How Do You Paint Letters On Canvas?

These canvases with inspiring messages are very popular. Some people are not born with a good handwriting or a steady hand. We have a solution for you!

After creating many quotation canvas paintings , we've tried and tested several methods for transferring writing onto Canvas. These are the top four methods for creating stunning custom works of art by writing on canvas.

For each approach, you will need a canvas. You should look for a canvas with notches on the back, such as this one from Amazon. A minimum of two contrasting colors are also required.

How to Paint Letters on Canvas

You can paint words on canvas by using the following methods:

1. Stickers
2. Stencils
3. Carbon Paper Transfer
4. Collage

1. Stickers

Vinyl letter stickers are the fastest and most convenient way to transfer letters onto canvas. You can use vinyl letter stickers to transfer letters onto canvas.

Pros - This method is easy to use spray paint.

Cons - Font and size options are limited.

What you will need

• Vinyl letter stickers
• Ruler

How to

1. Color your canvas with the colors you would like your letters to appear. Let it dry.
2. Place your letter stickers on the canvas. Use a ruler to measure the distance between letters so that your writing is straight and even.
3. Paint your background color over the stickers. Be careful, as your letters may move if your paint is too rough. Do not apply paint to thickly. It will cause the stickers to lift off. Let your canvas dry for most of the time.
4. Stickers should be removed while the canvas is still sticky. Tweezers are an option if you have trouble removing stickers.
5. To tidy up the edges of your letters, you may need to use a small paintbrush.

2. Stencils

Stencils are great for painting intricate backgrounds. You can simply paint letters on top of your background. Quotes can be painted on canvas using stencils.

Pros: It looks clean and sharp. You can also choose from a variety of typefaces.

Cons: This may take some time!

What you will need

• Stiff stencils made of plastic
• Two little paintbrushes
• Water
• Paper towel
• Ruler

How to

1. The background of your canvas can be painted in any color you choose. Let it dry.

2. Take a measurement of the distance between each line in your text. Put your stencil down, and then paint the letter.

3. Your paint should not be wet.

4. Straighten your back.

5. Clean the letter's edges with a damp, clean brush. Use the brush to remove any paint from the stencil's edges. Use a paper towel to remove any paint residue from the stencil. Let the paint dry completely.

6. After the previous letter has dried, you can move on to the next on

3. Carbon Paper Transfer

This is the most common way to write on canvases among painters!

Pros It produces sharp, clear lines that are faster than stenciling.

Cons This method requires a steady hand. The carbon could also smear on the canvas and become sloppy.

What you will need

• A computer and printer
• Carbon paper
• Ballpoint pen
• Scissors and tape
• Small paintbrush

How to

1. Use the background color you choose to decorate your canvas . Let it dry.
2. Locate a font you like on your computer (if you can't find one, Google has many fantastic fonts you can download for free at http://www.google.com/fonts/).
3. Draw a quote on paper. Find the letter/word size and adjust your font. Keep a copy of the quotation.
4. Place the quotation on the canvas. You may have to trim the phrases and reposition them depending on the canvas size.
5. Place a piece carbon paper under each phrase and attach it to the board.
6. Use a ballpoint pen to trace the letters. You can damage your canvas if you push too hard. Take care to remove the tape and paper.
7. Use your small paintbrush to paint the opposite color between the lines. Let dry. Two coats may be required if you are using a light color against a dark background.
8. All pencil marks must be removed.

4. Collage

It is easy to attach letters to a canvas collage-style. This gives your artwork a professional look, and it is perfect if you don’t want to use hand-painted letters. You can use words from magazines or books, or printed words and stickers. You can also use wallpaper samples and maps to cut letters!

Pros :Simple adds texture.

Cons: Less dry time, smaller writing sizes, limited colors, and shapes.

What you will need

• ModPodge (available in matte or shiny)
• Foam brush
• Cut-outs and letter stickers

How to

1. Use the background color you choose to paint your canvas. Be sure to contrast the colors with your letters. Let it dry completely.

2. Make sure you check the placement of your words or letters on the canvas.

3. Mod Podge should be applied to the backs of each letter. Then, adhere it to the canvas. Add another coat of Mod Podge to the top. While it will look white when wet, it will dry clear. Let the canvas dry.

4. To seal the edges, apply a second coat of Mod Podge and let them dry. You may have to repeat this step depending on the thickness of your writing.

5. Optional: Seal your artwork with a finishing spray. Mod Podge can be used as a sealer but I prefer to spray the finish at the end to fill any brush strokes, and make the painting appear more even.

Final Verdict

Any of these methods can be used to paint letters onto your canvas. Stickers are my favorite method. It requires very little effort and spraying is not necessary. However, I find it to be fun.

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