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 Fabrics and Grounds Q: Does it matter if I use canvas rather than linen? A: Choose the fabric that you like the best for painting. In centuries past, linen was a better choice because it lasted longer. Linen lasts approximately 150 years and canvas 100 years. Now all paintings are re-lined at 100 years. Also, good quality medium weight linen with a tight warp and weft is very expensive if you can find it at all. Do not be surprised if you see your ground strike through the back of linen. This is just because of the open weave. Q: How do I properly roll a canvas for storage? A: One of the worst things to do to an oil painting is to roll it and keep it in storage for a long time. But on occasion if you must roll a painting:
Q: Can I use PVA Size as a ground? A: No, PVA Size is not a ground but you can paint directly on a size. If you want to paint only on size, apply a coat of PVA Size on both sides of the fabric. Q: Does PVA Size tighten fabric support like rabbit skin glue? A: PVA Size does not tighten fabric like rabbit skin glue. So either stretch your fabric very tightly (just as you would for the application of acrylic gesso) or apply PVA Size before you stretch your fabric. Q: I see ground striking through the back of my fabric. Is this a problem? A: You are probably using a linen with a more open weave. By correctly scrubbing the PVA Size into the fabric before application of your ground, the fabric is sealed. The ground is filling the space between the fabric that is fine. Consider applying PVA size to the back of the canvas too, so that any ground that is touching fabric on the back has been sized. Q: Why should I apply Gamblin Ground with a knife? I prefer using a brush. A: Gamblin Ground contains about 80% solids and acrylic gesso contains 40-50% solids so the acrylic gesso is easy to spread. By using a large palette knife (spatula) you can apply ground thinly and evenly. After you have spread on the Ground, feather out the knife marks with a stiff brush wetted with OMS. Traditional oil painting grounds are thin layers. Painters are accustomed now to using thick layers of acrylic gesso. It takes three or four coats of good quality acrylic gesso to make a suitable ground for oil painting and it only takes TWO coats of Gamblin Ground. Two thin layers make a good flexible ground. You can add more layers if you want a still smoother surface. Remember to lightly sand the top layer of your ground before you apply paint. Q: Can I thin Gamblin Ground? A: We recommend that you use Gamblin Ground undiluted. Nevertheless, if you prefer to thin it and apply it with a brush, you will need to add another coat or two. Q: My ground looks quite shiny. Should I sand the top layer of ground before I start painting? A: Yes, if the ground looks shiny, lightly sand the surface before you start painting. |
