Painting over an old canvas is a great way to recycle materials and save money, but proper preparation is key for a successful result. Here's how to do it:
Preparing the Old Painting
Before you even think about new paint, the old painting needs to be prepped to ensure good adhesion and a smooth surface.
-
Clean the Surface: Remove any dust, dirt, or grime with a soft, damp cloth. Let it dry completely.
-
Reduce Texture (if necessary): If the old painting has thick impasto or heavily textured areas, you might want to reduce it.
- Scrape: Gently scrape away excess paint with a palette knife or scraper. Be careful not to damage the canvas.
- Sanding: Use sandpaper (medium grit) to further smooth the surface. This also creates "tooth" for better adhesion.
- Important Note: If you want to preserve some of the texture for artistic effect, skip or reduce the scraping and sanding.
-
Clean Again: After sanding, thoroughly remove all dust particles. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment followed by a tack cloth or slightly damp cloth.
-
Apply a Barrier Layer (optional, but recommended): If the old painting is very glossy or oily, consider applying a barrier layer.
- Acrylic Gesso: A coat or two of acrylic gesso provides a clean, receptive surface for new paint. Apply in thin, even layers, allowing each to dry completely before applying the next. Lightly sand between coats if needed.
- Other Primers: Depending on the media you will be using, you may need to use a different primer that is appropriate for your media.
Painting Over the Prepared Surface
Now that the old painting is prepped, you're ready to paint!
-
Choose Your Medium: Consider the type of paint you'll be using (acrylic, oil, etc.) and ensure your primer (if used) is compatible.
-
Begin Painting: Start with a thin layer of paint and build up layers as needed.
-
Consider the Underpainting: The colors and values of the old painting may subtly influence your new work. You can use this to your advantage or try to neutralize it with a thicker application of paint or a tinted primer.
Troubleshooting
- Paint not adhering? Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and sanded. If using oil paint, consider an oil-based primer. If acrylic, use acrylic gesso.
- Old colors bleeding through? Apply additional layers of gesso or a thicker layer of paint. Using opaque colors can also help.
- Texture still too prominent? More sanding or a thicker application of gesso may be needed.
By following these steps, you can successfully paint over old paintings and give them a new life!
