How to prime a canvas with David Bent

Artist David Bent takes us through a straightforward, step-by-step guide to priming a canvas, a foundational skill for any painter looking to ensure paint adheres smoothly and lasts beautifully. As he emphasises, a final touch with vertical strokes helps achieve even colour distribution for a professional finish.

What You’ll Need

• System3 Acrylic Paint 37 ml Studio Set, featuring ten tubes of vibrant, water-based acrylics with excellent pigment load and a soft consistency ideal for primer mixing.

• Artists’ Stretched Canvas, made from heavyweight 350 gsm, 100% cotton, acid-free material. It arrives triple-primed, ideal for both oil and acrylic painting, and ensures excellent paint adhesion and protection against seepage.

David’s Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set up your canvas and painting surface.

2. Apply primer, using System3 acrylic paint diluted with water (or as is) to cover evenly.

3. Finish with vertical strokes – this final layer direction ensures a uniform tonal base across the canvas.

Why It Matters

Priming isn’t just a prep step, it lays the groundwork for colour vibrancy, adhesion, and longevity of your work. David Bent’s method, using quality materials and a considered final stroke, creates an optimal beginning. Whether you’re painting with oil or acrylic, this simple technique enables a consistent surface from which your art can truly emerge.