The availability, affordability, and mild texture of canvas make it one of the most popular surfaces to use oil paints on.The canvas must be prepared before oil paint is applied to it.You can stretch your own canvas or work with a pre-stretched canvas.You should be able to find the supplies you need at a local art store.
Step 1: The canvas's surface should be cleaned with a paper towel.
Ir isopropyl rubbing alcohol can be rubbed onto a clean paper towel.Rub the patch on the canvas with long strokes.This will remove dirt and dust from the canvas.To avoid tearing the canvas, press lightly while you clean it.
Step 2: If you want to avoid inhaling chemicals, put on a dust mask.
Oil painting can be toxic if breathed in over a long period of time.If you're working in an indoor room without a window, wear a dust mask to protect your lungs.Dust masks typically have a rubber band that stretches behind your head and a metal tab that you can pinch over the bridge of your nose.You can skip this step if you're working outdoors or in a garage with the garage door open.
Step 3: There is a strip of artist's tape over the canvas.
Most artists do not apply oil paint to the upper, lower, and side edges of the canvas.The 4 pieces of tape that are the same length as the 4 sides of the canvas should be torn off.Place the tape on the canvas's edges with the back of the wooden frame in the background.masking tape can be used for this step, but it will stick to the canvas less closely than artist's tape.
Step 4: A soft primer brush should be put into a can.
It doesn't need to be stirred or mixed with other primers, and is ready to work with straight from the can.The brush should be dipped into the gesso by about 2 inches.The brush is on the rim of the can.
Step 5: The canvas can be painted using straight, long strokes.
You don't have to lay the gesso on heavy because the canvas only needs a thin layer.Work across the canvas in 1 direction and paint the gesso on with long strokes.Make sure the gesso coat is even across the canvas by applying consistent light pressure.Depending on the size of the canvas, your brush may run out.If it does, you should dip it back into the painting.
Step 6: Allow 2–3 hours for the gesso to dry.
It takes some time since you need to pause and let the primer dry.This usually takes 2 hours.After 2 hours have passed, lightly tap a finger.The primer needs more time to dry.You risk messing up the entire canvas preparation if you don't wait long enough and move on to the next steps while the gesso is still wet.The canvas needs to be covered while it is drying.The can of gesso should not dry out.
Step 7: The hair dryer will speed up the drying process.
If you're impatient, use a hair dryer.Place the hair dryer on medium heat and hold it away from the canvas.The dryer needs to be moved back and forth above the canvas.The gesso can be dry with a hair dryer.
Step 8: The dried gesso surface should be lightly sanded.
Use long, straight strokes to move the sandpaper across the canvas.While you're sanding the canvas, you don't need to press down very hard.Light pressure will allow for the removal of the ridges that your paintbrush left behind.
Step 9: Use the same brush to apply a second layer.
As before, dip your brush into the can.Since you won't need to apply a third layer on top of it, this can be a little heavier.Paint the canvas in long strokes.The gesso should be applied in the opposite direction of the first layer.If you applied the first layer vertically up and down the canvas, apply the second layer horizontally.
Step 10: For another 2 hours, let the second layer of gesso dry.
Allow enough time for each layer of gesso to dry before moving on to sanding and painting.If you prefer to speed up the drying process, you can use a hair dryer.Sand the second layer the same way you did the first.
Step 11: You can apply as many layers as you want.
Some artists have strong feelings about the number of layers that should be used to prime a canvas.You may like the way the canvas looks after 3, 4, or even 5 layers.If you're new to oil painting, stick with 2 layers of gesso.To sand down the layer before applying any more gesso or before painting, remember to let the canvas dry for 2–3 hours after applying each layer.