Choosing a canvas board involves considering its thickness and the way it's stapled, but also extends to other factors like size and surface texture. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
1. Thickness (Depth):
- Thin Canvas Boards: These are typically around 1/8 inch thick. They're a budget-friendly option, ideal for practice, quick studies, or when you plan to frame your artwork. Thin canvas boards are more prone to warping if used with heavy paint applications.
- Thick/Gallery Wrapped Canvas Boards: These are usually 1.5 inches or more in depth. The canvas wraps around the sides of a thicker wooden frame. If you plan to hang your painting directly on the wall without a frame, a thicker canvas board presents a more professional and finished look. They offer more support and prevent warping better than thinner boards.
2. Stapling:
- Back Stapled: Staples are visible on the back of the canvas. This is the most common and usually least expensive stapling method. It's perfectly fine if you plan to frame your work, as the staples won't be visible.
- Gallery Wrapped (Staples on the Back): The canvas is stretched around the sides of the frame, and the staples are located on the back. This allows you to paint on the edges for a seamless look.
- Staple-Free Sides: These canvases are wrapped and secured without visible staples, providing a very clean, professional finish. This is important if you don't want to frame the artwork.
3. Size:
- Consider the size of the painting you intend to create. Canvas boards come in a wide range of sizes, from small 4x6 inch boards for quick studies to larger sizes suitable for more complex compositions. Think about where you plan to display the finished piece when choosing a size.
4. Surface Texture (Canvas Type):
- Cotton Canvas: Most canvas boards are made of cotton. They are generally more affordable and suitable for various painting styles.
- Linen Canvas: Linen is a higher-quality option that offers a smoother texture and greater durability. It's often preferred by professional artists.
- Priming: Most canvas boards come pre-primed with gesso, which creates a suitable surface for paint to adhere to. Check that the canvas is adequately primed before you start painting.
Summary:
- For framing: A thinner, back-stapled canvas board is perfectly acceptable and often more economical.
- For displaying without a frame: Choose a thicker, gallery-wrapped canvas with staple-free sides for a cleaner, more professional appearance.
- Consider the size and surface texture based on your artistic needs and budget.
