How do I prevent my paintings from cracking?

If you’ve ever been to a museum you know that paintings can crack over time. Though it’s not gunna impact your work for a while, many painters aren’t taught how to make their work last. So here are the easy ways to make permanent paintings!!

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It starts with the surface you paint on.

This means picking a rigid material that’s been time-tested for painting & doesn’t warp over time, like a well-stretched canvas, or wood, copper, or aluminum panel.

There are 3 components that go into a prepping this surface well for painting:

The first is the SIZE, which is a sealing layer that protects the surface & paint from each other. Without this layer the oils can rot the surface or the surface can discolour acrylics.

Next is to PRIME the surface so that it will grip & hold the paint.

And finally the GROUND is the final base layer that touches the paint - including any customizations you make like a toned ground which is a wash of colour, or a unique texture like sanded gesso or textured mediums.

But don’t get overwhelmed cuz a few layers acrylic gesso can be the size, primer & ground all in one!