Canvas

Different painting grounds and their characteristics

Depending on the painting technique and the desired result there are a variety of suitable painting surfaces. The most common are paper, cardboard, canvas and wood. The choice of painting surface influences the application of paint, the colour effect, the painting technique and the overall impression of the artwork. The right surface is decisive for the character and effect of your painting.

Depending on the chosen paint and technique it makes sense to prepare the painting surface before painting. Especially when painting on highly absorbent surfaces the painting surface should be pre-treated and a primer applied, e.g. with gesso. This prevents the paint from being absorbed into the painting surface. It also ensures a homogeneous appearance of the paint and a longer durability of your artwork.

Paper and cardboard

Paper and cardboard are suitable for different paints. However, it should be noted that waviness can occur with thin paper or wet colours and wet painting techniques. Accordingly, it is advisable to choose a sufficiently thick or pre-treated paper and, if necessary, to span the paper so that it cannot curl.

Canvas panels

Canvas panels are made of solid cardboard laminated with canvas fabric. The fabric is firmly glued to the cardboard, usually pre-primed and there is a paper backing to prevent warping. Canvas panels are specially made for painting, so they do not warp and keep their shape even with wetter applications of paint. They are available in a variety of formats and sizes.

Stretched canvas

Canvases are still the most popular painting surface. Stretched canvases are wooden frames covered with linen or cotton fabric. They are flexible and can adapt to temperature changes by expanding and contracting. As this can cause them to lose tension it is possible to re-tension stretcher frames with small wooden wedges if necessary. When painting canvases, make sure that you prepare the surface with a suitable painting medium (e.g. gesso) before applying paint. Alternatively, simply buy pre-primed canvases and start creating straight away. In our shop you can find stretched canvases in many different formats and sizes, individually or in sets, pre-primed and ready for painting.

Wood

Wood as a solid, stable material is particularly suitable if you want to work with a thick, impasto application of paint. From MDF to chipboard to untreated wood, almost all wooden surfaces can be used for various painting techniques when primed appropriately. However, you should not work too wet on wood, as there is a risk that the wood will swell. Before painting the wood should be dry and any resin or dirt should be removed from the surface. As wood is an absorbent material, the painting surface should be treated with a primer (e.g. gesso) before applying the paint. The primer or sealer increases the longevity and makes it easier to paint the wooden surface.

You will find more painting surfaces made of paper in the category Drawing & Sketch-Pads.

In addition to ready-to-use canvases, we also offer materials for making stretched canvases yourself. In the category Canvas Stretcher Bars & Accessories you will find stretcher bars, canvas stretching pliers, as well as canvas hangers. Canvas staplers / staple guns and staples can be found in the category Framing.