How "I" Make Canvasboard Panels for Painting...

[LarrySeiler]

Since it comes up as a frequent question on other boards, I just wanted to bring to everyone's attention that I have a published editorial now demonstrating how I make them.
It is not the definitive answer for which some no doubt having deeper interests in classical traditional methods will not find answers...but, it is a springboard for others simply wanting to see one method it can be done. I would encourage those of the more traditional classical methods likewise put together a step by step tutorial and have it published here, which would no doubt be a great benefit.

Here's my article- http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles/Larry_Seiler/110/

Larry Seiler



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The "Artsmentor"
http://www.artsmentor.org

"Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do!" Edgar Degas

[Leaflin]

Enjoyed your demo Larry
I asked my husband to get me some masonite and he said "What thickness"
So, what thickness do you use?
Thanks

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Leaflin

"Imagination makes you see all sorts of things." Georgia O'Keeffe

[LarrySeiler]

On small works...I use 1/8th inch...on larger I'll use 1/4". Larger works require more thickness to fight against warping.

Now...warping is no danger to the canvas itself.

Furthermore...on larger pieces, I'll create a 1" x 2" framing for the masonite to be glued to in the back, with perhaps even a cross brace. Of course, I'm speaking quite large pieces 40" x 60" etc;

Masonite comes in 4' x 8' sizes for about $15 a sheet...and you can get quite a few decent paintings out of a sheet! I often have the yard do the major cuts, and they charge perhaps 25 cents per rip cut. Not bad. Compare that to pre-stretched pre-gessoed canvases at art stores!

If I'm traveling and expecting to have prepared about a dozen or more panels to paint, I'll glue canvas down to birch or cherry veneer paneling...which is VERY light.

Larry

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The "Artsmentor" http://www.artsmentor.org

"Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do!" Edgar Degas

[This message has been edited by lseiler (edited June 05, 2001).]

[Leaflin]

Thanks Larry http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Leaflin

"Imagination makes you see all sorts of things." Georgia O'Keeffe

[Pen]

Thank you, Larry! I've printed out your instructions - just what I've been looking for. http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif Two questions - What kind of acrylic medium are you using? About a year ago I did three paintings with Liquitex acrylics/mediums and they are still tacky. I sure don't want to run into that here. Also, what brand of gesso do you use? Is Ultrecht's Pro Gesso any good, or will I run into the "tacky" problem with that too? Thanks again!

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Pen

[LarrySeiler]

Hhhmmm, Pen....you know, I've painted with acrylics for about 17 years, and haven't had any problems such as you are speaking of. Can't imagine mediums being tacky after so long.

In fact, I usually keep a blow drier near me to speed up the drying process when I'm wanting to get out and paint...and it dries fast enough, that I can gesso it shortly thereafter.

I've used Liquitex mediums...but for economic sake and general overall quality I get the gallon sized pails of gesso and gloss medium from Utrecht.

It seems to me, and I might be wrong, but chemically what causes one manufacturer to be better or worse than another is the quality of pigments ground, their concentrated mixtures, etc., but...polymer itself is somewhat a no-brainer. Thus, a medium would almost seem to be a medium, would be a medium. Know what I'm saying, so I'm really stumped on this tacky problem and it will keep my eyes and ears open for sure.

You may know I paint a lot of oil plein airs these days, but prior to my acrylic stage... I also painted oils. My wildlife art competitions did not afford me time to wait for oils to dry, and ship them out to meet deadlines. Thus...necessity caused me to use acrylics for wildlife art. I would not have been able to mat and send in entrees if the surfaces remained tacky. So, its not a problem I've had to face.

I do see you are from Florida, and I wonder if its not some humidity related issue. It might be worth asking a few others this question. Sorry...

Larry

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The "Artsmentor"
http://www.artsmentor.org

"Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do!" Edgar Degas

[Pen]

Originally posted by lseiler:
Hhhmmm, Pen....you know, I've painted with acrylics for about 17 years, and haven't had any problems such as you are speaking of. Can't imagine mediums being tacky after so long.

No one I've ever spoken to on line seems to have had this problem either. I also do woodworking, and the fantasy boxes I made and painted with acrylics, after well over a year, still have this problem too. In fact, the lids stick constantly and have to be pried open.

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I've used Liquitex mediums...but for economic sake and general overall quality I get the gallon sized pails of gesso and gloss medium from Utrecht.

Thanks, I'll try a small bottle their brand to see if it goes any better. That tackiness was what drove me to painting with oils - serendipity, since I'm much happier with the control I have now!

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It seems to me, and I might be wrong, but chemically what causes one manufacturer to be better or worse than another is the quality of pigments ground, their concentrated mixtures, etc., but...polymer itself is somewhat a no-brainer. Thus, a medium would almost seem to be a medium, would be a medium. Know what I'm saying, so I'm really stumped on this tacky problem and it will keep my eyes and ears open for sure.

I agree, and it mystifies me too.

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You may know I paint a lot of oil plein airs these days, but prior to my acrylic stage... I also painted oils. My wildlife art competitions did not afford me time to wait for oils to dry, and ship them out to meet deadlines. Thus...necessity caused me to use acrylics for wildlife art.

I -must- go look at your website! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

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I would not have been able to mat and send in entrees if the surfaces remained tacky. So, its not a problem I've had to face.

The colors won't rub off or smear, but the paintings and boxes have a slightly "sticky" feel to them.

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I do see you are from Florida, and I wonder if its not some humidity related issue. It might be worth asking a few others this question. Sorry...

Larry



Hmmm...that could be. Thank you for taking the time to reply, Larry. It is appreciated.



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Pen

[leesmith]

Hi Larry,

Just wanted to let you know I used your method to make a canvasboard and it worked great! The masonite was slightly warped but primed the reverse side too and it straightened out just fine. I have painted on masonite directly but I like the texture of canvas. Your tip came in handy as I had a beautiful frame but odd size stretchers were not available. I even went out and bought myself a circular saw to cut the masonite and it zips right through that stuff. Thanks for taking your time to put down that great tip.

[artman2384]

Larry
thank you for the info on how to make canvasboard it was much appreciated.

[seanbone]

Larry,
I just went to an art store website to look up Acrylic Medium (the stuff you use to glue the canvas to the Masonite). Here's the link I used http://www.dickblick.com/zz006/18a/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=213

The problem I'm having is that they list tons of acrylic medium. Which one exactly are you using? Is it the fabric medium they have listed or something else?
Thanks for the great post with all the pics and step by step info!

[LarrySeiler]

Originally posted by seanbone
Larry,
I just went to an art store website to look up Acrylic Medium (the stuff you use to glue the canvas to the Masonite).

The problem I'm having is that they list tons of acrylic medium. Which one exactly are you using? Is it the fabric medium they have listed or something else?
Thanks for the great post with all the pics and step by step info!

truthfully...I've not lost sleep over brand names. I've used several and all have worked well. Its the polymer of the medium that is working like an adhesive, minus the color of pigment.

right now...I'm using gloss medium that I buy in bulk containers from Utrecht....

sorry to be gettin' back to you so late....I must have neglected to check off the email notification box when I put this thread together.

Larry

[seanbone]

Larry,
Thanks for the answer....I saw you mentioned that you use the gloss medium earlier in this post, but I thought that was what went into the paint, not being used as canvas glue. I think I'm straight on the process now....can't wait to get home and get started. Thanks again!

[LarrySeiler]

yeah....it could be matte medium as well....doesn't really matter.

Medium is basically acrylic paint minus the paint! hee heee.... just clear polymer. That's the stuff that turns to plastic when dry, and makes an incredible bond....

good luck

Larry