![\"wood](\"https:\/\/createlet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/wood-from-a-thrift-shop.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThrift Shop Finds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Think of walking through an inexpensive secondhand or consignment shop with new eyes. What you\u2019re looking for is not furniture, but candidates for your next painting surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shop with repurposing in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the immediate benefit to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You won\u2019t have to worry about knotholes or crooked boards in finished wood. You may have to prepare the surface, for example, of the pull-out tray of a desk with some light sanding to have a workable surface for acrylics, but you won\u2019t have to pay for premium hardwood, and it may already be the right size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What about working with finished wood surfaces?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re dealing with a highly polished surface that\u2019s been the recipient of years of furniture polish, you\u2019ll have to plan on spending time to prepare the surface carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that paint must be applied to a textured surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yard sales and flea markets can be gold mines for the kinds of material you can quickly put to use. A piano bench, shelving units and corner tables that are inexpensive and easily dismantled may be just what you need. That abandoned walnut dining table leaf may be just the size you need for your latest work of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guess what else may be found there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Books!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A possibility for small, abundantly available paintable surfaces could include the covers of hardback books. The covers of an out-of-date textbook on the dollar table may provide you with the perfect surfaces for a pair of small paintings. Many hardbacks are covered in a type of tightly woven fabric that might give your miniature project just the right surface. Again, a bit of preparation of these surface might be required. This is actually very comparable to canvas board, a well-known alternative to stretched canvas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We shouldn\u2019t ignore the possibility of painting on plastic surfaces, but you\u2019ll have to experiment to find what works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many compounds can be loosely classified as \u201cplastic,\u201d but not all will give you the surface you\u2019ll need, even with a coat or two of acrylic gesso. Caveat emptor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few words should be said about working with older materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019re sanding, or sawing, always work in a well-ventilated area. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask so you don\u2019t ingest fine dust of either the woods or plastics you\u2019re preparing for use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The question again is any<\/em> surface, or a flat surface? When you begin to consider any surface other than a traditional stretched canvas, a door opens to a whole new range of possibilities. Thinking of arts and crafts applications allows you to consider painting on more unusual surfaces: traditional, unglazed Southwestern terra cotta roofing tiles and dried gourds, both with curved surfaces, might be good candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nature can offer many beautiful options. Seashells and driftwood are unusual possibilities with highly textured surfaces. Large, dried seed pods and the smooth side of tree bark may be good choices for your project. Again, remember to prep with acrylic gesso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re interested in new materials, or very large surfaces, a visit to the building supply store may be in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building materials offer numerous possibilities for surfaces to which acrylic paint will adhere. Your choice should be guided by the effect you want to achieve, as well as the cost and availability of materials. Some surfaces may require some preparation to ensure that paint will adhere \u2013 shiny or slick surfaces will have to be roughed up before paint will adhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lightweight, pliable metal such as tin might be a good choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easily cut to your preferred size with tin snips, and can be flexed and bent to the shape you desire. Once acrylic gesso has been applied to it, acrylics should easily adhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What about available wood choices?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hardwoods are generally a better choice than softer woods for longevity, surface stability and durability. The biggest drawbacks to new hardwood, such as mahogany or oak, are price and weight. If you\u2019ll be framing and hanging your painting, the weight of the painted surface needs to be considered, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good choice for a less expensive surface, available in a variety of sizes, is hardboard. It can be purchased at art supply stores and comes either primed or unprimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One more option is paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Could it be that paper would work for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paper, readily available in a variety of weights and sizes, could provide the perfect surface for your work. To give your art a longer lifespan on paper, acrylic gesso can be applied to the paper\u2019s surface prior to painting with acrylics. Gesso can also be applied to cardboard, if you\u2019re looking for a thicker but inexpensive surface alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of paper, specialty papers offer another option. For example, papers made from plant materials, such as leaves, give you an unusual surface that may be used to emphasize certain aspects of your finished work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only you know the end product, but consider always keeping acrylic gesso on hand when heading into uncharted painting territory. It can be spread on surfaces, preparing them to receive acrylic paint. Acrylic gesso applied to a compact disc is what will make it a paintable surface.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"reclaimed](\"https:\/\/createlet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/reclaimed-old-wood.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGarage\/Yard Sales Are Goldmines For Painting Surfaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"planks](\"https:\/\/createlet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/planks-at-a-wood-store.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHardware \/ Home Improvement Store<\/h2>\n\n\n\n