Stretched Canvas

Stretched canvas refers to canvas fabric that has been tightly stretched over a wooden frame – known as stretcher bars – resulting in a taut, supportive, and ready to paint surface. The convenience of a pre-stretched canvas makes it a popular ...

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Stretched Canvas


Stretched canvas refers to canvas fabric that has been tightly stretched over a wooden frame – known as stretcher bars – resulting in a taut, supportive, and ready to paint surface. The convenience of a pre-stretched canvas makes it a popular choice among artists. Some artists prefer unstretched canvas , which is more affordable, but requires manual stretching and priming before the surface is ready for paint.


Popular Sizes of Stretched Canvas

Stretched canvases are available in a wide variety of sizes, from small canvases that are perfect for miniatures to large canvases that can be used for murals. Some of our most popular sizes include:



If you can’t find the size you need, create your own custom sized canvas online in minutes with our Custom Canvas Builder. Choose the dimensions, materials, and stretcher bars unique to you!


Cotton Canvas vs. Linen Canvas

Stretched canvases are typically made from cotton fibers or linen fibers, and each offers unique benefits for artists. Below are some of the key differences to help you choose the best canvas fiber for your needs.


Texture:

  • Cotton: This soft fiber has a more noticeable texture, which enhances certain painting styles but may obscure fine details.
  • Linen: Known for its finer texture and smoother surface, linen is ideal for detailed work and provides a refined finish.

Durability

  • Cotton:While a properly prepared cotton canvas can last a long time, it may become slack over time, especially with heavy paint application or larger canvases.
  • Linen:Highly durable and less prone to stretching or sagging, linen is excellent for archival purposes and withstanding the test of time.

Sustainability:

  • Cotton:Production often involves significant water consumption and pesticide use.
  • Linen:Linen canvases are derived from flax, a naturally pest-resistant plant that requires less water and is considered more environmentally friendly.

Cost:

  • Cotton:As the more widely available and budget-friendly option, cotton canvases are popular among beginners and students.
  • Linen:Linen canvas is a premium choice that reflects its superior quality and durability.

Ultimately, the choice between cotton canvas and linen canvas depends on your budget, artistic style, and preferences. Consider these factors when selecting your canvas to ensure it complements your creative vision and desired outcome.


Prepping Your Stretched Canvas

One of the main benefits of using stretched canvas–especially pre-primed stretched canvas–is the minimal preparation it typically requires. Most stretched canvases are pre-primed, but if you choose to work with an unprimed canvas, priming it yourself is a crucial step before beginning your artwork.


  1. Choose a primer that suits your medium and painting style.
  2. Tighten the Canvas Ensure your canvas is perfectly taut before applying primer or gesso. If needed, use canvas keys to adjust the tension and eliminate any sagging, providing a stable foundation for your artwork.
  3. Apply The Primer: Use a wide, flat gesso brush to apply a thin, even layer of primer over the entire surface of the canvas, including the edges.
  4. Apply Second Layer: Wait for it to dry completely then apply a second layer to create a more uniform and stable base for your paint.

Optional Extra Steps:

  • Apply Additional Layers: Even if your canvas is pre-primed, adding an extra layer of gesso can improve paint adhesion and surface texture.
  • Light Sanding: For a finer, more refined surface, lightly sand the dried gesso with fine-grit sandpaper. This step is ideal if you prefer minimal texture or work with intricate, detailed techniques.

By properly prepping and priming your stretched canvas, you'll be able to create an ideal surface for your artwork and will ensure the preservation of the quality, vibrancy, and overall stability of your work over time.


Framing Your Stretched Canvas

Once your artwork is complete, you may want to add a frame around your piece. Canvas frames are designed to fit and securely hold a stretched canvas. There are two main styles to choose from:

  • Back Loader Canvas Frames: Traditional wooden frames where the canvas is inserted and secured from the back.
  • Floater Frames: Frames that receive the canvas from the front, creating a floating effect as the canvas appears to "float" within the frame.