5 Less Common Surfaces for Painting and Decoupage

Modern art gives painters complete freedom not only in their choice of subject, but also in their techniques, materials, and painting surfaces. We know that most painters prefer familiar, tried-and-true surfaces such as canvas, cardboard, and sometimes wood. But why not try something different, experiment, and perhaps discover yourself and your art from a whole new perspective? Originality and innovation earn special points today, so be bold and try something different.

Paper and Cardboard as Painting Surfaces

Painting on paper and cardboard is certainly not unusual, but here we’ll also mention some of the possibilities they offer. Paper and cardboard are great surfaces if you’re still practicing or just experimenting and sketching. You can buy specially made paper for painting with oil paints and acrylic paints. You can also use acrylic paints on any heavier paper without preparation, or after applying one or two coats of acrylic primer. Thinner paper wrinkles as the paint is applied and dries, so it isn’t recommended.

Cardboard panels are available ready for painting with oil paints and acrylic paints. Most are paperboard with canvas glued to the surface. A painting on this kind of surface can look just as good and be just as successful as one on stretched canvas, especially when framed. You can also prepare a piece of cardboard or paperboard yourself by simply applying several coats of primer (alternating sides to prevent it from warping), or by gluing cotton or linen canvas onto it with wood glue and then applying primer. In both cases, the canvas is suitable for painting with acrylic paints and oil paints.

Glass and Porcelain

Glass and porcelain do not require special preparation because they are stable, non-absorbent materials. The most important step is to wash them well with soap and water, then wipe them with alcohol to remove any grease so the paint will adhere better. You can also use a solution of vinegar and water to remove limescale, which is common on glass containers. Once the item is completely dry, you can start painting with glass paints, as well as acrylic paints or oil paints if the item will be used solely for decorative purposes.

To help acrylic or oil paints adhere better to a smooth surface, we recommend applying a primer first. Varnishing is also a necessary step after you finish, as it protects the lasting color layers from peeling.

Painting on Walls

Painted sections of walls are called murals. These are most often made with acrylic paints or water-based wall paints. Preparation depends on the condition of the wall, so the first step is to inspect it.

It is not a good idea to start painting on a damp wall or one with old paint peeling off. Ideally, the wall should have a smooth final coat of skim coat, be clean, and have a fresh coat of paint, because anything you draw or paint on this kind of surface will look much brighter. Of course, this is not essential, but keep in mind that you will use much more paint on a very rough wall and have a much harder time getting good results, unless that is the effect you want.

Metal and Plastic as Painting Surfaces

You can also paint on metal and plastic surfaces. In this case, acrylic paints are the best choice, but with the right preparation, you can also create a surface suitable for working with oil paints. And just as with glass and porcelain, the first step is thorough cleaning, followed by degreasing.

When applying primer or any paint to metal or plastic objects, pay attention to how smooth or glossy the surface is. On especially smooth surfaces, paint tends to come off very easily after drying, so you should lightly sand the surface first to make it rougher and give the paint something to “grab” onto.

polystyrene as a Surface for Painting and Decoupage

polystyrene is more commonly used as a surface for decoupage and similar craft techniques. Since acrylic paints and acrylic-based products are usually used for these projects, the preparation and guidelines for this material are exactly the same for painting and decoupage. The most important thing to know is that you must never apply solvent-based products directly to styrofoam surfaces (if you are unsure, you can recognize them by their strong smell). You can work directly on styrofoam, but stick to acrylics.

When you have a more ambitious idea that calls for other paints, it’s best to use wood glue or decoupage glue to attach pieces of thin paper, napkins, or newspaper to the polystyrene. Once this paper layer is dry, apply primer to create a perfectly smooth surface. Apply it in several thin coats, sanding each one before adding the next. Polystyrene prepared this way is ready for painting with acrylic paints, and with an additional coat of primer, oil paints. This method is often used to make parts of theater puppets because polystyrene is lightweight.

Read More on Our Blog

• Have You Tried Using Wood as a Painting Surface?
• How to Choose the Right Canvas
• 5 Common Myths About Oil Paints