Choosing the Right Surface for Acrylic Painting

by Maya Brooks

When I first started painting with acrylics, I made the mistake of thinking any surface would do. I used cheap sketchbook paper, cardboard, even bits of packaging — and quickly discovered that acrylics can warp, soak through, or behave completely differently depending on what you paint on.

The surface you choose affects everything: texture, blending, durability, and how your colours look once dry.
So in this guide, I’ll walk you through the three main options for beginners — paper, canvas, and panels — and how to choose the right one for your style and budget.

Table of Contents

Acrylic Paper – Best for Practice & Experimenting

 

If you’re new to acrylics, acrylic paper is the most affordable and forgiving option. It’s thick, textured, and made to handle water-based paints without buckling.

 

Pros:

✅ Budget-friendly and easy to store

✅ No need to stretch or prime

✅ Great for sketches, studies, and practice sessions

 

Cons:

❌ Can curl slightly with heavy paint layers

❌ Not ideal for textured or impasto techniques

 

Maya’s Pick:

Canson XL Acrylic Pad – sturdy 400gsm paper with a fine canvas texture, perfect for students and beginners.

Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylic Paper – pre-primed and ready to paint, available in pads or sheets.

 

Tip: Tape your paper to a board while painting to keep it flat as it dries.

Canvas – Best for Learning Brush Control

 

Canvas is the classic painting surface — and for good reason. It’s textured enough to grip the paint, lightweight, and gives that lovely “bounce” under your brush.

 

Two common types:
  • Stretched Canvas – ready to hang, ideal for finished pieces.
  • Canvas Boards – canvas glued to a rigid backing, perfect for practice or studies.

 

Pros:

✅ Versatile and professional-looking

✅ Pre-primed versions are ready to use

✅ Works for both thin and thick paint styles

 

Cons:

❌ Slightly more expensive than paper

❌ Stretched canvas can sag if not stored properly

 

Maya’s Picks:

Winsor & Newton Classic Stretched Canvas – medium grain, triple-primed, and great quality for the price.

Daler Rowney Simply Canvas Boards – budget-friendly for student use and practice.

 

Tip: Always check that your canvas is acrylic-primed (gessoed). This helps the paint stick and prevents sinking or dulling.

Painting Panels – Best for Durability & Detail

 

If you prefer smooth surfaces or fine detail, painting panels are a fantastic alternative. They’re rigid and don’t flex like canvas, so you can use more pressure or scraping without worry.

 

Types of panels:
  • Wood panels (MDF, birch, or hardboard)
  • Acrylic-primed panels

 

Pros:

✅ Smooth, stable surface for precision work

✅ Won’t warp or sag

✅ Perfect for knife painting and textured layers

 

Cons:

❌ Heavier than canvas

❌ May need extra priming for certain finishes

 

Maya’s Pick:

👉 Ampersand Gessobord Panels – professional-quality, archival, and ready to paint.

👉 Pebeo Natural Wood Painting Panels – affordable and great for experimenting with

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Your Painting Style Best Surface Why
Quick studies & practice Acrylic paper Easy, cheap, and portable
Layering, blending, brushwork Canvas (stretched or board) Traditional feel and forgiving texture
Detail work, scraping, or heavy texture Painting panels Durable and smooth

If you’re just starting out, I recommend trying one of each — it’s the best way to discover what feels right under your brush.

Don’t Forget: Priming and Finishing

 

Even if you buy pre-primed surfaces, an extra coat of gesso can improve paint flow and brightness.

When your painting is finished, a thin layer of acrylic varnish (gloss, satin, or matte) helps protect it from dust and UV light.

 

Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Gesso

Liquitex Matte Varnish

Maya’s Final Thoughts

Acrylics are wonderfully adaptable — they can go on almost anything. But choosing the right surface helps you enjoy the process more and achieve consistent results.

Start small, experiment, and see which texture feels most natural. Whether you love the bounce of canvas or the smoothness of a panel, your painting surface becomes part of your style.

And remember: it’s not about having the “perfect” setup — it’s about finding what inspires you to keep painting.

Quick Links

 

Paper:
  • Canson XL Acrylic Pad
  • Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylic Paper

 

Canvas:
  • Winsor & Newton Classic Stretched Canvas
  • Daler Rowney Simply Canvas Boards
Panels:
  • Ampersand Gessobord Panels
  • Pebeo Wood Painting Panels

 

Primers & Varnishes:
  • Winsor & Newton Acrylic Gesso
  • Liquitex Matte Varnish

 

Related Articles:
  • Acrylic Painting for Absolute Beginners
  • Maya’s Student-Grade Acrylic Set
  • Brushes and Tools for Acrylic Painting

 

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