Daler-Rowney optima mixed media artboard

Acrylics work on almost anything, but the surface you choose changes everything. Discover the best bases and how to prep them for lasting results.

Acrylic paint is versatile, fast-drying, and beginner-friendly. Your painting surface (or ‘support’) also plays a huge role in how the paint behaves and how your finished artwork looks. Choosing the right surface will help you achieve better results. This guide breaks down the most common surfaces for acrylic painting and how to prepare them.

Canvas - the classic choice

Hobbycraft stretched canvas 3 pack

Cotton or linen stretched over a wooden frame or glued onto a panel. Canvas is lightweight, widely available, and easy to hang. Canvas is available already stretched over a wooden frame or as a board, which is canvas glued to stiff backing.

Preparation: Most store-bought canvases are pre-primed with gesso and ready to use.

• For smoother surfaces, sand lightly between gesso layers and add an extra coat yourself
• To create more tooth (texture for the paint to grip), apply thick coats of gesso with a wide brush or roller

Best for: Traditional painting, textured effects and larger works.

Beginner tips: Work with a variety: fine cotton canvas for detailed work, rougher linen for expressive strokes. Start with pre-primed cotton canvas as this is affordable and forgiving!

Paper - yes, you can paint on paper!

Winsor & Newton arylic paper pad 300gsm

Heavyweight paper textured to mimic canvas and often sold in pads or blocks 140lb or higher. Paper is affordable, portable, and perfect for learning, easy to store and frame. Paper comes as acrylic paper (specially treated to withstand moisture) and heavy watercolour paper (140lb/300gsm or thicker).

Preparation:

• Tape paper to a board to prevent warping
• Apply 1 to 2 thin coats of gesso for extra durability and a less absorbent surface

Best for: Quick studies, sketchbook practice, mixed media.

Beginner tips: Avoid thin printer or sketchbook paper as it buckles easily. Great for travel or experimenting before committing to canvas.

Wood panels - the Old Master’s secret

Jacksons 5mm wooden painting panel

Smooth, rigid wood surfaces, either natural or manufactured. Super durable and doesn’t flex like canvas. Great if you like smooth surfaces and a solid feel under your brush.

Preparation:

• Sand the surface to remove splinters.
• Seal the wood with an acrylic medium or clear wood sealer (prevents paint from sinking in and protects against acids in the wood)
• Apply 2–3 coats of gesso, sanding lightly between coats for a smoother finish.

Best for: Fine detail, realistic work, or heavy layering.

Beginner tips: Cradled wood panels (with a wooden frame backing) resist warping and can be hung directly. Ideal for layering, scraping, or collage techniques.

Acrylic sheets / plexiglass - for the experimental artist

Clear acrylic plexiglass sheets

Clear or coloured plastic sheets. Modern, sleek, and non-traditional.

Preparation:

• Light sanding and gesso or primer for acrylic adhesion.

Best for: Mixed media, reverse painting, urban/graphic styles

Beginner tip: Fun for display and can be backlit or mounted for cool effects!

Mixed media boards

Daler-Rowney optima mixed media artboard

Ready-to-use pads designed for acrylics. Usually coated to handle moisture without priming. No preparation required, just paint directly.

Best for: Beginners, studies and classroom settings.

Beginner tips: Convenient for practice or experimenting with colour. Not as archival as canvas or wood, so best for short-term projects.

Speciality surfaces - for the brave and the bold

Speciality surfaces

Basically anything that will hold paint if prepped right! Unique textures, finishes, and endless creative options.

Best for: Installation art, experimental work, upcycling projects.

Preparation:

• Sanding and gesso or an appropriate primer
• Consider using acrylic mediums or bonding agents

Beginner tip: Start small, like painting on a rock or an old denim jacket! Acrylics can be painted on almost anything, but preparation makes all the difference. Start with easy, ready-to-use surfaces, then experiment as your skills grow.

If you're new to acrylics, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your acrylic skills.

Beginner surface preparation checklist

Before painting, ask yourself...

• Is the surface sealed to protect against absorption?
• Have I applied gesso (if needed) for the right texture?
• Is the surface sturdy enough to hold up to acrylic layers?
• Do I want smooth or textured brushstrokes?

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