If you’re looking for an inexpensive and simple way to fill your walls, or just a fun weekend art project, this tutorial is one you’ll want to save! It’s incredibly easy to make your own DIY textured canvas art—no artistic ability required. The possibilities are endless!
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Inspiration
This type of art certainly isn’t new, and has been done by many artists and DIYers alike. When searching for inspiration, I came across Kaleen Cameron‘s work and fell in love with her style.
PinThe layering of different colors and textures also looked like a really fun process, and something you couldn’t really mess up. My type of DIY!
Supplies
- Framed canvas or painting (or make a DIY floating frame)
- Joint compound or plaster
- Primer (optional)
- Acrylic paints
- Putty knives or painting knives
- Matte sealer
- Painter’s tape
PinYou can use a new canvas for this project, but I highly recommend browsing your local thrift stores or Facebook marketplace for a cheap used one. Make sure they are framed for a more finished look (or make your own frame with my DIY floating canvas frame tutorial!) I picked up these two at a local thrift store for $18 total.
PinStep 1: Tape off the frame
If your canvas is framed, you’ll want to tape it off to protect it. One of my ‘canvases’ was actually wood planks attached to a frame, but it still works great for this project.
PinStep 2: Prime the canvas
This step is optional, but if you’re painting over a used canvas with an existing design, it will help prevent it from bleeding through. You can also use white paint in a pinch. Brushing it on works, but a spray primer is quick and easy. Make sure to get the edges, too!
PinStep 3: Apply a base layer of plaster
I decided to try both joint compound and plaster for this project, as both are commonly used for this type of art. I was curious to see which worked better, and I have opinions on each now (keep reading til the end).
For my large canvas, I used plaster of paris. I accidentally bought the powder that you mix with water rather than the pre-mixed, so it just added an extra step. Once mixed, plop it down and start spreading.
PinI enlisted the help of my four year old daughter, who thought it was a blast. If she can do it, you definitely can 😉
PinPlaster dries really quickly (at least the powder mixed formula) and can become difficult to spread. It’s best to mix enough to cover the entire canvas in one batch. You don’t need a whole lot.
PinFor this first layer especially, there are no rules or certain technique to follow. You just want to make sure the whole canvas is covered, and no more than 1/4″ thick or so. I also tried to make sure the edges were relatively smooth, and there were no visible trowel marks.
PinFor my smaller canvas, I used joint compound. I wanted a darker design, so I mixed some brown paint in for my base layer.
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PinJoint compound goes on super smooth like frosting and takes a very long time to dry.
PinIt doesn’t have the grittier texture like plaster though, which is closer to my inspiration art.
For larger canvases, a trowel or wide putty knife is ideal. For smaller pieces, painting knives work well.
PinOnce both canvases were coated, I let them dry overnight.
Step 4: Apply second layer
After the mud was fully cured, I hand sanded some of the rougher and raised areas of the piece. I didn’t want the knife marks to be too noticeable.
PinFor this next layer, I applied a bit of white plaster, plus some mixed with grey-brown acrylic paint to give it a rougher texture. I liked the added dimension of two similar colors here. My little helper was eager to join again.
PinOn the large canvas, I also applied two light plaster colors in random areas. It was a bit too dry for my liking, so I went over it with a wet brush to blend a bit more.
PinYou could use water, paint, plaster, joint compound or whatever you want for this step. Experiment and see what you like!
PinThis art project could easily end here, but I decided to take it one step further.
Step 5: Apply final layer
After letting the art dry overnight again, I came back for the final round. On my large canvas, I spread a more diluted mix of plain white plaster, covering random areas while still allowing some of the underlying layers to peek through.
PinOn the smaller piece, I mixed black paint with joint compound and spread it over the entire canvas.
PinI didn’t worry too much about the texture, as that would be sanded down in the final step.
PinStep 6: Final sanding and sealer
Now for the fine tuning! After drying overnight, I smoothed out the top layer with 150 grit sandpaper.
PinAfter removing the dust, I went over everything with a wet brush to blend it a bit more. Unlike colored plaster, water will soften dried joint compound and the paint will bleed.
PinBoth canvases got one final sanding, and then a matte spray sealer. You could also brush on a liquid sealer, which would actually be easier to cover evenly and provide better protection. Note that the sealer will darken the artwork!
PinHere’s the finished product! Do you have a favorite?
PinTextured Canvas Art Tips + FAQ
If you want to try this DIY but aren’t sure whether to use plaster or joint compound, consider these pros and cons:
Plaster of Paris
- Coarser/grainier texture (can be adjusted if using a powder mix)
- Dries quickly and very hard
- Can add multiple layers and complete the project in one day
Joint compound/drywall mud
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Easy to apply and beginner friendly
- Takes a long time to dry (overnight)
PinDoes the plaster/joint compound make the canvas very heavy?
Not at all. Joint compound is very lightweight and won’t make a noticeable difference. The plaster is heavier, but it shouldn’t be enough to need additional hanging hardware, unless it’s a very large canvas. I was still able to easily lift my larger canvas with one finger.
Do I have to prime the canvas first?
It’s not required, but helpful to prevent bleed through if you are painting over existing artwork. It’s not necessary at all for new canvases.
How many different colors/layers should I add?
This is entirely subject to personal preference, but I think 3-4 shades is ideal to get that nice aged patina. For more of a minimalist look, two different tones in the same color works well.
Will the texture crack?
It is possible for the art to form cracks over time—particularly with temperature changes or if the layers are applied too thick. To prevent this, it is recommended to add flexible modeling paste to the plaster.
What is the best way to protect the artwork?
After the art is fully cured, apply a matte poly (oil or water based) to the entire surface. A liquid formula brushed on (at least 1-2 coats) will provide the best protection. Note that any sealer applied will darken the surface.
PinLet me know in the comments if you’ve tried this DIY before and have anything else to add, or if you’re pumped to go thrifting this weekend for a used canvas! We’ve got a lot of empty walls to fill in the new house, so I don’t think this will be my last canvas art endeavor 😎
PinLike this post? Check out these other DIY art projects:
- Faux vintage oil painting
- $10 canvas floating frame
- Aged concrete lamps
- Framed tapestry art
