Preparing wood panels and canvases for painting

Priming wood panels and canvases | creating a smooth surface and an archival quality product

As an artist who has undergone a gradual evolution, I have developed a distinctive approach to preparing a new painting surface for canvas. My preferred material for painting is 5mm thick plywood. Occasionally, I also paint on traditional stretched canvas. In the preparation stage, I treat both painting surfaces identically. Prioritizing a smooth surface enables me the utmost flexibility in composing a new piece. I refrain from employing underpainting techniques, as I prefer to start a new piece of work with a blank canvas.

By preparing my canvases uniformly, I reduce their absorbency, enhance paint adhesion, and protect them against natural deterioration. Applying a primer provides a uniform surface, facilitating smoother brushstrokes and minimizing paint consumption.

I utilize a standard acrylic gesso for priming my painting surface. Typically, I discover that three coats of gesso yield the desired surface. A coat of acrylic gesso dries relatively swiftly, usually within an hour or two. I frequently prime ten or more canvases simultaneously and allow them to dry overnight.

Complementing this process with a final coat of varnish after the painting is fully completed and dry, this method enables the creation of a comprehensive and professional product that meets archival standards.