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 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?

[@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.

[@timeenuf4200]

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

[@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

[@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👍🥰😘😘❤️

[@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

[@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!

[@jeffd72703]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@SharifD-PaletteAnArtdsb]

This is very useful for so many artists.

[@jakelagasse]

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

[@handsofrhythm3415]

Fantastic, thank you for this level of detail.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@emiliepesavento9518]

that white canva : so satisfying 🤤

[@karenmusa3052]

Fantastic tutorial, thanku so much ❤

[@theartworkshop]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@Sooterkin]

This video is so thorough! 🙌🏻

[@christineHoxsey]

Great info! Thanks

[@nealbrooks9827]

Thanks. Excellent demonstration!

[@Lee-Anne-ow3uo]

Thankyou very informative 😊

[@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!

[@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!

[@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. 💯🍀🤗

[@moonmagnolia7]

Thank you! Yes, this does help.

[@janmejaysinghsom]

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

[@dontwren]

this is so clutch THANK YOU!!

[@theartworkshop]

You're welcome!!

[@AnimaSola3o4]

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

[@vonrall]

This works perfectly. Great video!

[@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!

[@ivancarrascoq]

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

[@AmandaMG6]

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

[@photostu]

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

[@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

[@GKganesan]

So helpful. Thank you ever so much!

[@adepamph7073]

Excellent lesson. Thank you.

[@excelfan85]

Awesome love this very good to know

[@laloops]

This is awesome, I wish there was something cheaper though. 9 layers of gesso would be expensive over time

[@palnagok1720]

Check out RUSTOLEUM PRIMER ,just fill in the canvas with modeling paste- gesso mix and sand it , of course. Then a few light sprays of rustoleum...dries in 20 min. Comes in various colours.

[@BenKrisfield]

Great Demo!!

[@spiderman5187]

Been looking for a technique to smooth my canvases thanks heaps

[@jamesduncan870]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@scotthaston612]

Well done and explained, thanks a bundle

[@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!!

[@PirateOfTheNorth]

I like the rough texture

[@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

[@shababboum]

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

[@1traphouse]

May i suggest adding a last step to your process? Using a moist grout sponge and wiping it down after you wipe sanded it. Your routine is very nice i would say! The sanding left very minute “scratches” which isn’t noticeable at all when i tried your way. & as an artist i feel as if we are always trying to perfect everything , even something as small as a “scratch” 😅 But with the wet/moist grout sponge, I’ve found that it had smooth over all those spots once it had dried back up. But nonetheless i want to thank you so much for this idea!

[@theartworkshop]

excellent! thanks

[@suspensefulness]

thank u again ...

[@TampaBMan]

Great video! Love a smooth canvas!

[@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

[@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…?

[@mikepolo2887]

A decade ago I tried to imitate Peder Balke‘s technique and would have appreciated your tips;)

[@sophiefly4258]

Thank You so much for the wonderful explanation ❤

[@theartworkshop]

Most welcome!

[@LittleMew133]

I painted on cloth canvas and then also ones primed with gesso. The cloth just sucked in all the paint but the gesso is too smooth, like the paint don't stick to the surface...

[@tinonie100]

Awesome video man! I’m grateful 👍🏽

[@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

[@evedesetoiles6524]

That's cool. You're right,but it's a lot heavier than a canevas😊❤

[@freditorials]

Excellent presentation!

[@Phoneuser4ever]

Bless this video❤

[@CC-vw1cs]

Great explanation thank you !

[@theartworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blu12gaming44]

Thanks!

[@theartworkshop]

Blu!! Thanks so very much!!

[@blu12gaming44]

@@theartworkshop You're welcome!

[@the250mikec]

You are AWESOME!!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@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?

[@zhang876]

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

[@alirazaart6335]

great work

[@kerrioke8043]

Amazing, thank you!

[@SomewhatAbnormal]

This was great, thanks!

[@dietblackasmr3649]

I did a lot of research into painting on MDF and other wood panels because I just can't not paint on a totally rigid surface, so I just wanted to comment to provide some insight for you! MDF, composed of pressed wood fibers, IS composed of adhesives and things. That is correct. I was also worried about how this would fare over time, especially thinking about the acidity of the fibers and adhesive over time. I was told that this wouldn't be a problem in the long run; however, I didn't trust it until I did some research. Ultimately, what I found is that the finish that the manufacturers use on the surface is supposed to be acid-resistant; however, if you're like me and want to ENSURE that there is a complete barrier between the surface and your paint, sizing the surface with PVA size is your best bet. After I size the front, back, AND edges with PVA size, then I apply the acrylic gesso over top. I also like to paint on oil ground, so I usually do 4-5 layers of gesso and then 1-2 layers of oil ground. It is indeed a long process as you stated in your video, but the surface quality just can't be beat in my opinion (based on the kind of surface that I like painting on). Sizing the back and sides of the surface is TECHNICALLY optional, but I wanted to EVENLY protect the surface from ambient humidity just incase it decides to swell on me! In the end, for wooden panels and MDF board, while acid leeching from the fibers shouldn't be a problem, the best thing you can do to maintain an archival surface is sizing with PVA on all sides/edges and THEN applying your gesso (and oil ground if you're like me). I confirmed this through material studies, reviewing my old organic chemistry texts, and journal studies! In my experience, I've had no problems with color changes, ambient humidity, or any other common deterioration problems (e.g., cracking/wrinkling). Hope this helps!

[@theartworkshop]

this is all very well said. I agree- if you want to be safe, add a pva size first. I actually have some oil paintings in my studio from well over a decade ago that I painted on MDF. They look the same as they did the day i finished them. Large MDF panels can easily warp over time though.

[@terrythomas790]

I was told MDF is made from sawdust, and adhesives

[@dietblackasmr3649]

@@terrythomas790 It's made from wood fibers and a resin adhesive, yes. It sounds like a bad thing, but its actually been shown to swell to a lesser degree than other wood products with water/humidity, and again, once sized and primed, it's an excellent surface if you like painting on a smooth, stiff surface like I do! To hang, I either cradle the panel myself or I get a frame to slide the panel into. No problems with it thus far, and really happy with how it handles the size, primer/gesso, oil ground, and oil paint!

[@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 😊

[@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!

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@xjf459]

Thanks a ton !!

[@Kevinate-]

Can I do this same method to a store bought canvas thats already stretched?

[@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

[@ufsee82]

Great idea and effort. Thanks for sharing. I noticed the price of $20.99 from your homedepot, please don't tell me that price is per unit 😱?!?..Okay tell me what you think of this: First off, I buy my canvases ready from Ross/Burlington for like $2 a canvas and even $1 but that's for the smaller ones. Or I get archival or gallery canvases from Joann or Michael when on sale, works perfectly for me, no time omnor energy to produce a canvas from scratch. (Take 📝 readers :) So how do I get my smooth surface because I too want a perfect smooth surface? (What do you guys think?) Here goes nothing, I grab my canvas and give it a gesso layer. Sometimes two but hardly enough no need. Once dry, I paint it with titanium white. So after 2 or 3 coats up to you, heres the magic, I simply get a soft sandpaper from $ store, and smooth it out, works like a charm every time!

[@donartcorner5248]

Excellent!

[@DavidMcFarner]

Great video.

[@bamzerdaniel1997]

Is there a possibility of cracking if you roll the painting with that much gesso?

[@theartworkshop]

I never had this problem, but a high quality gesso is important. Golden, liquitex, etc

[@rannveigkjpsnes9780]

Thank you!🤩

[@parastooart9842]

What kind of roller is this? I just used a roller and it gives me a very wired texture. Thank you

[@theartworkshop]

Just a normal 6" roller. I use these amzn.to/3J0Iw08 but any kind will work. You will always get a texture using a roller, so use the taping knife to remove it.

[@RabidCycler]

It’s possible to get it smooth as glass you say 🤔

[@mikkie505050]

great info bro thanks a lot

[@pdxwildchildroberts5586]

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

[@moniefoster7871]

Very informative!

[@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

[@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?

[@NicolasConnault]

Wouldn't you need less coats if you used linen rather than canvas?

[@inspiredKREASHUNS]

Omgoodnes! 10 coats of Gesso??1? Say it isn't so! I better stick to MDF mediums cause that's a lot of Gesso... and work. (Sorry. I'm impatient and frugal when it comes to certain things, lol) Thanks for the detailed vid all the same! :)

[@squarebag73]

Sorry, 1 more question that I may have missed. What type of roller do you use to apply the gesso? Super smooth foam, 1/2" nap for rougher surfaces..etc.?

[@theartworkshop]

I use both- honestly whatever is cheapest or on sale. It's just to spread out the gesso so the roller isn't that important

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

Doesn't stretching the canvas after you paint cause the paint to crack?