Ground & Size-
Because canvas is a porous surface, paint can seep into its fibers like a sponge. Priming the canvas prevents this seepage. The most common ground used is gesso, which should be applied in several coats. Gesso can safely be used with both oil and acrylic paints. Canvas can also prepare with a oil ground. A size should be applied before oil ground. It is the material applied as a coating to protect the support from any deleterious effects from the ground or the paint. This is usually high glue, vegetable or animal gelatine, acrylic polymer or some other synthetically derived product.

Solvent-
Most thinners and solvents are both flammable and potentially dangerous to your health, and therefore should be used with caution and common sense. Make sure that your studio is properly ventilated.

Helpful Hints on-
Sizing & Priming