Attaching Fabric to Mixed Media Supports

by Ms Dee
(Boston, MA)

I sew and want to use fabric and other fibers on canvas board and craft wood (birch and plywood, 1/4"- 3/4" thick) as supports for creating my mixed media landscape artwork.

Is that a go using the above mentioned supports? Do I need special adhesives in addition to acrylic paint?

Awesome website - thank you for being here! I appreciate your knowledge!

Hi, Ms. Dee! Yes, you can safely attach fabric and fibers to canvas board and craft wood. I would recommend using a strong glue to attach the fabric to the support. If you were to attach fabric or fiber to the support using just acrylic paint, by sticking the fabric onto the wet acrylic, you might run the risk of the fabric not adhering properly after the paint has dried.

The type of glue you use might depend on where you specifically plan to use it. For instance, if you plan to wrap the fabric around the canvas board or craft wood, you could glue it on the back using a strong wood glue. Even if the glue seeps through the fabric and doesn't look pretty, it won't matter much since it will be on the back of your piece, and you are ensured a nice, strong adhesion.

If you are gluing the fabric or fiber to the front of your canvas or wood support, consider using a fabric glue like Aleen's Original Tacky Glue or Delta Sobo Craft and Fabric Glue. They will still leave hard, visible marks underneath the fabric, but they are designed for use with fabric and crafts, so they won't create big blobs underneath the fabric like other glues might.

I hope that helps! Have fun with it! :)