Can You Use Semi Gloss Paint on Canvas?

When painting on canvas, artist paints (acrylics, oils, and watercolors) are typically the medium of choice. For those artists who like to experiment with other mediums, however, house paint will also produce very interesting results.

Things You'll Need

• Stretched canvas
• Gesso primer
• High quality house paint
• House paint brushes
• Artist brushes
• Paint palettes
• Disposable paint palettes
• Matte medium

Instructions

1. 

   Prime the canvas. Use artist grade gesso primer to prime the canvas. Allow the gesso to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This step should also be done for canvases that have been been pre-primed prior to purchase.

2. 

   Experiment with paint mixing. Because house paint is formulated differently than artist paint, the colors will not mix the same. Experiment on a "throw away" surface prior to painting on the canvas.

3. 

   Paint the mixed colors onto the canvas using light brush strokes, and thin layers. Using thin layers of paint will prevent it from cracking once the paint is dry. Practice blending on a disposable paint palette. For example, using broad brush strokes to create blended backgrounds will work better than trying to blend pedals on a flower. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

4. 

   Seal the entire painting with a matte medium. Apply liberally using a sponge brush, let dry, and then apply another coat if desired. This seal will help prevent cracking over a longer period of time, as well as prevent the powdery finish house and semi-gloss paints tend to take on after a period of time.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix the media and use other paints in addition to the house paint.

• You must use pre-stretched canvas or a piece of canvas board.

• Do not paint heavy or thick strokes or else they will crack and fall off.

• Failure to prime the canvas with gesso will cause the paint to crack and fall off.

• Do not use oil-based primers, as these will damage the canvas.

Resources

• Mixed Media Arts