I spend a lot of time applying coats of gesso to get the surface I want to paint on. All of the suppliers seem to sell 'medium' grain which to me is coarse. Any suppliers known to members?
Is linen a surface which will give me what I want?
Regards
Jack

Linen will certainly get you a finer smoother surface, also you don't say if you sand between coats of gesso, if not give each coat a fine sand with fine grain sandpaper when dry. You could also try giving a final thin coat of underpainting white, but only if you are using oils.
Jacksons http://www.jacksonart.co.uk have a good range of canvas and linen, you could give them a go. You could also consider painting on MDF or hardboard if you want a completly smooth painting.

Hi, I use wooden panels when I need a very fine surface - I usually buy them here: http://www.greatart.co.uk/GERSTAECKERTI ... pports.htm

Though they do need 2-3 layers of gesso.

Dmitry
http://www.artforest.co.uk

Thanks Dmitry and Dennis for the suggestions. I have painted on both MDF and wood in the past. But, when I used to run my own exhibitions some people asked what the painting was on and when told immediately lost interest. There was evidently an expectation that an oil painting is on canvas. Wrong I know but for the occasional sale the client is the master.
I shall investigate Jacksons.
Again, my thanks
Jack

It is funny this perception that canvas is "better" and makes it a proper painting. After all canvas is a relative newcomer as a painting support. All paintings up to about the 15 th century were painted on wood panels and many famous artists have used hardboard as a suitable support. Still, as you say, the client is boss....