Covering an existing painted canvas is achievable with the right preparation and materials. The key is ensuring a stable and dry base before applying new paint.
Preparing the Canvas
Before starting, ensure the existing paint is completely dry and stable. This is crucial for proper adhesion. Depending on the existing paint's condition, you may need some light sanding to create a better surface for the new paint to adhere to. This helps remove any bumps or inconsistencies.
Priming the Canvas
Priming the canvas is a highly recommended step. This involves applying a layer of gesso, an acrylic primer specifically designed for canvases. Gesso not only helps to cover the old painting effectively, but also creates an even surface for your new artwork. Two coats are often sufficient for adequate coverage, although more might be needed depending on the color and opacity of the underlying painting. You can choose white gesso for a neutral base or black gesso for a darker canvas.
Alternatives to Gesso: While gesso is the most common and effective primer, other options include:
- Acrylic primer: A suitable alternative if gesso is unavailable.
- Oil-based primer: Offers excellent coverage, especially when covering oil paints, but requires longer drying times.
Choosing Your Paint
The type of paint used for the new layer depends on your preference and the existing paint.
- Acrylic paint: Works well over acrylics or gesso primed surfaces, offering quick drying times.
- Oil paint: A more versatile option; it can be used over acrylics or oils, but has a longer drying time. Consider using an oil-based primer if unsure about the underlying paint.
Covering Dark or Vibrant Colors
To effectively cover dark or vibrant colors, use a high-opacity white paint such as Titanium White in your initial layer. This creates a better foundation for your new artwork, preventing the old colors from showing through.
Examples of Successful Methods
- Method 1: Sand lightly, apply two coats of white gesso, and then paint with your chosen medium.
- Method 2: If covering a dark color, use Titanium White acrylic paint as a base coat over the existing paint before applying gesso and your artwork.
- Method 3: For oil paintings, apply linseed oil before starting, creating a more stable surface.
By following these steps, you can successfully paint over an already painted canvas and create new artwork.
