Stretched canvas or canvas boards

[ashling]

What type of canvas do you pain on?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I was told most emphatically by the instructor of my painting class

that a rigid panel is better than stretched canvas because the panel has no "give," while stretched canvas isn't rigid and therefore the dry paint can crack if there is any pressure on the finished painting. He recommends canvas on aluminum backing because it won't bend and will last much longer than cardboard backing. I think the brand name is Artefex.

[ashling]

2. I have used both

My mother also did some on plain plywood and masonite, too.

Thanks for your thoughts

[procon]

3. Much depends on the quality of the canvas you want,

or can afford. Cotton duck or linen, or maybe one of the synthetic fabrics? Buy by the yard and do your own stretching, or ready to go? Canvas panels vary from a sturdy cardboard, plywood composite and others, your choice depends on the type of paint you plan to use, and your available funds.

Frames come ready made or sold by the individual fitted boards for DIY projects. It's not hard to do with a couple of common household tools.

Then there's the priming medium. Priming creates a protective barrier between the canvas and the paint to help your artwork look it’s best and last a lifetime. Typically you apply several coats of gesso or traditional hyde glue and oil priming white. You can also find recipes for mixing your own primer.

I'm an old school DIYer, so I do my own stretching using a mid priced cotton duck. I still use some canvas boards, practicing, testing a new paint or trying some different technique. I also use boards for little gifting pieces because it's easy for the recipient to pop them in a frame.

[ashling]

4. thanks for your thoughts

very helpful

[dem in texas]

5. stretching your own canvas - never!

In one of my art classes way back in the 1960's we had to prepare our own canvas. Cut the boards, used arrow cloth which we nailed on boards after we "squared up" the frame by hitting it in the door jam. Once the canvas was on the frame, had to brush with it with horsehide glue and finally apply several coats of gesso. I may have all the steps out of sequence or left something out, but way too much work. Better to work on the boards sold at the art supply store.