How do I preserve the integrity of acrylic paint on a canvas?

For my latest painting, I have used very bright (but very low-quality) acrylic paints. As a result, when a slightly-thick layer of paint dried on the canvas (it is a primed/gessoed one), the paint cracked after it dried. Now, this is not completely terrible (because the painting still looks great), but I have been wondering whether there was a way to preserve this painting from cracking or degrading any further with some sort of coating or other material.

the bond may be questionable but acrylic varnish should be helpful. look for liquitex gloss or matte varnish. it will be milky white but will dry clear. this will be a permanent protective coating.

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3 Responses to How do I preserve the integrity of acrylic paint on a canvas?

  1. Alicia says:

    I use watercolor paints for all of my work but I use them very thick so they look like acrylic paint. I spray the high gloss over all of my paintings when they are finished and it is supposed to protect and brighten up your work. Hope this helps :)
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  2. grandpa says:

    the bond may be questionable but acrylic varnish should be helpful. look for liquitex gloss or matte varnish. it will be milky white but will dry clear. this will be a permanent protective coating.
    References :

  3. Blue Green says:

    Apply an acrylic varnish to your painting.http://www.art-is-fun.com/how-to-varnish-an-acrylic-painting.html

    EXTRA TIPS:
    Try Ampersand Panels instead of stretched canvas. Panels are rigid and sturdy supports for painting. The paint shouldn’t crack on a panel. Check out Ampersand Art Supply website for more information: http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&source=hp&q=www.ampersandart.com&pbx=1&oq=www.ampersandart.com&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=280l6614l0l6895l24l11l2l11l12l0l203l1515l3.7.1l24l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=cb5f4aec6a892e36&biw=805&bih=545

    A high quality acrylic paint that is permanent and lightfast but still affordable to buy is HEAVY BODY/THICK PAINT: Blick Studio Acrylic, Liquitex Basics Acrylic, SOFT BODY/FLUID PAINT: Liquitex Basics Matt Acrylic, Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic.

    Read the reviews and buy all of the above art supplies at Blick Art Materials website at an affordable price.
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