Cotton Canvas

Content and quality of cotton fabrics varies widely. Density and weave are defining specifications of the material. Foreign natural materials, chemicals, and sizing can alter performance.

Acrylics and dry media can work well directly on raw/unprimed cotton. Most artists prefer to apply a ground first.

When painting with an acrylic paint, medium, gesso, or ground, two or more initial coats of Gloss Medium can be applied to reduce Support Induced Discoloration (SID). For oils, do not apply Gloss Medium. Apply 3 or more coats of acrylic Gesso to protect the canvas fibers from oil penetration. Many of our Gesso & Grounds, Gels & Pastes, and Fluid Mediums can be applied to alter the absorbency, durability, or texture of cotton canvas.

Watercolors can be applied on raw cotton for staining effects, but we typically recommend applying Gesso followed by one of our three QoR Watercolor Grounds for a bright white absorptive surface. For dry media, we recommend applying a textured ground or paste for improved tooth. Article: Painting Supports, Cotton Canvas Video: Support Induced Discoloration (SID)