How to Paint on a Watercolor Canvas

Watercolor canvas adds new functionality to watercolor painting.

One of the problems that all watercolor artists deal with is buckling paper. Proper stretching of the paper helps but is time-consuming. Some artists choose to use very heavy paper which is less apt to buckle; however, this type of paper is quite expensive. Watercolor canvas does not require stretching; however, it reacts differently to paint than paper does. This requires techniques to use watercolor canvas as a replacement for watercolor paper. Watercolor canvas also makes it easier to correct mistakes than on watercolor paper.

Things You'll Need

• Watercolor canvas
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Matte aerosol fixative
• Matte varnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Staple the edges of the watercolor canvas to a piece of gatorboard. Alternatively, tape the canvas to a flat nonabsorbent surface to keep buckling from occurring.

2. Moisten the surface of the watercolor canvas with clean water for wet on wet painting. Lay in paint as you would on paper. Experiment to get the desired results.

3. Damp brush any painted area on a watercolor canvas, then wipe with a cloth to completely remove paint from that area. For large mistakes, watercolor canvas can be completely washed under running water, although some staining may occur, depending on the pigments used.

4. Seal dried watercolor paint with some type of clear sealer such as a water-based matte varnish before painting wet on dry. Because watercolor canvas does not absorb paint, the color will lift if gone over without being fixed to the canvas. Use a spray on fixative to avoid lifting paint.

5. Allow painting to dry completely, then apply a final coat of spray fixative. After the fixative dries, brush on a matte varnish if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Stapling is not necessary If you are using a stretched watercolor canvas.

• Frisket can be used on watercolor canvas the same way it is used on paper.

• Oil and acrylic painting on watercolor canvas is nearly identical to painting on regular canvas.

• The drying time for watercolor canvas is longer than on paper, and there is less absorption.

References

• Michaels: Experience Watercolor Canvas Tips & Techniques

Resources

• Fredrix: Watercolor Canvas Tips and Techniques