How to Prime Canvas Prior to Painting So That It Remains Flexible

In the process of painting, priming the canvas is very important. This provides the canvas with a more adhesive base for the acrylic or oil paint. It also helps the canvas retain the flexibility necessary to execute certain painting techniques and methods.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wide, large paintbrush
• Water
• Large bottle of gesso for acrylic or oil paints
• Bottle of acrylic gloss medium
• Large bowl

1. Set up the canvas in a painting area, either on an easel or on a flat, sturdy surface.

2. Shake up the bottle of gesso thoroughly.

3. Dip the paintbrush into the gesso, and apply it to the canvas. Start at the bottom of the canvas, and paint large parallel strokes back and forth until you have covered the canvas in gesso. This dries very fast. Apply one coat if you want the canvas to have a rougher appearance. Move to Step 4 if you want a smoother appearance.

4. Mix a three-part solution of gesso, water and the acrylic gloss medium in a container for a smoother appearance on the canvas. Apply to the canvas and let dry.

5. Wash your brush immediately in warm water to remove the gesso, because when this substance dries on a brush, it is extremely hard to remove.