How Do You Prepare A Canvas For Oil Paints?
Before you can begin painting on a canvas, it must be properly prepared with primer. Acid in the paints can cause the canvas to deteriorate if this important step is not followed. Gesso or a similar ground supplies a uniform color, texture and level of absorbency to the canvas that makes it ideal for painting. Step 1 Shake or stir your gesso well. Pour some into a plastic cup, about 8 ounces or larger. Add a small amount of water to thin the consistency. Stir well with a plastic knife. Step 2 Moisten the bristles of your gesso brush with water. Step 3 Dip the brush into the gesso/water mixture. Dip until you cover halfway up the bristles. Wipe the bristles against the sides of the cup to remove excess gesso. Step 4 Brush the gesso across your canvas. Make sure your brush strokes all go in the same direction, either side-to-side or up-and-down. Step 5 Push the bristles of the brush into the canvas to get even coverage. You may occasionally use circular motions to gently grind the gesso
