When you are first experimenting with various art techniques, it can be overwhelming to browse through the seemingly countless different supplies. Before you begin painting, you will need to choose whether to use an unprimed or a primed canvas. The question is, what's the difference? Basically, it's best to have the primer pre-applied if you're a beginner. As you gain experience and refine your preferences for surface, you may want to apply your own primer. Here's more info on the topic:
Acrylic primed canvas works for all artistic media except gouache and watercolor. It is a versatile surface ideal for beginners.
Canvases primed for oil paints can only be used for this purpose.
Intermediate or professional painters may prefer to prime their own canvases to achieve just the right surface for a given project.
The more layers of primer you use, the smoother the surface will be.
A painting surface is coated with gesso (primer) to prepare it for vigorous painting and to create an archival finish. It's not essential to use an acrylic primed canvas for your acrylic artwork, but it produces a more professional and finished look.
Our canvases are perfectly prepared to stand up to intense brushstrokes. Small, economically priced painting boards, known as artist canvas panels, can also be primed for acrylic paint. These are thin, portable versions of traditional canvas.
There is an alternative to large stretched canvases if you're a more nomadic artist. Canvas panels can be purchased in a more compact, light form, perfect for students or beginning artists headed to class or a rented studio space.
Explore more art media options by browsing our other products.
