A Guide to Canvas Fabric: Materials, Preparation & Stretching Tips

Whether you're painting for pleasure, for a class, or for a gallery wall, the surface you choose matters. Canvas is one of the most popular supports for both oil and acrylic painting, prized for its versatility and texture. But not all canvases are created equal.

Let’s break down the most common canvas fabrics, how to prime your surface for painting, and how to stretch your own canvas like a pro.

Choosing Your Canvas Fabric

Canvas can be woven from both natural and synthetic fibers, but natural materials like linen and cotton are most common in fine art.

Linen Canvas: The Professional’s Choice

• Fiber: Flax

• Texture: Available in fine or coarse weaves

• Strength: Highly durable, with excellent resistance to decay

• Why Choose It: Holds up beautifully under heavy layers of paint and lasts centuries—this is the canvas Rembrandt used.

Cotton Canvas: A Budget-Friendly Favorite

While not as strong or archival as linen, cotton canvas is widely used for its affordability and availability in various textures:

• Duck Cotton: Dense and all-purpose—ideal for general painting.

• Jute Cotton: Loose weave and rough texture, great for impasto but not recommended for long-term works.

• Osnaburg Cotton: Made of single yarns, lower quality—best for temporary or student projects.

• Cotton Sheeting: Smooth and tightly woven, perfect for fine detail work.

Cotton canvas is also available in various weaves such as Alabama, Atlanta, and Dallas, offering artists subtle variations in texture and tooth.

A Few Words About Grounds: Why Priming Matters

Just like prepping a wall before painting, priming canvas is a crucial step in artmaking. Raw canvas is porous and will soak up paint like a sponge if not sealed properly.

What Is Gesso?

Gesso is a traditional acrylic-based primer that seals the surface and creates a smooth, paint-ready ground. It protects the fibers of your canvas and allows paint to sit on top rather than absorb.

• Works with both oil and acrylic paints

• Should be applied in multiple coats

• Even pre-primed canvas benefits from an extra layer for better archival quality

Pre-Primed vs. Raw Canvas

• Pre-Stretched Canvas and Canvas Boards typically come primed

• Canvas Rolls may be raw or pre-primed—check the label

• Always add at least one coat of gesso, even on pre-primed surfaces, for optimal performance

Final Thoughts

Whether you're painting a classroom project, prepping for an exhibition, or creating just for fun, understanding your canvas options makes a difference. From choosing the right fabric to priming properly and stretching your own surface, these foundational steps ensure that your art stands the test of time.