Printing on canvas with lino, monoprint and stencils
I’ve been experimenting with printing onto raw canvas recently. I like working with textiles and I like the fact that it can be hung and doesn’t need to be framed or mounted. I also like the fact that I can add stitch. It’s really robust and I also plan to try working with reclaimed textiles which would be even better environmentally.
The biggest issue with printing on canvas is the texture. The weave can be quite rough and the surface quite uneven and this makes it difficult to print on. I tried printing it by hand (with a press with several presses actually, and I’ve tried it dampened and dry. I’ve got the best results with the following combination:
Dampen the canvas with a spray bottle
Soak off excess water
Print anything with a large surface area, for example, a monoprint or a larger piece of Lino on a press if possible. I used my converted mangle which has got really good pressure on it. I found hand printing anything more than a small stamp didn’t get very good results as the canvas is too uneven to take the print properly
One of the issues I had was if the pressure was too tight as the canvas went through the press, then it would ruck up and get stuck. I found I had to use slightly less pressure in the settings and I would’ve done for paper
Let layers dry for a few hours between printing
Use slightly more ink than you would for paper as the uneven surface sucks it up
In order to set the print, let it dry, then iron it with a cloth between the iron and the print
I experimented with adding watercolour and gouache after print was dried and set. I liked the subtle effect this created, and it doesn’t need to be varnished with any nasty chemicals. Finishing off canvas, it can be hung with ‘poster hangers’ or with a dowel sewn into the fabric .. I’m a big fan of getting my work out from behind glass and plastic AND the cost of framing is becoming prohibitive. My next experiment is screen printing!! Watch this space.