Choosing Your Canvas
You can purchase precut floorcloths but the canvas used for these is very coarse, which may suit your painting style, but if any moisture permeates the perimeter the canvas will become wavy and this cannot be corrected. I prefer a fine weave that allows me to create everything from crisp stenciled motifs to finely detailed paintings. Roclon all purpose cloth is a popular surface for creating banners and floorcloths. It has a fine texture weave that doesn't interfere with detailed painting the way a coarse canvas might. In addition, Roclon does not need to be hemmed, stitched or glued! It can be cut with scissors or a rotary cutter and ruler.
Preparing Your Canvas
The only drawback to Roclon is that it does have a linty surface, which shows up in the painting. I have found that using Primocoat hardens the lint and allows me to sand it away, using a fine sanding pad, leaving a beautifully prepared surface ready for any type of medium. I wouldn't use Roclon without the base that Primocoat™ provides. Once primed, Roclon is a terrific surface that doesn't curl the way some canvas is apt to do. Because the canvas readily absorbs the primer, a single coat is usually adequate although, for even coverage, I usually apply two coats.Decorating Your Canvas
Finishing Your Canvas
For the best protection always finish a floorcloth with an indoor/outdoor non-yellowing varnish like Dura Clear by Deco Art. Using a varnish suitable for outdoors will protect your floorcloth from wet and muddy feet and will easily wipe clean with a damp cloth. For the sake of safety consider painting the back of your floorcloth with Fiber-Lok Non Skid Backing!
