Category: Art Materials and Techniques

Custom-sized canvases from CanvasLot

Custom‑Sized Canvases: When and Why You Need Them in Your Studio

Working on a painting and thinking, “I need a size that fits just right?” You’re not alone. Choosing custom‑sized canvases lets you match your vision exactly—to the space, the medium, and the feel you want. It’s about purpose, scale, and avoiding compromise.

Continue reading

rectangular wood panels

Preparing Wood Panels for Painting: A Guide for Artists

Painting on wood panels brings smooth surfaces and stability—but only if you prep them correctly. Follow these clear, practical steps to ensure your artwork lasts.

Why Proper Prep Matters

  • Protects wood from moisture and chemicals. Without sealing, oils and tannins can bleed into paint, causing discoloration over time.
  • Prevents warping and cracking. Sealing and priming helps wood resist humidity shifts that cause cupping or surface cracks.

1. Surface Prep: Clean & Sand

  • Remove dust and debris with a soft brush or cloth.
  • Lightly sand with 180–220 grit sandpaper to open pores and smooth edges.

2. Seal the Panel

  • Apply a barrier coat like Golden GAC 100®, shellac, or clear acrylic medium. This blocks stains and stops paint sinking into wood.
  • Let it fully dry, then lightly sand. A second coat adds extra protection.

different thickness of custom wood panels

3. Prime with Gesso

  • Apply two thin coats of acrylic gesso, sanding lightly between.
  • Gesso gives you a clean, stable surface that grips paint well.

4. Final Touches

  • Ensure all edges and the panel’s reverse side are sealed to prevent moisture-related warping.
  • After the last coat dries and is sanded smooth, your panel is ready. No need to rush into painting.

Studio-Ready Tips

  1. Use quality sealers. Water-based acrylics avoid yellowing and odor problems.
  2. Sand between layers. This helps prevent rough spots and peeling.
  3. Prep multiple panels at once. Gives you painting-ready supports when inspiration strikes.

Prepping your wood panel right builds a strong foundation for paint layers and protects your artwork’s future. Whether acrylics, oils, or mixed media, this method ensures clean, professional results.

custom-sized wood panels

 

Where to Buy Custom Wood Panels?

CanvasLot offers custom wood panels for artist. You can order the standard un-finished wood option or the sanded and primed with double layer of white gesso. Order online and we’ll deliver your custom wood panel right at your doorstep.

Selecting the Right Wood Type for Your Art Panel

When it comes to painting surfaces, canvas gets most of the attention, but wood panels deserve a solid place in your studio. They’re stable, versatile, and perfect for detailed work. But not all wood is created equal. The type you choose matters for your technique, your materials, and the longevity of your work.

Continue reading

Grattage: A Surrealist Painting Technique

Grattage, meaning “scraping” in French, is a painting technique where artists scrape off layers of wet paint to reveal textures and patterns beneath. This method, developed by surrealist artist Max Ernst in the 1920s, allows for spontaneous and textured effects in artwork.

Continue reading

little girl painting in an art studio

Canvas for Kids: Inspiring Young Artists with Custom-sized Art Projects

Introducing children to canvas painting offers a unique opportunity to nurture their creativity and self-expression. Using custom-sized canvases can make art projects more engaging and tailored to young artists’ needs. Here are some great ideas for teachers and parents to inspire children:​

Continue reading

Custom Stretched Canvas

Canvas Boards vs. Stretched Canvas: Choosing the Right Medium for Your Art

Selecting the appropriate canvas is crucial for artists, as it influences the creative process and the artwork’s longevity. Two popular options are canvas boards and stretched canvas, each offering distinct advantages and considerations.

Continue reading

Canvas Textures Explained: Smooth vs. Rough

As an artist, the canvas you choose serves as the foundation of your masterpiece. One critical aspect to consider is the texture of the canvas, which can significantly influence your painting’s outcome. Here’s what you need to know between smooth and rough canvas textures and how each can impact your artistic expression.

Continue reading

Custom-sized canvases

Understanding Canvas Types for Oil, Acrylic, and Mixed Media Art

When embarking on a new painting project, selecting the appropriate canvas is as crucial as choosing your color palette. The right canvas not only complements your medium—be it oil, acrylic, or mixed media—but also influences the texture, durability, and overall presentation of your artwork. Here are the various canvas options to help you make an informed choice for your next masterpiece.

Continue reading

Large canvas for painting

Essential Tips for Painting on Oversized Canvases

Creating large-scale artworks presents unique challenges and opportunities for artists. The expansive canvas allows for greater expression and impact but requires thoughtful preparation and technique. Here are essential tips to guide you through the process of working on oversized canvases.

Continue reading