Acrylic - finding the right ground

Of course there is no "right" ground, only the right ground for me. For acrylic I don't like the spring or texture of canvas, I don't like the slickness of Gessobord, I DO like a sanded surface but my brushes don't. Today I tried archival 4-ply black mat. I sort of love it, at least in the beginning until I make a big mess. Same subject, the old house with fire hydrant.

 

House with Fire Hydrant, acrylic, 6x6 inches