Question Again re: Filler

[Peter J]

Thanks to Bill Mackey for describing the use of Zinsser Waterproofing paint to fill canvas. A couple of questions if I may Bill: With reference to the cement in the product, did you find it hard to sand? Was there sufficiant flexibility in the canvas/finish after? Was the product heavy?

Another question. (dumbquestionguy has some competition!) I just came in from the shop where I tried simply painting some canvas with Benjamin Moore's Impervo. A couple of quick coats looks like it's going to fill the weave well enough to begin sanding. Am I missing something regarding the need/purpose of the filler? Am I missing something critical thinking just paint will work to fill the weave?

Thanks in advance.

Peter

[dumbquestionsguy]

Oh just wait - I've got piles of stupid questions... I'm just spacing them out so as to be as minimally abrasive as possible. And for the record, it's "dumbquestionsguy" - plural - indicating the multiple nature of the dumb questions.

[Bill Mackey]

Credit Dave Wermuth for letting us know about Zinsser. Yes start sanding with the second coat, it built up nicely and helps make the canvas waterproof. Paint alone will not fill the weave of the canvas and you will not get a smooth surface. Definitely use a filler,and this is a good one, and cheap and here in Colorado with 20% humidity it dries in 30 minutes. One end of the canoe is dry by the time I finish painting the onther end.