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The following article was published in our article directory on May 26, 2010.
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Acceptable materials for use as a painting support

Article Category: Arts and Crafts

Author Name: Rob Tyrrell

Over the centuries artists have improvised with many different painting supports, but what's the best material to use to give your painting some hope of standing the test of time?looking good in the future?

This is a question that will largely depend on the type of paint being used. Oil and acrylic are relatively flexible mediums, so can be used effectively on fabrics that have been properly prepared. More brittle mediums such as tempera, gouache or pastel, require a more rigid support such as prepared boards. Nevertheless, no support is ideal and all will be degraded over time by chemical changes and the atmosphere. A good artist will make sure they use the correct support, properly prepared, for the medium they're using. By doing so, they can create a picture that will last for thousands of years.

Here's a list of supports that can be employed by the artist.

Processed wood
The best of the processed woods and probably the best rigid support for the artist, is MDF (Medium Density Fibre Board). This is stronger and more stable than other processed woods and so is less likely to warp. The surface is quite smooth, though does take ground preparations well.

Natural Wood
Natural wood used to be often used, but it needs to be well seasoned. Suitable examples will show straight close growth rings which where possible are aligned across its thickness. Wood with knots and sap wood should be avoided. As a rule-of-thumb hardwoods make a better support than softwoods.

Linen
Linen is the best fabric for painting, it is a strong, durable fabric that, if well made, offers a relatively blemish free surface with a fine weave. It's also more stable than canvas.

Canvas
Canvas is cheaper than linen and easier to come by, but it isn't as durable as linen. The better cloths are heavy (10oz or more) have a close weave and few stubs or knots. Canvas is produced in fine, medium and course grades, a course canvas can be useful for adding texture to paintings.

Paper and card
Paper is an ancient product that was developed in China. It is made from vegetable fibres matted together to form a sheet. Western paper was originally formed from linen waste (known as rags). If well made using quality materials, paper has a long life expectancy, but tends to be fragile. In painting it tends to be used as a ground for water colour, gouache, tempera, pastel and acrylics. Though, if heavily sized, can be used for oil colours. If papers are expected to last they must be acid-free.

Stone
Various types of stone have been experimented upon as painting supports. Some fine examples have survived from the renaissance. Slate is an obvious choice as it is available in sheet form, but other materials such as marble and onyx may provide more interesting backgrounds that can also be utilised. Non-absorbant surfaces do not need preparation, however it is advisable to wipe down with white spirit before starting.

Keywords: painting,support,canvas,board,linen,stone,art,preparation

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