Need help to resolve the "trampoline effect."

[Karin Wells]

I need some helpful advice. I don't like the much-too-bouncy "trampoline effect" I am getting on my stretched linen canvas 30" x 36" and larger).

I would like to attach a largeish linen canvas to a 30" x 36" lightweight rigid support. This has never been a problem when I use cotton canvas.

The rigid support needs to be lightweight because with a thick layer of paint the framed painting is much too heavy (not to mention the problem with a frame holding something so heavy). Foamboard is not archival -so I cannot use it- but I like the weight of it. MDO board is wonderful but is heavy in this size. Also, Masonite hasn't stayed flat after the canvas is attached.

I have tried attaching this large linen canvas to various substrates with gesso and I got a bubble. I have also tried Elmer's glue with the same poor result. In addition, I had poor adhesion with these two "glues" and could have easily peeled the canvas off when dry.

So far, I have used the two "glues" mentioned, flattened it successfully with a rolling pin, and put heavy weights on it until it dried. However, I am very disappointed when it is dry.

I have even tried painting on the canvas pinned to a board and attempted to stretch/glue it after I have finished the painting - and this is also unsuccessful.

Frankly, this extreme "trampoline effect" is driving me nuts. The part of the country I live in varies greatly in temperature and humidity and my linen supports bag, sag, and tighten accordingly.

Has anyone out there resolved a problem like this?

Do I simply need to limit myself to a cotton canvas on large paintings and avoid linen?