How to Adhere Paper & Photos to Canvas with Michelle Hartjes
Creating your scrapbooking projects on canvas allows you to display your memories and your creativity on your wall as a masterpiece. Using the correct adhesive is important to ensure that your paper, photos and accents stay on the canvas and are protected from the elements.
What You Need:
• A Canvas
• Windsor & Newton Acrylic Medium (in Matt or Gloss varieties)
• Wide bristle paint brush
• Your photos and papers
Step 1
Take your brush and dip it into the medium, just enough to cover the first half inch of the bristles of the brush.
Step 2
Brush the blank canvas with the medium in long strokes from one side of the canvas to the other, until the glue is used. Dip the brush again and repeat until the entire surface of the canvas has a layer of glue brushed over it. It is important to complete this step as some of the glue will be absorbed by the canvas.
Step 3
Take you paper and turn it over so the front is down and you have the back facing you.
Step 4
Take your brush and dip it into the medium. Brush the paper with the medium in long strokes from one side of the paper to the other. Repeat until the entire surface of the paper has a layer of glue brushed over it. Remove any stray bristles that may have dislodged from the paintbrush, on both the canvas and the paper.
Step 5
Now pick up your paper and stick it to your canvas. Be sure to position it well as you place it down, as you will only have a couple of seconds to make any adjustments. Smooth over your paper with your fingers to remove any bubbles.
Step 6
Take your brush and dip it into the medium. Brush over the top of the adhered paper with the medium in long strokes, being sure your brushstrokes are in different directions so there are no lines obvious on the canvas. Dip the brush again and repeat until the entire surface of the paper has a layer of glue brushed over it. Be aware that the paper will bubble slightly as this glue is applied, but the bubbles will disappear as the canvas dries.
Step 7
Remove any stray bristles on the paper that may have dislodged from the paintbrush and set the canvas aside to dry, which may take overnight, depending on the size of the canvas.
If you wish to adhere more photos or paper, repeat the process making sure that you apply the medium to the surface you are adhering to, also to the back of the paper or photo you are sticking on, and then over the top of the photo or paper once it is adhered.
