Transcript Priming a Canvas for Oil Painting

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Specializing in the Techniques of the Old Italian and Dutch Masters
Julia Passamonti-Colamartino
“Artista Straordinaria”
* PRESENTS *
Priming a Canvas for
Oil Painting
Preparing a Lead Ground
Pt I
Materials (Pt 1)
•
Wooden Canvas
Stretchers
• Canvas (fine 100%
cotton duck)
• Rabbit Skin Glue
(sizing)
•
Liquid Nails for wood
•
Fabric Scissors
•
Spray bottle with
water
•
Staple Gun
•
Canvas Stretching
Pliers
Step 1
• Assemble stretchers, adding a drop of Liquid Nails in
the corners to secure frame.
Step 2
• Cut canvas about 2 inches larger all around than
the frame.
Step 3
• Staple the canvas to the back of the frame using
only one staple per side.
Step 4
• Saturate canvas with water. The allows the fabric to
shrink before the final stretching.
• Allow to dry.
Step 5
• While the canvas is drying, prepare the rabbit skin glue.
• Soak granules at a ratio of 16:1.
1Tbsp : 16 Tbsp of water is sufficient for a small canvas (9” x 12”)
2 Tbsp : 32 Tbsp of water for a medium sized canvas (14” x 18”).
• SOAK OVERNIGHT so that the beads swell fully.
• Once dry, the canvas
is
stretched using
canvas pliers.
• Staples are placed
lengthwise along the
perimeter, following
the frame.
• Corners are neatly
folded and stapled as
is loose canvas on the
back.
Step 6
Canvas is ready for glue size
Notice staple placement.
Purpose of Glue:
• Rabbit skin glue size stiffens, seals
and waterproofs the surface of the
canvas so that the paint sits on top
rather than soaking in.
• It smoothes the surface by filling in
the fabric, and is impermeable to
solvents in oil paint.
The next day…
• Glue granules have swollen and are ready to
be heated in order to liquefy.
Step 7
Bowl is
placed in
a pot
with an
inch of
water
and
heated.
• Glue MUST NOT be allowed to boil, so it is best to
use double boiler method.
(Notice the great pottery in the background ; ) )
Step 8
• Glue will have a honeylike consistency when
ready.
• Brush onto canvas,
being sure to saturate
well. Be sure to include
the sides and the
folded-over part. It is
not necessary to paint
the back.
• Allow to dry overnight.
Step 9
• A second coat of glue is
applied the next day.
This is heated only to a
gel-like consistency (not
like honey, as before)
and forced into the
weave with the palm of
the hand.
• Glue dissolves with hot
water for cleanup.
• Allow to dry overnight.
Step 10
• Sand once dry using 150 grit extra fine
sandpaper.
Part II
The Lead Ground
Remember: Lead is poisonous.
Be sure to clean hands immediately upon
contact and/or to wear gloves.
Lead is most dangerous in a dry state. Be
sure to wear a mask if sanding a painted
surface.
Materials Pt II:
• Flake White Oil
Paint, (formerly
known as Lead
White)
• Japan Drier
• Trowel-Shaped
Palette Knife
• Disposable Palette
Step 1B
• Add a few drops of
Japan Dryer to Flake
White. Japan Drier is
important-it will take
forever to dry without it.
• Using trowel palette
knife, mix into the paint
well until smooth.
• Apply to canvas.
Step 2B
• Using trowel, spread a
thin layer of paint/drier
mixture on the canvas
surface. Start from the
middle and work toward
the edges.
• Make final smoothing
strokes parallel to each
other.
• Allow to dry overnight.
Step 3B
• A second coat is added
once the first coat has
dried for 24 hours.
• The second coat is
applied from the center
and smoothed in
straight rows
perpendicular to the first
layer
• Allow to dry overnight.
Finishing Up:
• Sand in between coats if necessary, using
extra fine 150 grit sandpaper and a mask.
Lead paint is at its most dangerous in a
powdered state!
• Allow canvas to dry for at least one week.
• Repeat the process 1 or 2 more times, with
each successive coat perpendicular to the
first, until the canvas surface is as smooth as
desired.
YOU ARE NOW READY TO BEGIN PAINTING!