!

[@juliehooper1360]

Great video. With so many layers of gesso wouldn’t it crack when you roll up the canvas if you were shipping it in a tube.

[@theartworkshop]

thanks! I never had this issue but you never want to roll up a canvas too tight. It's important use a high quality gesso like liquirtex pro, golden, etc. I found that these brands are extremely resistant to cracking

[@kordianronnberg9090]

Thanks so much for the great tutorial! I have gesso that is acrylic based and can be mixed with acrylic paints. Can you mix gesso with acrylic paints in this process to get a different shade of underpainting than white? Also, can you paint with oil paints over acrylic paint without problems in the future (I think many people do this, underpainting with acrylics, and then oil paints on top). Thanks again, good man!

[@theartworkshop]

Yes, you absolutely can do that. Many artists I know tint their gesso with another color before applying it. One tip to be on the safe side (and for archival purposes) is try to stick with the same brand of paint and gesso for this. For example- Golden acrylics with Golden gesso. Hope this helps!

[@davefaulkner6302]

In my journey to understand Paint and its many processes, I recently learned how to do Automotive Painting. Many of your techniques overlap with Auto Painting. To extend your process, the next step would be to use cutting and polishing compounds with a buffer machine and you'll get that canvas to look like a piece of china. Thanks for the Tape Knife tip/trick. Great idea.

[@jjpaintings]

Great vid, thanks! ... Q - I'm a fine art painter with a massive 12'x6 wood panel. The first layer of background OIL paint I applied left prominent brush stroke marks that catch the light. I hate it and need to go over and smooth the surface. So can I use your method of getting a smooth surface with OIL based Gesso? I know that I can't apply acrylic gesso over the oil paint. ... Thanks again, John

[@theartworkshop]

Thank you! This is not a good idea with oil based gesso or paint. You can't wet sand it and it just isn't safe for a bunch of reasons. I don't recommend it.

[@jjpaintings]

@@theartworkshop , thanks. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for smoothing over an oil based surface. Gamblin Ground maybe?

[@theartworkshop]

@@jjpaintings Well you can never add an acrylic over it because that will eventually start cracking. Using a chemical to strip/remove the paint is a real pain too. That's an option but not worth it imo. You can apply an oil based ground like the gamblin one to cover up the original, but you should never ever sand an oil based product so it'll be the same texture. My only real suggestion would be to buy a roll of canvas and stretch it over the panel. Then start with an acrylic gesso on a new surface. It's a lot of extra work, but is probably what I would do. I wish you the best of luck!

[@jjpaintings]

@@theartworkshop , thank you.

[@aggoto8636]

Thank you SOOOO much for this! 😊

[@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.

[@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?

[@hugh_byrne]

I’m interested to know if there is any cracking when transferring the canvas from the mdf to a stretcher later. Because there are so many layers of gesso won’t it crack or is the gesso quite flexible? Thanks

[@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 😊

[@GKganesan]

So helpful. Thank you ever so much!

[@AmandaMG6]

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

[@alirazaart6335]

great work

[@Phoneuser4ever]

Bless this video❤

[@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.

[@charla.weddingpainting]

Hi! May I know what did you use at 10:00 ? Sand paper and what is the sheet with holes? :D Kinda confuse, why does the sand paper looks like a sponge?

[@theartworkshop]

The round piece of sandpaper with the holes is for orbital sanders. The holes collect dust when sanding wood. Besides that it's basically normal sandpaper. The sponge looking thing is also sandpaper- it's called a sanding sponge.

[@charla.weddingpainting]

Thank you so much for your respond! Excited to go shopping and try this out :D You really explain it well, as I rewatch it! I was told I can skip the gesso part. But this enlightens me, thank you!

[@MrJarvisrose]

Hi - just starting some panels with your process, which looks great ! I wondered, is there a problem removing the canvas from the MDF substrate, when it is dry and painted on ? I would have thought as there is glue in the gesso, the canvas might be difficult to remove.I intend to be putting the successful paintings on stretcher bars later. Any ideas on this ? thanks so much !

[@theartworkshop]

Thanks! With a heavy canvas (I use 15oz cotton duck), only a minimal amount of gesso gets through so it's never an issue for me. You can of course prepare and seal the raw canvas with something like GAC 100 if you'd like. It works great! GAC 100 is kind of like a modern take on the old rabbit skin glue technique for oil grounds. I used to do that for my paintings, but I found modern acrylic gesso to be good enough to apply directly to the raw canvas.

[@MrJarvisrose]

@@theartworkshop Thanks so much - am doing it on some unprimed linen that has been knocking about the studio for some time, so shall see, and if it sticks I will go with the GAC ! Great video !

[@CC-vw1cs]

Great explanation thank you !

[@theartworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@augustinamadueke109]

Thank you so much,this was so helpful

[@theartworkshop]

happy to hear it!

[@erwindepan]

Thanks for the video. To prevent discoloration on MDF, you must first treat it with an insulating primer. I also do that when I make my own clayboard. It's the same steps but instead with a mix of pva glue, water kaolin clay and titanium white pigment.

[@theartworkshop]

Yes, that should work well! 2 coats of gloss or matte medium should do the trick to seal it up as well. Then gesso.

[@Flux_One]

@@theartworkshop or GAC100

[@theartworkshop]

@@Flux_One exactly! gac100 works very well.

[@ganapatikitty]

Why seal it if you’re not painting on it…?

[@johnduffy1114]

Thank you for quick reply! I’ve stretched the canvas and gessoed it and sanded it down. My next question is, I need hang this on a wall so I can project an image onto it to trace. I don’t have an easel that is perpendicular but a wall is. Any ideas on how to do hang the MDF? Thanks again!

[@theartworkshop]

I use small L-brackets to mount mdf or canvas to the wall using some wall anchors. This really messes up a wall over time with multiple painting, so you might want to invest in a vertical easel.

[@johnduffy1114]

I can’t wrap my head around how to use an L-bracket. Is it you attach the brackets to the wall and lean the MDF on top of the brackets?

[@carolgatiss6065]

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