How to Prime Cardboard as a Canvas

Materials:

- Cardboard

- Acrylic gesso

- Paintbrush

- Water

Instructions:

Apply a thin layer of acrylic gesso to the cardboard surface using a paintbrush. Gesso is a white acrylic paint that helps the cardboard to absorb paint better and provides a smooth texture for painting on.

Let the gesso dry completely before painting. This may take several hours or overnight.

Cardboard is absorbent, so it's important to prime it well. Use two or three coats of gesso, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.

Once the gesso is dry, you can start painting on the cardboard. You can use any type of paint, such as acrylics, oils, or watercolors.

Here are some tips for painting on cardboard:

Use a heavy-duty paintbrush to prevent bending the cardboard.

Be sure to let each layer of paint dry completely before applying the next.

If you're using watercolors, be sure to use a watercolor paper instead of regular cardboard.

Don't overwork the paint. This can cause the cardboard to warp or tear.

Apply several thin coats of gesso rather than one thick coat. This will help the gesso to adhere to the cardboard better and prevent it from cracking or peeling.

Enjoy your new primed cardboard canvas!