I’ve had a box of folded up canvas sitting in my garage for about two years. I haven’t been out there to look at it, but is there any possibility that it’s messed up at all? Obviously aside from water physically touching it, could the weather/humidity have affected it at all? I live in Buffalo, NY so we have extreme temperature/precipitation changes.
And if it has been affected, will it be ok to paint on after I Gesso it?
Thanks!
If it is plain canvas it should last ages (literally) as long as it’s basically dry. That is why most artist paint on canvas. So as long as there are no visible spots of mold it is as usable as ‘new’ canvas. Be sure to clean it from dust etc. when you are going to use it.
If it has been affected but only discolored you can give the washing machine a go. A little bleach should take care of most of the discoloration and thus the molds. If your canvas comes out without any holes it should be good enough to paint on.
It is advisable to stretch your canvas straight from the washing machine and do not tumble dry or use fabric softner. It will dry perfectly smoothed out on a stretcher frame this way.
March 3rd, 2010 at 7:00 am
It’s probably still OK. And even if it’s managed to get stained or mildewed, I think the gesso will keep that from being a problem.
References :
March 3rd, 2010 at 7:40 am
If it is plain canvas it should last ages (literally) as long as it’s basically dry. That is why most artist paint on canvas. So as long as there are no visible spots of mold it is as usable as ‘new’ canvas. Be sure to clean it from dust etc. when you are going to use it.
If it has been affected but only discolored you can give the washing machine a go. A little bleach should take care of most of the discoloration and thus the molds. If your canvas comes out without any holes it should be good enough to paint on.
It is advisable to stretch your canvas straight from the washing machine and do not tumble dry or use fabric softner. It will dry perfectly smoothed out on a stretcher frame this way.
References :
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:11 am
Yeah,…make sure there aren’t any moldy spots or else they’ll seep through any primer. Also,..it might be prone to tearing,..depending on how thick it is. Be careful when stretching. Wet it first,…just in case. I live in Puerto Rico & there’s nothing but dampness & humidity most of the year. Closets become fungus farms.
References :