Priming a canvas so that it is easier to paint using acrylics?

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andymcp16

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Tried painting straight onto a cheap canvas with acrylics and it was almost impossible to get a smooth edge as the paint didn't all ways go into the dimples in the canvas.
Will priming the canvas help much?
Any tips would be great


Thanks
 
Priming your canvas with acrylic gesso will help a lot. The gesso sinks into the dimples and makes for a smoother surface. I would start out with 2 thin coats of gesso rather than 1 heavy coat. It's more work, but worth the effort. Cheap canvases will have a heavier texture because the material is not woven as tightly. Many artists like that effect. When you purchase a more expensive canvas you will see the difference. But if you can't afford them now, just get the best gesso you can. The better your supplies, the better your finished piece.
 
Alot of people use the dimples in their painting.
Priming will help some of it, but theres normally a bit of texture left. And most primers are acrylic based anyway...
Canvas also come in different grades. You can get finer stuff, bt it normally comes with a more expensive price tag.
Ready made canvases are normally already primed, but if not, you will need to rpime it.

If you want smooth, I'd paint onto board, relatively cheap too.
 
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