When you're starting with acrylic painting, one of the first and most important choices you'll face is selecting the right surface to paint on. The substrate you choose can affect your painting technique, the final appearance of your work, and even how long your painting lasts. Two of the most popular substrates are paper and canvas. In this post, we'll walk through their differences, when to use each, and how to prepare them properly.
Understanding the Basics: What Is a Substrate?
A "substrate" in painting refers to the surface on
which you apply your paint. For acrylic artists, common substrates include:
- Watercolor
paper
- Stretched
canvas
- Canvas
boards
- Wood
panels
While you can paint on almost anything with acrylics, paper
and canvas remain the most popular for their accessibility and versatility.
Watercolor Paper: A Budget-Friendly Favorite
Watercolor paper is a fantastic choice for beginners and
even for experienced artists when sketching out ideas or practicing techniques.
Benefits:
- Affordable:
A pad of Canson XL watercolor paper (11x15") with 30 sheets is
typically around $10–$15.
- Great
for Practice: Ideal for experimenting with color, brush strokes, and
layering.
- Easy
to Store: Flat sheets are simple to store, stack, or frame.
- Portable:
Lightweight and easy to bring on the go.
Tips for Success:
- Use
Heavier Weight: Choose 140 lb (300 gsm) or higher for best results
with acrylics.
- Gesso
is a Must: Always apply a layer of gesso to seal and prime the
surface.
- Tape It Down: Use artist's tape to secure the edges and create clean borders.
When to Use It:
- Practice
sessions
- Color
testing
- Sketching
compositions
- Budget-friendly
projects
Stretched Canvas: The Classic Artist’s Surface
Stretched canvas is a professional-grade substrate that can
elevate the appearance of your work.
Benefits:
- Durability:
Canvas is strong and resists warping.
- Longevity:
Paintings on properly prepped canvas can last decades or longer.
- Professional
Appearance: Looks polished and ready-to-hang.
- No Framing Required: Paint the edges for a gallery-wrapped look.
Recommended Brand:
- Blick
Premier Stretched Canvas: Made from quality wood and sturdy canvas,
and backed by excellent customer service. They offer replacements if any
canvas arrives damaged.
Tips for Success:
- Pre-Stretched
vs. DIY: Beginners should opt for pre-stretched canvases.
- Gesso
Prep: Most store-bought canvases are pre-primed but check the label.
- Use
Firm Brushes: Heavier bristle brushes are best for canvas texture.
When to Use It:
- Finished
paintings
- Commissions
or gallery work
- Gifts
and portfolio pieces
Comparing Paper and Canvas
|
Feature |
Watercolor Paper |
Stretched Canvas |
|
Cost |
Low |
Medium to high |
|
Prep Needed |
Must gesso and tape |
Usually pre-primed |
|
Portability |
Lightweight, flat |
Bulky, harder to transport |
|
Texture |
Smooth to medium (cold-press) |
Medium to coarse (varies by weave) |
|
Durability |
Moderate; may tear if unprimed |
High; withstands layering and scraping |
|
Presentation |
Best for sketchbooks, framing under glass |
Ready to hang, gallery-style |
- Choose
the Right Side: Use the rough-textured side for better paint adhesion.
- Apply
Gesso: Use a wide hardware brush and apply undiluted gesso.
- Let
it Dry: Allow to fully dry to avoid paper tearing.
- Tape
It Down: Use half-on, half-off taping for clean edges.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Use Frog Tape to prevent tearing on paper.
Most pre-stretched canvases come primed with
acrylic gesso.
However:
- If
you prefer a smoother finish, you can sand lightly and apply another layer
of gesso.
- To test absorbency, wet your finger and touch the canvas—if water absorbs, add more gesso.
Final Thoughts
Both paper and canvas have a place in your acrylic painting
journey. If you're just starting out or working on studies, watercolor paper is
an affordable and forgiving surface. When you're ready to elevate your work or
paint for presentation, move to stretched canvas. The key is knowing which tool
suits your artistic purpose.
Keywords: acrylic painting paper, best canvas for
acrylics, gesso tutorial, prepping painting surface, painting on watercolor
paper, stretched canvas vs paper
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