Roll Canvas

Tips for Buying and Stretching Roll Canvas: If you create quite a bit of art, or if you want to create a painting that is a unique shape or size, your best bet is to purchase roll canvas. Roll canvas has a number of benefits, including being less expensive then pre-stretched canvas.

Acrylic Primed Cotton		Acrylic Primed Linen		Oil Primed Linen		Other Canvas Rolls
Other Primed Canvas		Unprimed Cotton		Unprimed Linen

Hereseveral tips on buying roll canvas:

• Try to purchase a larger amount of roll canvas than you will need. Even if you do not plan to use it immediately, it is often cheaper to purchase several yards than only one.
• Before buying roll canvas, you should decide what type of primed canvas that meets your needs. All artists have a preference as the primer provides a texture to the canvas.
• Choose roll canvas that is an archival quality.

Once you have gotten your roll canvas, you will need to stretch the canvas before beginning your artwork. Some artists choose to use canvas that is expertly tightened. Others prefer the art of stretching themselves. Keep in mind some of the tips on stretching canvas that follow:

• Make sure you have all your supplies together before beginning. An extra set of hands to help with the task is a good idea as well.
• Always work from the middle of the canvas and then outwardly.
• Smooth any rough places or other areas with a nail file or sand paper.
• As the stretched canvas is held in place, use staples or nails to secure it.
• Staples are easier to remove in the event you ever wish to re-stretch the canvas.

A canvas that is cut properly before beginning to stretch will have excess to trim off. If the canvas does not meet your expectations after being stretched, you can simply remove it and start again. Practice is the best way to learn the art of stretching canvas.