Canvas is one of the most popular surfaces to paint on. Paint canvas comes in different textures, materials, weights and each has their own characteristics, so it can be difficult to select the right one for your artistic needs. To help you out, we have outlined the different types of canvas and what mediums work best with each! Read on to learn more.
Overview:
Why use canvas?
5 different types of canvas
Cotton canvas
Linen canvas
Round canvas
Canvas rolls
Canvas panels and boards
FAQs
Why use canvas?
Canvas is a versatile surface that can be used for a range of mediums. They come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, catering to every kind of artist! Canvas is a popular choice amongst artists as it is long-lasting, lightweight and comes in different textures, perfect for achieving unique effects.
5 different types of canvas
Cotton canvas
Cotton duck canvas is made of tightly-woven fabric that is popular for its durability. This type of canvas is affordable, maintains flexibility and resists chemical damage, making it the perfect painting surface for beginners! There are two types of cotton stretched canvases, including the double thick canvas for extra support and thin canvas for light applications of paint.
What mediums should I use on cotton canvas?
Watercolour paint (Requires a primer)
Linen canvas
Linen is a premium material that makes a great surface to work on. Linen canvas comes in different textures, including smooth and rough. Linen is more expensive compared to cotton as the fibres are more natural and are very durable. This is a great high quality canvas for artists who want their paintings to stand the test of time!
What mediums should I use on linen canvas?
Watercolour paint (Requires a primer)
Round canvas
Made from cotton duck, a round canvas is perfect for changing up the style of your paintings. If you want to test your acrylic pouring techniques, create light collages or unique abstracts, round canvas is a great option for you!
What mediums should I use on a round canvas?
Acrylic paint
Oil paint
Gouache paint
Watercolour paint (Requires a primer)
Art pencils
Markers
Canvas rolls
Canvas rolls are a good option for artists who want to stretch their own canvas. They are available in linen or cotton and come in a variety of weights and textures, perfect for customising your own canvas. You can also choose from primed and unprimed material.
What mediums should I use on canvas rolls?
Acrylic paint
Acrylic ink
Oil paint
Gouache paint
Watercolour paint (Requires a primer)
Art pencils
Markers
Canvas panels and boards
Canvas panels and boards are a lightweight alternative to regular stretched canvas. They are available in a range of different materials including wood, cotton, kaolin clay and linen. Canvas boards and panels are ideal for hanging with or without a frame.
What mediums should I use on canvas panels and boards?
How do I choose a canvas for painting?
Now that you know all the different types of canvas, choosing should be an easier task. Although, there are different things to consider including texture, fabric and primed or unprimed. These will all affect the quality of your painting.
Texture
When a canvas is woven, different textures can be produced. Depending on your painting style and what mediums you're using, you may opt for a rough texture, perfect for broad brush strokes and large paintings. Or you may choose a smooth textured canvas, ideal for fine details.
Fabric
The most common fabric for canvas is cotton and linen. Cotton is a very affordable and durable choice that is great for a range of mediums. Linen is considered to be finer quality compared to cotton and more durable.
Primed/Unprimed
To bring out the vibrancy of the pigments, canvas is typically primed with gesso before painting. This also prevents the paint from absorbing into the fabric. Some artists prefer to opt for unprimed canvas for the natural texture and colour it produces.
Find the perfect canvas at Art to Art
Ready to create your next masterpiece? There are plenty of canvas options to choose from at Art to Art. We also stock a huge selection of other art supplies! From paint brushes and art paper to art mediums and more - we’ve got you covered. Shop online and get same-day dispatch and free shipping over $100. Plus, buy now and pay later with Afterpay. If you have any questions, please contact us online today.
Different types of canvas: FAQs
How do you tell if a canvas is good quality?
The best quality canvases are typically made from linen, tightly-stretched, are flexible and are solid in structure.
What canvas is best for beginners?
Many beginners opt for a cotton canvas as they’re affordable and come in a variety of textures, perfect for a range of different mediums. They are good for experimenting on.
Do you seal canvas after painting?
If you want your painting to last, we recommend using a varnish to seal your painting. This will also prevent damage from ultraviolet light, yellowing and dust.
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