Ensure your paintings stand the test of time by using the right support - By: Allan Michael Taylor

In the past artists have experimented with many different painting supports, but what's the best material to use to give your painting some hope of withstanding the rigours of time?

This is a question that will largely depend on the type of paint being used. Oil and acrylic are relatively flexible mediums, so can be applied with reasonable confidence on fabrics that have been properly prepared. More brittle mediums such as tempera, gouache or pastel, require a more rigid support such as prepared boards. Nevertheless, no support is perfect and all will fall foul over time to chemical changes and the atmosphere. A competent artist will make sure they use the correct support, properly prepared, for the medium they're using. By doing so, they can produce a picture that will last for thousands of years.

Here's a list of supports that can be exploited by the artist.

Processed wood
The best of the processed woods and arguably the best rigid support for the artist, is MDF (Medium Density Fibre Board). This is stronger and more stable than other processed woods and so is less likely to warp. The surface is quite smooth, though does take ground preparations well.

Natural Wood
Natural wood was often used, but it needs to be well seasoned. The best examples will show straight close growth rings which where possible are aligned across its thickness. Wood with knots and sap wood should be avoided. As a general rule hardwoods make a better support than softwoods.

Linen
Linen is the ideal cloth for painting, it is a strong, durable fabric that, if well made, offers a relatively blemish free surface with a fine weave. It's also more stable than canvas.

Canvas
Canvas is less expensive than linen and easier to come by, although it isn't as durable as linen. The better cloths are heavy (10oz or more) have a close weave and few stubs or knots. Canvas is produced in fine, medium and course grades, a course canvas can be useful for adding texture to paintings.

Paper and card
Paper is an ancient product that has it's origins in China. It is made from vegetable fibres matted together to form a sheet. Western paper was originally formed from linen waste (known as rags). If well made using quality materials, paper has a long life expectancy, but tends to be fragile. In painting it tends to be used as a ground for water colour, gouache, tempera, pastel and acrylics. Though, if heavily sized, can be used for oil colours. If papers are expected to last they must be acid-free.

Stone
Various types of stone have been experimented upon as painting supports. Some fine examples have survived from the renaissance. Slate is an obvious choice as it is available in sheet form, but other materials such as marble and onyx can provide more interesting backgrounds that can also be utilised. Non-absorbant surfaces do not need preparation, even so it is advisable to wipe down with white spirit before starting.

About the Author

Rob Tyrrell is a professional artist specialising in pet portraits. He works mainly in oils and water colour. To find out more or see samples of his his work, go to http://www.robtyrrell-petportraits.co.uk

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