Changing Painting Surfaces Can Be Tough. Here Is Why It Was Easy for Me!

My Journey to Finding the Perfect Painting Surface

When I began painting full-time 14 years ago, my goal was (and still is) to become the very best at what I do. I reasoned that to achieve that goal, I needed to use the very best materials. That meant searching out to find the best brushes and the best paints, and especially the very best surfaces to paint on.

Experimenting with Various Art Panels and Surfaces

Over the years, I have experimented and painted on many different types of surfaces and canvases. I have stretched my own canvases and have even made my own panels. All that experimentation has led me to enjoy painting on linen attached to a rigid surface the most.

The Benefits of Rigid Art Boards

1. No wrinkles: I like the thought of never having to worry about getting a call from a collector that a painting of mine has ugly wrinkles and then the hassle involved with restretching it.
   
2. Better protection: A rigid surface provides better protection from any dents and punctures that could occur, which helps with peace of mind.
   
3. Archival quality: Because the canvas is attached to a rigid surface, it is more archival, which means it will hold up to humidity and temperature changes much better than other canvases.
   

Finding the Perfect Surface Texture for Professional Art

My preference for a painting surface is to have just a little tooth to the canvas. I want the viewer to see my painting and not be distracted by the weave of the canvas. (If an artist paints with a lot of paint, they might choose a thicker weave, which will hold their paint in place!) I like to err on the smoother side for the weave for any type of detail work I might need.

My Top Choices for Oil Primed Linen Panels

For those reasons, the two panels that I enjoy the most from Artefex are:

1. The 574 acrylic primed linen
2. The 533 lead primed linen

Both are amazing surfaces to work on, and the artist will have the reassurance that either archival surface will enhance their painting and keep it looking good as new for many years to come.

Understanding Different Priming Options for Art Panels

The biggest difference between the lead, oil, and acrylic primed canvases is absorption. Absorption will make the paint dry faster and can be helpful when I need the paint to dry quickly.

Absorption Levels of Different Priming Types

1. Acrylic primed: The most thirsty – it will absorb the most paint.
2. Oil primed surface: Will have less absorbency.
3. Lead primed surface: Will absorb the least.

Choosing the Right Priming for Your Technique

• If I am looking to have the ability to wipe paint out back to the bright white surface of the canvas, I will always go with lead primed.
• If that’s not as important, I will choose oil primed or acrylic.
• If I’m painting in many layers, the lead primed seems to help with the awful “sinking in” problem.

Tips for Selecting the Best Painting Surface for Your Art

When searching for the best painting surface to use, my advice to any artist is to keep in mind a couple of questions:

1. How does it fit with my painting process?
2. Do I use a little or a lot of paint when I’m painting?

Then choose a surface accordingly. And of course, every artist wants a surface that will help their paintings last for ages!

Why I Choose Artefex Panels for My Professional Art

Having the best materials has always been one of the most important aspects of my painting process in creating my very best work. This is why I’ve chosen Artefex panels as my favorite surface to work on. Their oil primed linen panels and art boards provide the perfect foundation for creating lasting, professional art.

Conclusion:

Finding the right painting surface can be a game-changer for artists. Through my journey of experimentation and discovery, I’ve found that oil primed linen panels, particularly those from Artefex, offer the perfect balance of texture, absorption, and durability for my work. By considering your own painting style and needs, you too can find the ideal surface to elevate your art to new heights.