Linen Canvas Rolls

Many artists have found that by purchasing linen rolls as opposed to purchased pre-stretched linen canvases can be not only a great way to save money, but also allows them the flexibility of creating linen canvases in varied shapes and sizes that are not readily available at an art supply store or that they would normally have to special order from their art supply dealer.

High quality linen rolls can be primed or unprimed, although most artists insist on adding additional priming mediums to their linen canvases even if they purchase a primed linen roll. Many artists also require linen rolls that are of first rate archival quality because they worry about the durability of their works if created on a lower quality canvas. Most pre-primed linen rolls will not peel, flake, crack, or lose their dimensions over time. You can choose from fine, tight woven linen rolls or looser heavy toothed lined (ideal for larger formatted pieces).

The linen roll that you choose can be primed before purchase with up to six coats of various priming mediums. The most commonly used primers for linen canvases are acrylic, oil-based, or universal primer. Linen canvas stretched from linen rolls provides a unique surface for artists to draw upon. Linen is usually derived from the fibers of the flax plant, which is spun into thread or yarn that makes up your linen canvas. Because the fibers of the flax plant are sturdy and big – linen provides the ultimate canvas for artists to create upon – especially when working with hard-wearing oil paints. Works rendered on linen canvas last much, much longer than those created on other surfaces, which makes linen ideal for the serious artist. In fact, most artists will choose a linen canvas by Fredrix over all other types available on the market because of its strength and durability.

If you are using raw linen canvas or a raw linen canvas roll, you will need to prime the canvas before use. Most canvases are primed with a substance called gesso. Gesso stiffens the canvas and keeps the paint from soaking through the material. Gesso also adds texture to your linen canvas which allows the paint to stay on the canvas better. Gesso is typically applied with a sponge or brush.