I Painted on Canvas, Glass, Wood, and Fabric—Which Worked Best?

If you love experimenting with different painting surfaces, you’re in for a treat! I recently put Drawlish Acrylic Paints and Drawlish Paint Pens to the test on four different materials—canvas, glass, wood, and fabric—to see which worked best. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this guide will help you choose the right surface for your next project.

Canvas – The Classic Choice

Canvas is every painter’s best friend, and for good reason! It absorbs paint beautifully, making blending and layering super easy. Drawlish Acrylic Paints glided smoothly on the surface, drying quickly with a vibrant, matte finish. I also used Drawlish Paint Pens for details, and they added crisp lines without bleeding.

✔️ Best for: Traditional paintings, portraits, and abstract art
✔️ Works well with: Acrylic paints, paint pens, and mixed media
✔️ Pro tip: Prime your canvas with gesso for even better color vibrancy

Glass – Surprisingly Smooth & Vibrant

Painting on glass was a completely different experience! The Drawlish Paint Pens worked like magic, creating bold, streak-free lines. Acrylic paints also adhered well, but I had to use a thicker application to prevent streaks. If you want a stained-glass effect, this is the way to go!

✔️ Best for: DIY glassware, windows, and decorative pieces
✔️ Works well with: Paint pens, acrylic paints (with a sealing coat)
✔️ Pro tip: Use a glass primer for better adhesion and seal with a clear varnish for durability

Wood – Rustic & Bold

Painting on wood gave my artwork a rustic and textured feel. Drawlish Acrylic Paints absorbed beautifully into the surface, and the rich pigments stood out even without a base coat. The Drawlish Paint Pens added precise details, making it great for custom signs and home decor.

✔️ Best for: Home decor, wood signs, and furniture art
✔️ Works well with: Acrylic paints, paint pens, and wood stains
✔️ Pro tip: Sand your wood surface before painting for a smoother finish

Fabric – Soft & Flexible

Fabric painting was the most challenging but also the most rewarding! Drawlish Acrylic Paints worked great when mixed with a fabric medium, and the Drawlish Paint Pens added intricate designs without smudging. The best part? The colors remained bold even after washing!

✔️ Best for: Custom T-shirts, tote bags, and fabric banners
✔️ Works well with: Fabric medium + acrylic paints, paint pens
✔️ Pro tip: Heat-set your design with an iron to make it long-lasting

So, Which Worked Best?

Each surface had its own charm, but canvas and wood were my top picks for their ease of use and stunning results. However, if you're looking for unique projects, glass and fabric are excellent choices too!

No matter what surface you choose, Drawlish Acrylic Paints and Drawlish Paint Pens make painting fun, effortless, and vibrant. You can grab them from Drawlish.com or Amazon UK and start creating today!