subject: Different Materials For Use On 100% Cotton Canvas [print this page] The canvas is a great starting point for many works of art, no matter your field of interest or expertise. 100% cotton canvas provides a great base for many mediums, as long as you choose the right kind. Once you determine you would like to start with a high quality canvas, you need to decide whether or not you want it primed, stretched or backed. The type of canvas you purchase should be determined by what materials you wish to use. Here are the most common types of canvases you can choose from:
Oil Paints
Canvas is the perfect base for oil paints, as the slow drying medium often proves too damp for paper. Make sure you choose a canvas that has been primed, or prime the canvas yourself, to be sure of the best results. You can choose a 100% cotton canvas with or without backing. A canvas without backing will create softer lines that look more like brush strokes, whilst a backed canvas will allow for harder cleaner lines.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints also work incredibly well on canvas. You can choose to use backed or un-backed canvas, with the same sort of results as oil paints. Acrylic paints are a much better choice for beginners than oil paint, as they dry faster. Make sure you choose a primed canvas, as acrylic will settle onto the canvas far better if you do.
Collage
Collage is a great medium that can be used on 100% cotton canvas to an astounding effect. If you choose to collage over the entire canvas, you will not reap the benefits of canvas' unique texture, however you will still have provided yourself with a solid base. Canvas is a great base for collage, as it provides stability and support for both flat and 3 dimensional materials. If you are going to use heavy materials, opt for a canvas with a backing board to be safe.
Resin
If you are planning to create an artwork with resin and collage, or resin and paints, you will need to use a backed canvas. Stretched canvas is not strong enough to hold the weight of resin and will most likely tear if you use it as a base. Resin works best in layers, so the backed canvas will give you peace of mind to experiment.
If you are unsure of which type to use, browse through an art store to help you determine which one you would feel most comfortable working with.
