I started painting the canvas for my Cold Wars game. I will use this instead of terrain boards. It's not that I don't like building terrain boards, it's just that sometimes I need something a bit more portable. I do multiple conventions and having limited storage space, the bigger boards were just not going to happen. But, I didn't want to go with the felt blanket so, when I saw the canvas one posted here and one of the local gang wanted to start one as well, we split the cost of an 18' roll of painter's canvas.
This will not compare to the beautiful terrain that has been created by others, but it is good for those who need something that disappears easily.
The first is a long shot with paint down.
The second one is to show why you want to use that natural sponge. On one half is the paint just spread across the canvas. Lots of streaks and it would take multiple coats to get rid of that (which would increase the chance of the paint cracking when you roll it). On the other half is the "dabble" approach using the natural sponge. Just dab it about the canvas and get rid of all those lines.
I also wanted mine to be a 4' x 8' so I masked out the excess with regular painter's tape. It also makes it much easier to avoid getting it on the floor.
And, in just a couple of hours (with leaving time to dry), I have this done. Flock was added with spray adhesive and just scattering it on. I'll put a matte sealer on before I roll it up and we'll see how it transports.
And here is a close shot with some terrain dropped on it.
I now have a sturdy, portable, non-"sheet" board to play on.