Choosing the Right Canvas for Painting

If you are new to painting, figuring out which canvas to use can feel overwhelming. There are so many types and each has its pros and cons. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right canvas for painting. The full video is embedded below so you can watch it right on this page, and here I’ll expand on the tips I shared. To make gathering your materials easier, I also have a free Acrylic Painting Supply List you can download.

Watch the video

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Canvases Mentioned in This Video

Gallery wrapped canvas
Michaels Super Value Canvas
Dick Blick Super Value Canvas

Level 3
Dick Blick Premier Canvas
Level 3 Gallery Wrapped Heavy Duty Canvas by Artist’s Loft

Canvas Panels
Michael’s Value Pack Panels
Dick Blick Value Panels

Gesso Boards
Ampersand Value Panels

Canvas Rolls with Gesso
Dick Blick Canvas Roll

Canvas Paper
Strathmore Canvas Paper

How to Choose Premade Canvases

Premade canvases are widely available at art stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Dick Blick, and they save you the work of stretching canvas yourself. One of the first things to notice is the thickness. Value packs at Michaels are thinner, around three quarters of an inch, while higher end canvases are often an inch and a half thick. Thicker canvases are less likely to warp and are generally considered more professional, but thinner canvases are a great choice when you are starting out because they are affordable and perfect for practice.

When you are learning, it is normal to create a mix of successful and less successful paintings. That’s why I recommend using inexpensive thin canvases while you practice. If you happen to create something beautiful on a thinner canvas and want to preserve it, framing is an easy fix. A frame will stabilize the canvas, prevent future warping, and hide the fact that it started as a thinner value canvas.

Tips for Using Canvas Panels

Canvas panels are another budget friendly option. They are lightweight and even more affordable than stretched canvases, especially in value packs. One drawback is that cheaper panels are often glued onto cardboard or chipboard, which can warp before you even start painting. If this happens, the good news is that you can still frame the panel to flatten it out and display it beautifully.

If you want a sturdier option, consider upgrading to panels mounted on wood. These cost a little more but are much more durable. They also come with different levels of surface texture, called tooth. This allows you to choose between a smoother surface or one that shows more canvas texture, depending on your painting style and preference.

Understanding Canvas Texture

The amount of tooth on your surface makes a big difference in how your paint looks. Some artists love the visible weave of canvas because it adds character and dimension to their brushstrokes. Others prefer a smoother surface for more controlled blending. If you like smooth surfaces, you can add extra layers of gesso to fill in the texture on any canvas. Panels or gesso boards are another great choice since they come ready with an even, flat surface.

Personally, I enjoy the natural texture of canvas and feel it enhances my style. But this really comes down to what feels best for you. Experimenting with both options is the only way to figure out which you prefer.

Making Your Own Canvases

Stretching your own canvas can be rewarding, but it also takes time, tools, and strong hands. Buying raw rolls of canvas or linen and stretching them on handmade stretcher bars allows you to create custom sizes, but it is usually more expensive than premade canvases. Linen has a slightly different texture than cotton canvas, but because of the higher cost, many artists (myself included) stick with cotton.

If you want to try it, you can buy a roll of fabric canvas from a craft store and apply gesso yourself. This lets you control the surface texture, but be prepared for a lot of work. I’ve painted on canvases stretched this way, and while it was fun to try, I now stick to premade canvases because they are quicker and easier to use.

Choosing the Right Size

When it comes to sizes, standard dimensions are usually the best option. Common sizes like 8x10 or 16x20 are easier for customers to frame, and they make it simple for you to create prints later on. Square canvases are also popular and reproduce well as prints. While custom sizes can be interesting, they often create more challenges for framing and display.

If your long term goal is to sell your work or make prints, choosing standard sizes now will save you and your buyers extra effort down the road. For beginners, this might not feel important yet, but as your art career grows you will be glad you planned ahead.

Why I Avoid Canvas Sheets

Canvas sheets that come in pads may seem convenient (and are often good if you're just practicing at the very beginning of learning to paint), but they are not practical for long term use when you start making art you want to sell. When I used them early in my career, I found it difficult to display the finished work. They cannot be stretched unless you leave extra border space, and framing them under glass makes them look more like prints than original paintings. Collectors also prefer canvases without glass because it allows them to see the paint surface clearly.

For practice, I suggest using panels or inexpensive value pack canvases. These options give you painting experience and can be displayed or sold later if you create something you love.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right canvas for painting comes down to your goals, your budget, and your preferences. Premade canvases and panels are convenient and affordable, while making your own is more labor intensive but customizable. Paying attention to thickness, texture, and size will help you pick the best surface for your art journey.

If you want to keep learning, I recommend checking out my article on How to Use Water When Acrylic Painting. It will give you more insights into improving your painting process and building confidence with your materials.