Primer
This section includes primers and sizes. Canvas for use with oils must be first sized with Rabbit Skin Glue. This is available in original or imitation grades in granular form to make your own size or in made up form that can be warmed and used from the tub.
We offer two types of oil primer. Traditional lead based primer can provide the best results but need careful handling because of the lead content. Thixotropic Alkyd Primer is a multi purpose primer for all types of oil painting supports.

Acrylic Gesso Primer Acrylic Gesso Primer is similar to Spectrum Acrylic Primer but with a "tooth". Both primers may be tinted with acrylic colours if required. Now available in Black.

Acrylic Primer Acrylic Primer is a primer of high opacity, and an intense white. Suitable for most surfaces, including canvas, wood, board etc. Very flexible and ready for use undiluted. Dries quickly with a near-matt finish. Suitable for acrylic and oil paintings. No sizing required.

Thixotropic Alkyd Primer Thixotropic Alkyd Primer a multi purpose primer for all types of oil painting supports. Canvas needs sizing with rabbit skin glue before priming. This one coat multi-purpose primer gives an opaque gesso-like surface for all types of oil painting supports.

Clear Acrylic Canvas Sealer Clear Acrylic Canvas Sealer should be used where a transparent primer is required. No size required. Can also be used under conventional acrylic primer, when solvent/oil based washes are used, to prevent penetration of the primer.

Covent Garden Primer Covent Garden Primer was designed originally for the Royal Opera House for vacuum formed scenery. Water based, can be tinted, ideal for difficult surfaces, such as PVC, clear plastics, rubber flooring. A test area on difficult surfaces must be prepared before treating the whole surface. Check for lack of adhesion, cracking, bleeding and other defects before main application. Covent Garden Primer is designed to be a first coat before conventional painting.

Rabbit Skin Glue Rabbit Skin Glue is a traditional size for canvas when painting with oil colours. Supplied in made up form or granules in two types. Genuine is made from rabbit gelatine. Imitation is animal (technical) gelatine. Mixed with water as directed, granules will give ideal application consistency. This product is only to be used with oil based primers.

Thixotropic White Lead Primer Thixotropic White Lead Primer is a traditional lead primer for canvas, for the professional artist. Canvas must be sized with rabbit skin glue before priming. This product requires careful handling and use. Please refer to warnings and request material safety data sheets if required.