How to Paint on Unconventional Surfaces with Acrylics

If you're like me, you know that sometimes the standard canvas just doesn't cut it or you might find something great to paint on at the op shop. Painting on unconventional surfaces is one of my favourite ways to explore new textures, experiment with techniques and push the boundaries of my acrylic painting practice. Acrylics are such a versatile medium that they can be used on almost anything—wood, fabric, glass, metal, even stone! And with each surface comes unique opportunities and challenges.

Here’s how to successfully paint on unconventional surfaces and make the most of this creative approach.

1. Wood: A Warm, Natural Surface

Wood is a fantastic surface to paint on because it provides natural texture and a warm, earthy base. The grain of the wood adds a subtle dimension to your painting, and you can either embrace it or cover it entirely, depending on your style.

How I Paint on Wood:
I usually start by lightly sanding the wood to create a smooth surface for painting. Then, I apply several thin layers of acrylic gesso. I water down the gesso slightly to achieve a free-flowing, smooth surface. This approach helps me avoid texture buildup and creates a more even surface to work on. Once the gesso is dry, the wood is ready for layers of paint.

Penny’s Tip:
Applying gesso in thin layers allows you to build up a smooth, even surface without losing control of your brushstrokes. If the surface feels too rough, you can sand it lightly between layers.

2. Fabric: Flexibility and Movement

Painting on fabric opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Whether it's clothing, tote bags, or even stretched fabric instead of canvas, acrylics work beautifully on textile surfaces. The key is flexibility—acrylic paint, once dry, becomes durable and resistant to wear, making it ideal for fabric projects.

What I Do:
I mix fabric medium into my acrylic paints to make them more flexible and prevent cracking. This is especially useful if you're painting on items that will be worn or washed. Be sure to stretch your fabric tightly over a board or frame before painting to prevent movement while you work.

Pro Tip:
If you’re painting on clothing or home textiles, set the paint by heat-setting it with an iron (follow your fabric medium’s instructions). This makes the design more durable for washing and everyday wear.

3. Glass: Sleek and Reflective

Painting on glass may sound daunting, but it’s an incredible way to play with light and transparency. Acrylics can adhere to glass with the help of an appropriate primer or medium, and the reflective quality of glass adds a unique touch to your artwork.

Penny’s Glass Approach:
Start by cleaning the glass thoroughly to remove any oils or fingerprints. Apply a clear acrylic medium to the glass to help the paint stick. You can create bold designs with opaque paints or experiment with transparent glazes to let light pass through your artwork.

Penny’s Favourite Technique:
I love using glass for layering effects—painting one image on the front and another on the back of the glass to create depth. It’s almost like a two-sided painting that you can view from different angles!

4. Metal: Modern and Industrial

Metal surfaces like aluminum, copper, or even old metal signs provide a modern, industrial feel to your artwork. The sleekness of metal can contrast beautifully with the soft, matte finish of acrylics, giving your painting an edgy, contemporary look.

How to Approach Metal:
Metal needs a bit of prep work. Sand the surface lightly to rough it up and apply a coat of gesso or primer that’s formulated for metal. Once the primer is dry, your acrylics will adhere well, and you can paint just like you would on canvas.

Pro Tip:
To prevent the paint from chipping, seal the finished artwork with a clear varnish to protect the surface and enhance its durability.

5. Stone: Earthy and Textured

If you’re feeling adventurous, try painting on stones or rocks! The rough, uneven texture of stone adds an earthy, tactile element to your painting. Whether you’re creating a small decorative piece or something larger, acrylics adhere well to stone and allow you to play with both smooth and rough surfaces.

Penny’s Stone Process:
I start by cleaning the stone surface thoroughly, then apply a base coat of white or black gesso to create a solid foundation for painting. Stones are perfect for layering bold colours or creating intricate designs that play with the natural shape and texture of the rock.

Pro Tip:
Seal your finished stone painting with a clear outdoor varnish if you plan to display it outside, as this will protect the paint from the elements.

6. Paper: A Delicate but Versatile Option

Although often overlooked, paper can be an exciting surface for acrylic painting. Using heavy paper (like watercolour paper) gives your painting a more textured, grainy finish, but you can also experiment with smoother types of paper for a different look.

Penny’s Paper Tip:
Always use heavier weight paper—like 300gsm or higher—to prevent warping. To ensure your paper stays flat and ready for painting, tape it down to a rigid board using painter’s tape. This holds the edges in place while you work. I like to apply a coat of gesso as a primer, which can be slightly watered down for a smooth surface. The gesso gives the paper extra strength, reduces absorbency, and makes the paint glide on more easily.

Until next time, Keep splashing colours!
Penny 😊🎨✨