Most artists familiar with stretched canvas are used to simple, rectangular style canvas. Rectangular canvas is by far the most common shape stretched canvases come in. Rectangular canvases can be found in every depth, and with every common canvas fabric type. Most rectangular canvases have stretcher bars that are relatively flat on all sides. The unique profile is part of the aesthetic.

Ever try extra long or extra large cavnvas? The Edge All Media Cotton Stretched Canvas Extra Long Sizes have a slimmer width and longer height. Because the canvas is extra-long and skinny, the shape naturally focuses attention. Imagine the different compositions you could paint on an extra long rectangular canvas like The Edge! Each canvas is coated in a ground-breaking primer that maintains the richness and purity of your paint colors. Extra Longs/Longs/Multiples (triptych) - These used by themselves offer unique aspect ratios to achieve various single and multi-canvas compositions. They work well with squares, used as a square or diamond shape. The 6x18" and the largest being 18x64". Artists working in abstract impressionism have found these to be new heroes, to create unique multiple images that work together.

A relatively new type of canvas profile is the beveled canvas, where the stretcher bars that make up the rectangular frame slope dramatically to either the front or the back. (Beveled Edge Canvas has the slope visible in the front These canvases are not meant to be framed.

Round and oval canvases are not as common as rectangular canvases, but consumers are usually familiar with that shape. You might recall seeing an old oil colour portrait on an oval canvas hanging up in someone's home, or in an art museum. They are still sometimes used, especially for portraiture. Round and oval canvases are a bit more difficult to frame, simply because frames aren't as common for these shapes.

What is an Artist's canvas?

Stretched canvas also comes in a variety of depths. This can be anywhere from the slim ½" canvas to the >boldly stated 3". The most common sizes one will probably see are the ¾" and 1½", and manufacturers often offer both these depths for consumers. The Edge canvas is available in ¾", 1½", 2½" and 3" depths. Frames that are 1" or less are the easiest to frame, but the Illusions floater frames have a series made especially for 1½" deep canvas in several color options. This makes it convenient for artists who like to paint the sides of their canvas, or have a deeper profile, but also wish to frame their work. Keep in mind frames can be adapted to fit your canvas (within a ½" range) with canvas offset clips. You'll almost always find canvas with a depth greater than 1 ½" to be gallery-wrapped, so the sides can be painted, and the canvas displayed without a frame. Not only is it impractical at that point to have a frame that deep (and that heavy), the point of the deeper edge is so that it can be painted

There are a few ways that stretched canvases are attached to the stretcher supports. The first is side-stapled. This is found most commonly on very inexpensive, student-grade canvas. Galleries will rarely accept art on this type of canvas without a frame. (Jerry's no longer sells canvases stapled on the sides)

The second type of fastening, and easily the most common, is the gallery-wrapped canvas. This is a process where the canvases are stretched around the bars, and stapled on the back. Most canvases are folded at the corner, but some are actually cut, to eliminate that little ridge that the folded canvas creates. This is simply a matter of preference. However, if the canvas has been cut, that does make re-stretching it more difficult, should re-stretching be necessary. Galleries will often accept art on gallery-wrapped canvas without a frame, especially if the sides are also painted.

Finally, there are stretched canvases with splined backs. Much like a gallery-wrapped canvas, the canvas itself is stretched over the front and sides of a canvas, and pulled around the back. Unlike gallery-wrapped, there is a special groove in the back of the stretcher bars, into which the canvas is jammed, and then secured into place with a rubber strip that resembles a shoestring. These are often stapled on the back in just the corners, for added security. Splined canvases are a nuisance to re-stretch.

Stretched canvases have supports called stretcher bars, or stretcher strips, which are normally made of kiln-dried pine. Stretcher bars give the stretched canvas their depth. The thinner the bar, the weaker it is. So, to prevent warping, the bigger you want your canvas to be, the deeper (therefore stronger) you'll want the stretcher bars to be.

Stretched canvases often also have another bar going across the center in one or both directions. This is called a cross brace, or cross bar. Cross braces can go in either one direction, or both. When purchasing a canvas, make sure it has at least one cross brace if the size is 20x24 or larger, or two (one in either direction) if the size is larger than 30x30. If you're purchasing a canvas where one dimension is twice the other (ex., 10"x20"), make sure your canvas has one cross brace. If one dimension is thrice that of the other, (ex., 10"x30"), then check that your canvas has two parallel cross braces. This aids in warp prevention. No one likes a canvas that won't cooperate with a frame because it's bending in two different directions

When selecting your canvas in a store, very gently press your hand against the stretcher bar on the front. If the bar is completely flat, you may notice a slight indentation about an inch to two inches in. This will only become more pronounced while you're painting, and you may very well end up with a little crease all the way around the inside of your painting, especially if you're heavy-handed. Good quality canvas manufacturers use stretcher bars with a small rounded 'lip' on the outer edge that prevents the canvas from pressing against the rest of the stretcher bar. This helps to keep creases from forming during the painting process

Need a really tiny canvas? Say, mouse-sized? It exists as a Mini Canvas. Mini Canvases are the same great quality just in a min/smaller size. Need a massive, elephant-sized canvas? It exists too. And just about every size in between is either available or can be custom-stretched. Ultra-small canvases are fun, and an easy way to get creative. Artists can either create mini masterpieces, or put many small canvases together to create one larger piece. Artists looking to create murals on a stretched canvas are covered, too. These giant sizes are good for theatre backdrops or just a way to ensure the mural you spent weeks on doesn't get rolled over when the painting crew comes in to redo the walls.

Artists sometimes find themselves with a particular canvas in hand, whether because the size just struck their fancy, or it's been collecting dust in the back of their studio for a while and they're tired of staring at it. They paint a gorgeous painting, and go to find a frame equally as gorgeous, and…wait, why are there no frames in this size? Or a consumer buys a painting they're in love with, and then find out they can't frame the painting unless they pay an arm and a leg for a custom job. It's an all-too-common frustration. Knowing standard sizes can really help cut down that annoyance.

Some of the most common sizes (in inches): 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 9x12, 11x14, 12x16, 16x20, 18x24, 24x30, 24x36, 30x40 Less common sizes that still have pre-made framing options (in inches): 6x6, 12x12, 10x20, 12x24, 12x36

There is a range of sizes that are rather popular, called 'panorama sizes'. Sizes such as 10x20, 10x30, 12x24, 12x36, etc., fit into this range. Some of these sizes are difficult to frame, but gallery-wrapped canvases, especially 1½" and deeper can go without framing.

Linen

Of the professional artist's canvas made today, stretched linen canvas is the oldest type. Made from the flax plant, linen is easy to spin into durable, uniform strands that are woven into varying weights and weaves to achieve different effects. With some brands guaranteeing their linen canvases to last 500 years, it's easy to see why artists concerned with preserving their artwork might choose linen. In addition to its longevity, linen canvas is quite versatile. Some of the finest grade portrait canvases are linen. On the other hand, some of the most textured landscape canvases are also made of linen. Linen canvas can be either acrylic primed (excellent for acrylics, acceptable for oils), or oil primed (excellent for oils only). Unfortunately, only a very few stretched canvases are available in linen and the Senso Linen Canvas brand is one of the best lines of linen you can buy.

Cotton

Cotton canvas has overtaken linen canvas in popularity, mainly because of the reduced cost. Cotton canvas is estimated to last about 100 years. Depending on how well it's cared for, it can last much longer. Cotton is usually only acrylic-primed, which is excellent for acrylics, but only 'okay' for oils. So, depending on your medium and concern with how archival your painting surface is, you may want to consider trying a cotton canvas (for a somewhat smoother canvas, try Paramount Professional Cotton Canvas or the Edge All Media Cotton Deluxe Canvas. For a more textured feel, you might like premium Acrylic primed canvas such as the Centurion LX Acrylic Primed Linen Stretched Canvas 3/4" Deep). Centurion is excellent for oil, acrylic, and alkyd colors and has a beefier stretcher suitable for larger size works.

Jute

An unusual type of canvas worth mentioning is the jute canvas. There are a couple of manufacturers that utilize this fiber for fine art canvas. Jute canvas is made from the spun vegetable fibers of the Jute plant, found primarily in India. It is a bit coarser than the average linen, and makes for a unique painting surface. Jute isn't anywhere near as popular as linen or canvas, but it has its own merits. For canvas rolls, try SoHo Urban Artist Professional Jute Unprimed Canvas.

Synthetic

The newest addition to the fine art canvas family is the synthetic canvas. Fredrix has been experimenting with synthetic, or man-made, fibers, and has woven them with natural fibers to come up with something called Polyflax. Canvases made with Polyflax tend to be very smooth, and canvas excellent for portraits. It is also excellent for large sizes, given its considerable strength compared to cotton. Because polyflax is such a new notion, its archival qualities aren't really yet known. However, Fredrix has been around for 140 years, and is a well-trusted company. These canvases are made in Mexico, and primed in the United States.

When stretching your own canvas, you'll start with a canvas roll or blanket. As discussed in the previous section, canvas comes in several different fiber types: cotton, linen, jute, or synthetic blend. These canvases can be unprimed, acrylic primed or oil primed. Roll canvases also range widely in both weight and texture. Finally, the rolls themselves range in size, from 52" wide to 144", and from 6 yards long to 30 yards.

When deciding what type of canvas to buy, consider your medium. If you're working with oils, you may want a linen or jute, which are ideal for oil colors (especially oil primed). If you're working with acrylic, tempera, or collage, you can choose any acrylic-primed surface with ideal results. If you work in watercolor or gouache, and are looking for a new surface to paint on, consider the Yes! All Media Canvas. It has a unique surface that allows it to accept watercolor.

When stretching your own canvas, you can choose your own stretcher bars based on your need. For the most part, manufacturers make sure their stretcher bars only fit with themselves, and no other brand. Keep that in mind when purchasing stretcher bars, if you don't have a brand you already like.

Stretcher bars are generally classified as stretcher strips (or light duty), medium duty, and heavy duty. When planning the size of your canvas, consider the following loose guidelines for the minimal sturdiness your stretcher bars need to be:

• Under 30" – Light duty
• 30"-50" – Medium duty
• Above 50" – Heavy duty

As mentioned with pre-stretched canvases, stretcher frames larger than 20"x24" will need a cross brace. Frames larger than 30"x30" should have one in either direction. Or, if your piece is very long, you'll also need a cross brace. Cross braces stabilize against warping. When purchasing your cross braces, read the description to see if you'll need to buy one of each type; some cross braces (especially heavy duty ones) come in one group with a top notch, and one group with a bottom notch, so they'll fit together smoothly.

So, the most important question: 'How do I know what size cross brace to buy?' The answer is easier than you might think. If you're getting one cross brace, go with the smaller size and match the size of the stretcher bar. If you're getting two cross braces, get one for each measurement. For example: If you're stretching a 20x24 canvas, you'll need one 20" cross brace. If you're stretching a 30x40 however, you'll want one 30" cross brace, and one 40" cross brace. This is the same system for pretty much all manufacturers.

Say you've chosen your canvas size and put together the canvas frame. If you've purchased an unprimed canvas, you may be staring at a piece of raw canvas and a bare stretcher frame. What's next?

It's generally much easier to stretch your canvas first, and prime it after. So, go ahead and stretch your canvas. For tips on stretching your own canvas, check out the video to the right:

We recommend these top Acrylic Gessos & Primers:
Jerry's World's Greatest White Acrylic Artist Gesso Primer
New York Central Acrylic Gesso

Next, it's time to break out the primer. No, I don't mean the Kilz. First, are you painting with oils or some other media? If you're painting with oils, you'll need different materials. To prime your canvas, you'll need to begin with something to seal off the canvas. The most traditional sealant (called a size) is rabbit skin glue. Be aware, this is exactly what it sounds like; an animal by-product. If you're against using animal products, steer clear of this one. Rabbit skin glue serves as a sizing; a barrier between the canvas fibers and the acidity of the oil paints. Without a size, over time oil paints will seep through canvas fibers and eat them away, ruining the painting.

While rabbit skin glue is the traditional sizing, recent studies have shown that its hygroscopic qualities eventually cause cracking in oil paints. For the sake of your painting's longevity, you may be more interested in a modern alternative. Artists needing to size their canvas that don't want to use rabbit skin glue for one reason or another often use PVA (Poly Vinyl Acetate) sizing such as Gamblin's PVA Sizing. Unlike rabbit skin glue, PVA will not tighten the canvas. So make sure your canvas is stretched properly before applying the PVA.

When applying your sizing, keep in mind the point is to coat the fibers completely, so they're entirely sealed off from the acidity in oil colors. This means that soaking through to the back is not only acceptable, it's desirable. This is especially true if you have a slightly looser weave canvas, as the ground will likely "strike" through the canvas. If you've sized your canvas properly, this is no cause for concern.

nce you've applied your sizing, it's time for the gesso, or ground. If you're painting with oils, you will probably want an oil ground. This is a non-absorbent ground that helps prevent sinking, a process where oil paints literally sink into the ground and lose their luster. Several companies make oil grounds. You might want to try Gamblin PVA Sizing or Williamsburg's Oil Grounds. (Be advised, Williamsburg's Oil Ground contains Lead Carbonate, a traditional pigment that is known to be harmful if handled improperly.) Apply two or more thin coats, depending on how smooth you want the surface.

If you're working with any other media, or you don't want to worry about specific oil grounds, then acrylic gesso is for you. With acrylic gesso, you do not have to size the canvas. Simply apply two or more thin layers of the acrylic gesso, and you're ready to paint!

Canvas Panels: Wood, MDF, Paper Particleboard

So you may not like stretched canvas so much. You might not like the fact you have to tighten your canvas. Or you may want to use a heavy medium that the stretched canvas can't support. Or maybe you want to do a couple of quick studies, but not waste your stretched canvas. Enter canvas panels. If you're looking for a rigid support, you'll want a canvas board with a Birch Wood Painting Panels base. If you want to do quick studies, or if you're looking for something less expensive, you might prefer a paper particleboard. A word of warning; in high humidity, SoHo Canvas Texture Painting Panels can warp. Keep that in mind when considering what sort of panel to buy.

Oil Paints

As an oil painter, you're using one of the oldest common paint types still in use today. Oil colors require special surfaces to bring out their full potential. Look for a canvas that is oil-primed. While oil colors can be used on acrylic primed surfaces, acrylic grounds are absorbent, which can cause the oil paint to 'sink'; that is, become dull. Conversely, if you are planning to do an underpainting in acrylic, then you will have to use the acrylic-primed canvas, as acrylic cannot adhere to oil (but oil can adhere to acrylic). For a stretched oil-primed canvas, try the Centurion OP DLX, or the Raphael Oil-Primed Linen. If you want to stretch your own canvas, try the Artfix Belgian Linen C-series rolls. And finally, if you're looking for a panel, we suggest the Raphael oil-primed linen panels. Remember, if you don't underpaint with acrylics, oils can sink on acrylic primed canvas. This can always be prevented by a layer or two of Oil Priming Materials.

Acrylics

As an acrylic artist, you can paint on just about any kind of artist's surface and still get excellent results. With acrylic, one doesn't have to worry about lengthy drying times or sinking, as with oil paint. When looking for a substrate to paint on with acrylics, look for the terms absorbent, acrylic-primed, or gessoed. Check out The Edge stretched canvas, or for a super-smooth finish, Fredrix Blue Label. Planning an odd size painting? Try the Paramount Roll Canvas. For a rigid painting surface, you may want to look into the Ampersand Gessobord.

Watercolors

Beyond paper, artist's surfaces are limited for the watercolorist. The best alternative we've found is the Yes! Canvas, available in watercolor stretched canvas and YES canvas rolls. Yes! Canvas also has panels available. If you're looking for a rigid surface to paint on with your watercolors, you're in luck! Neither surface requires framing behind glass like watercolors normally do, but we do suggest a Krylon fixative.

Mixed Media

If you're working with mixed media or collage, chances are you're using water-based mediums that can also be used with acrylic paints. Because of this, you can use the same surfaces acrylic painters use. Keep in mind though, that collage can quickly become too heavy for stretched canvas. If too much weight is placed on the canvas, it will sag. If you're going to be placing a lot of foreign objects on the piece, or using a lot of medium, consider instead an MDF panel like the Da Vinci Pro Resist Grip Textured Gesso Panels. For lightweight collage, or mixed media, try the Yes! Canvas. For a unique look, you might want to consider the Fredrix Oval and Round Canvas.

Economical

The least expensive artist's supports are usually canvas panels with paper particleboard backing. In some cases, you get what you pay for. Particleboard is prone to warping in high humidity or if overworked. We've found that Creative Mark canvas panels are less likely to warp than some other brands. If you still want a stretched canvas, we do still have inexpensive options. Practica canvas is an excellent place to look. Finally, if you need several canvas, or are working with odd or large sizes, stretching your own canvas can save you a bit. Unprimed cotton canvas duck blankets is quite inexpensive.

Luxurious

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line canvas to paint on, you'll most likely be looking for linen. If you prefer stretching your own canvas, there is a broader range of fine canvas available, such as the Raphael Oil-Primed Linen or the Artfix Belgian Linen. For an even higher grade canvas at a very affordable price, Master Quality Archival Deluxe Stretched Canvas! Superb Performance And Color Retention! Exclusive OP Enhanced Oil Priming.. choose Centurion Professional Oil Primed Linen Stretched Canvas.

Heavy Duty

When working with large sizes, it's imperative to have a beefy canvas that will hold up to large sizes and heavy paint weight. Or sometimes, you just need your canvas to make as much of a statement as your paint does. The Edge canvas is a heavy-weight stretched canvas, at 14oz. Heavy weight canvas is more widely available in canvas rolls. Spectrum All Media Canvas comes in a hefty 15 oz roll, but keeps a finer touch for finer detail.

Environmentally Friendly

Everyone is concerned about being 'green' these days, and rightfully so. Why not extend that environmental consciousness to your art? Charvin gummed jute canvas is made from jute, a fibrous plant grown mainly in India. Renewable and being a plant that requires little pesticides or manual watering, the jute plant is definitely friendly to the environment. It's important to consider not just a product that's environmentally friendly, but a company that considers that in everything they do. Ampersand, the makers of Gessobord, Hardbord and the Value Series Artist's Panel, is one such company. They use only products from sustainable resources in their boards, and use no formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds.

Miniature

Looking for an extra small canvas? Most brands go down to 6x8", maybe even 5x7". But any smaller, and you're out of luck, right? Not quite! The Edge Canvas makes 8x8", 6x6", 5x5", and even 4x4" canvases. Need something even smaller? Try the Paramount Ultra Mini Canvases, which are as small as 2x2"!

Magnetic Canvas

Ultra Mini Magnetic Canvases Perfect For Painting & Display! The same great Ultra Mini canvas but now with magnets built into the back to create easy bonding for magnetic surfaces. It's great for displaying on everything from appliances to magnetic white boards to art shows and schools. You can even attach an array of canvases to a metal sheet to paint and display all sorts of art. Great for painting, mosaics, displaying and much more!

Extra Large

Sometimes you just need a really, really big canvas. Usually you'll see a canvas brand go up to 30x40. Some go larger, 36x48 maybe. But what if that just isn't big enough? Try The Edge All Media Cotton Deluxe Stretched Canvas 2-1/2" Deep, which goes up to an impressive 60x72".

Beginner to Amateur

If you're just getting started, chances are you don't want to spend a lot of money on your painting surface. After all, what if you find out painting isn't for you? Or at the very least, you know your first paintings probably aren't going to be stellar—why waste money on what you might end up tossing out? For a cheaper canvas that you can still frame if you pleasantly surprise yourself with a masterpiece, try the Practica canvas. For cheap practice support, you can try canvas panels, like the Creative Mark Art Panels or SoHo Artist Cotton Canvas All Media Panel, or canvas pads, which are just sheets of canvas or canvas paper to paint on. If you want to dive in head-first and try stretching your own canvas, or working really big, the army cotton duck canvas blankets are a great, inexpensive place to start. Worried about wrinkles, or prefer something already primed? Paramount canvas rolls are inexpensive, but quality.

Intermediate or Hobbyist

If you've just started really getting into painting, or you've decided that, hey, you're pretty good!, you might want to move up to a better grade of canvas. For something still budget-friendly, look into the >Fredrix Red Label canvas. Or, if you're an oil painter, try the Centurion Oil Primed Linen Canvas. (Remember, the OP DLX cannot accept acrylic paint; if you under-paint with acrylics, you may want to try the Centurion 3/4" linen canvas.) Since you have some experience under your belt, consider exploring outside the box—the box of stretched canvas, that is.

Professional

So, you’re a professional. You have your art hanging in galleries and people’s homes, and you have your own place at various shows. You have a whole different list of priorities than the beginning or hobby artist. You need a quality canvas with a good primer and that will last. If you’re looking for a professional, archival canvas, you’ll most likely want linen. An inexpensive place to start is the Centurion canvas, which comes in oil or acrylic primed. If you prefer to stretch your own canvases, options really open up for at the professional. If you need something smoother for portrait or fine detail work, you might like the Artfix Belgian canvas, L84C (oil-primed) or L84U (acrylic-primed) series, the finest weave available on the market today. Finally, if you’d prefer instead a hard surface, try the ¾” or 2” cradled Da Vinci Flat 1/4" Pro Panels.

Framing Non-Rectangular Canvas and Very Deep Canvas

If your frame is 1.5" or deeper, has an unusual profile like the Float or Beveled canvas, or is oval-shaped, the good news is, you usually don't have to frame it. Actually, of the list I just mentioned, oval ones are really the only ones that can be framed. Unfortunately, this requires a framing shop, whether online or locally. Depending on the size, they may have something to fit your needs, or you may have to get it custom-cut. Custom cut frames can carry hefty price tags, so look out if you're particularly budget-conscious.

Framing Custom Sized Canvas

f you have a regular ol’ rectangular canvas that’s 1” or less deep that happens to be an unusual size, good news! Custom size frames don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re looking for something simple, you can probably get the size you need from frame kits. If you do want a frame a little more ornate, Jerry’s does carry custom wood and custom metal rames for most budgets. And don’t forget, if it is gallery wrapped, you may not have to frame it at all. Canvases can be hung with just D-rings and wire, or sawtooth hangers and many other picture hanging supplies

The most common canvas accessory is the canvas carrier. It comes in many shapes and sizes, but serves the same function: to keep anything from getting on your wet canvas—and to keep your wet canvas from getting on anything else. Another tool for use with canvas that is not to be overlooked is the canvas tightener. This is a little spritzer bottle with a substance inside that immediately tightens your canvas without the hassle of stretcher keys. Most importantly, it's acid-free, so you don't have to worry about the integrity of your painting.