Primers
Primers are used to prepare surfaces such as canvas and wood panels. This creates a separating layer that is more stable to paint on.
Michael Harding : Non-Absorbent Acrylic Primer
From £18.90
Primers are also called grounds or gessoes. They are often white to create a luminous base or black for a darker backdrop. You can tint them with colour or apply them straight from the bottle.
You will find some of the best brands here, including Gamblin and Cranfield for oils and Golden for acrylics and watercolours.