Preparing Your Painting Surface – Tips & Techniques for Perfect Results

As artists, we often focus so much on the technique and the tools we use to create our artwork that we overlook one crucial factor: the surface we’re painting on. Whether you're working on a canvas, wood, or paper, the way you prepare your surface can be just as important as the strokes of paint you apply. After all, a well-prepared surface not only helps your paint adhere better, but it also affects the texture and longevity of your final piece. In this post, we’ll share the importance of surface prep and dive into the techniques we use at our studio, where my dad (Greg) and I have developed our own distinct methods to prep for painting.

Understanding the Surface: Why It Matters

Before you even think about applying paint, it’s essential to consider the texture and material of the surface you're working on. Each type of surface—canvas, wood, paper—has its own characteristics that will influence how your paint behaves. A smooth canvas might be perfect for fine detail work, while a rougher texture could add a beautiful tactile element to larger, more expressive pieces.

For me (K.M.), the prep process is all about the canvas size. On smaller canvases, texture can be a major distraction, so I aim to create as smooth a surface as possible, almost like paper. But when it comes to larger canvases, a bit of texture can enhance the piece’s overall feel and help the paint adhere better. My dad, Greg, on the other hand, prefers to keep things traditional. For him, gesso alone is often enough to create a solid base.

Gesso: The Traditional Prep

Gesso is the go-to primer for most painters, and for good reason. This traditional medium helps seal the surface of the canvas, allowing the paint to stick properly. It also prevents the paint from soaking into the fabric, which is especially useful when working with oil or acrylic paints.

For Greg, gesso is a one-and-done surface prep. He loves its simplicity and effectiveness. He applies it to the canvas, and that’s it—his surface is ready for painting. If you’re like Greg, this straightforward approach will serve you well.

Tailored Prep for Different Canvas Sizes

Now, let me (K.M.) tell you a little about my method. When working with smaller paintings, I go a step further. Not only do I apply gesso, but I also use a prepping medium that fills in the texture of the canvas. This is where my personal style comes into play. The goal is to make the canvas surface as smooth as possible, so that when I paint on smaller canvases (anything smaller than 8 inches), I’m not distracted by the rough texture. The result? A smooth surface that allows me to add finer details and get the precision I want.

It’s not the traditional method, and I admit it might be a conservator’s nightmare (sorry, Baumgartner!), but it’s my personal preference. The smoother surface lets the colors pop without the interference of canvas texture. As the canvas size increases, I back off on the prepping medium, using less of it as the surface area grows. The texture of the canvas becomes more acceptable as the footprint of the painting expands, and I find that the medium becomes unnecessary beyond a certain size.

The Role of Prepping Mediums: Enhancing the Surface

You might wonder: What exactly is this prepping medium I use? Well, it’s a special formula that fills in the canvas texture and helps smooth out the surface even further. When mixed with gesso, it creates a surface that’s perfect for detailed work. This step might take a little longer, but it’s worth it for the results I get. The medium enhances the overall painting experience by allowing my brushstrokes to glide smoothly and providing a solid foundation for layers of paint.

Preparing Other Surfaces (Wood, Paper, and More)

While we’re talking about canvas, let’s not forget about other surfaces like wood and paper. Each of these needs a different prep approach. For wood, I like to use gesso as well, but sometimes a sanding step is involved to ensure the wood is smooth enough for painting. For paper, a light gesso layer can help prepare the surface without making it too stiff.

Greg, being the traditionalist, prefers to keep things simple even with non-canvas surfaces. For him, a straightforward application of gesso or an acrylic medium does the job just fine. It’s easy and efficient, but as you can see, there’s room for different preferences depending on your style and the surface you’re working with.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Own Prep Style

When it comes to surface prep, there’s no right or wrong way—just the method that works best for you. The important thing is to experiment and find your preferred approach. Whether you stick with the traditional gesso application like Greg, or you customize your prep like me to smooth out smaller canvases, the key is finding what helps you create your best work.

If you’re ready to start prepping surfaces like a pro, we have a wide range of art supplies—gesso, prepping mediums, and more—available on our website. Check out our selection and get ready to elevate your painting practice!

Conclusion

Surface preparation might seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in the quality of your artwork. From gessoing a canvas to experimenting with prepping mediums, taking the time to prepare your surface will pay off in the long run. Whether you’re a traditionalist like Greg or prefer a customized prep like me, there’s a technique that will work for your artistic vision. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what suits you best.

Ready to start prepping your surfaces for your next masterpiece? Browse our full range of art supplies today, and let’s create something amazing together!