Painting Supports

Artists use various supports (surfaces) for painting, ranging from traditional canvas, wood panels, and paper to modern options like MDF boards, metal, or glass, with choices depending on paint type, desired texture, stability, portability, and artistic vision, impacting the final artwork's look, feel, and longevity. Common supports include flexible canvas (linen/cotton) for portability and sturdy panels (wood, Masonite, MDF) for stability and detail work, while paper suits watercolors/pastels, and other materials like copper or aluminum offer unique finishes. 

Common Painting Supports

• Canvas: Flexible, lightweight, and portable, it's stretched over wooden bars (stretcher bars).

• Linen: Stronger and more durable, often used for fine art.

• Cotton: A common, more affordable alternative to linen.

• Polyester: Synthetic, durable, and resistant to moisture.

• Wood Panels: Rigid and stable, good for detailed work, used historically and today.

• Plywood: Layers of wood glued together, offering stability.

• Hardboard/Masonite: Compressed wood fibers, very dense and stable.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Engineered wood, very stable and popular for its smooth surface.

• Paper: Ideal for watercolors, acrylics, and pastels; quality varies by weight and texture (e.g., Arches, watercolor paper).

• Metal: Copper or aluminum panels offer unique surfaces, especially for oils and acrylics. 

Factors Influencing Choice

• Paint Type: Acrylics work on many surfaces, while oils often benefit from rigid supports or properly prepared canvas.

• Texture & Finish: Smooth panels for detail, textured canvas for broad strokes.

• Portability: Paper or stretched canvas for easy transport; panels for permanence.

• Durability: Panels and treated canvas last longer; paper needs framing/protection. 

Preparation

• Supports often need priming (e.g., with gesso) to seal them and create a receptive surface for paint, especially for canvas and wood.