Last week I painted a canvas floor cloth for under our dining room table. This 6'x8' rug is the largest by far I've ever done, but still small enough to be done! I started with natural colored 14oz. canvas and painted both sides. I use any latex paint to fill the canvas, by covering it with paint on both sides, letting it dry completely before getting started with the design. Then I drew my design, inspired by a card I had seen, and got all my paints ready to go. When the painting was finished, after hours of kneeling on the floor, I let everything dry. Next I turned under the measured hem and held it down with double faced carpet tape. Then my great assistant ( and husband) Wayne coated the completed cloth with three coats of poly acrylic , drying thoroughly between coats. Finished!
Here are some hints and helps about painting on canvas:
1.Don't choose too light a canvas. 12oz. seems to be the minimum, and the 14oz. works great. Especially with the larger pieces. If the canvas is too light, it will curl up at the edges.
2.Be sure to fill all the canvas with paint to start with, so you can't see the threads. This seals it, and makes it much more sturdy .
3. Any latex paint will work, even acrylic craft paint. I've used gloss, high gloss, no gloss, it doesn't seem to matter. I've also used permanent markers,they work great. Just don't put on the acrylic until the marker is dry, it'll run. I speak from experience!
4. Anything can inspire a design, wallpaper, rugs, pictures, shapes.Go with it!
5. Do a small piece first, say for a place mat, or kitchen rug. Then you get the feel for what can happen!
6. These are washable with a damp cloth,and if they get worn and lose the top coat of acrylic, just paint it on again!
7. Remember it's only paint, if you make a mistake, sand it off or paint over it. Enjoy!
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