How to Choose a Canvas

MATERIAL – LINEN, COTTON OR SYNTHETIC?

LINEN is the preferred fabric of painters. It should be selected when the artist:

Desires the highest strength, archival quality & high perceived value.

• Can afford the expense of linen.

COTTON is the most popular artist grade canvas fabric.

• Cotton fibers stretch more than linen, allowing for a tighter mounted canvas with less straining.

• As a stretched canvas size increases, the weight of the cotton canvas should increase to make up for what it is lacking in fiber strength.

• Cotton canvas can be primed with oil based or acrylic grounds (acrylic gesso).

SYNTHETIC is made of poly fibers or poly/cotton blends

• Immune to bacteria, mildew & air pollutants.

• Less sensitive to dimensional change from weather.

• Uniform in texture.

• Sustainable recycled products available for those who

wish to reduce their impact on the environment

ART TECHNIQUE

Each artist decides which canvas best suits their needs. Generally, an extra smooth surface is good for detailed portraiture & a rougher texture is good for bold impasto techniques.

STUDENT VS ARTIST GRADE

Artists’ grade stretched canvas features a thicker layer of primer, stronger canvas, & harder wood stretcher bars. This results in less warping & denting compared to student grade canvas. Student grade is a great option for those starting out & needing a more economical (and readily available) surface for learning & experimenting.

SIZE OF PAINTING

The larger the size of the painting, the heavier the weight of canvas needed.

• 10 oz. & 12 oz. cotton is recommended for canvas sizes 48″ & larger.

RAW VS PRE-PRIMED

Raw Canvas is selected when the artist:

• Needs total control of stretching & priming.

• Has the time, technical ability & expertise to properly stretch & prime

the canvas.

• 10 oz. linen is recommended for canvas sizes 48″ & larger.