Category: Canvas 101

A painter paints a pot of plant with flowers

Is It Cheaper to Make or Buy Canvases?

When your brushes are loaded and your vision is flowing, you’d rather paint than build. But is buying canvases or making your own more cost-effective? The answer depends on your goals and teaming up with pros like CanvasLot often comes out ahead in both value and quality.

The Cost Reality: Make vs Buy

Making your own canvases–be it stretching your own fabric or securing DIY panels–can cut material costs by up to 50 percent, especially if you’re making multiple or unusual sizes. You get total control over fabric choice and priming which can be tempting if you’re budget-conscious. But, that time isn’t free. Building, sizing, gessoing, these steps slow you down. Not to mention, if you’re not yet practiced, small mistakes can creep into corners and tension.

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artist painting on canvas

What Is the Golden Rule for Canvas Size?

Choosing the right canvas size isn’t just guesswork, it’s a balance of composition, subject, display space, and presentation. While there’s no single “golden size,” artists often rely on easy rules of thumb to find the right fit. Here’s a guide that you can use.

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artist with boat painting on canvas

Can You Just Paint Over a Canvas? Practical Tips for Reusing and Overpainting

Reusing a canvas can feel tempting. Why waste materials, especially if the old work isn’t going anywhere? The short answer: yes, you can paint over a canvas. But there are important factors to consider to avoid problems down the line.

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Which Canvas Is Best for Your Painting?

Choosing a canvas isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest one, it’s about matching the canvas to your style, medium, and budget. Here’s a guide to help both hobbyists and pros pick wisely.

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Custom-sized canvases from CanvasLot

Custom‑Sized Canvases: When and Why You Need Them in Your Studio

Working on a painting and thinking, “I need a size that fits just right?” You’re not alone. Choosing custom‑sized canvases lets you match your vision exactly—to the space, the medium, and the feel you want. It’s about purpose, scale, and avoiding compromise.

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painting on a blank canvas

Why Buying Painting Canvases Directly from the Source Matters

When you buy painting canvases straight from the manufacturer—like CanvasLot—you gain advantages you won’t get from middlemen or big-box retailers.

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Two custom-size canvases

Why Choose CanvasLot’s Pre-Stretched, Primed Canvases?

If you’re an artist, you know the value of quality materials. CanvasLot’s canvases offer a professional-grade surface that saves time and enhances your work.

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A woman painting flowers

Choosing the Right Canvas: Pros and Cons for Artists

Selecting the appropriate canvas is a decision that influences the outcome and longevity of your artwork. Understanding the characteristics of different canvas types can help artists make informed choices that align with their creative goals and practical needs.

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profile of a custom-sized canvas

Why Canvas Size & Thickness Matter

As an artist, the canvas you choose is more than just a surface—it’s the foundation of your work. CanvasLot offers custom-sized canvases with various thickness options, providing the flexibility to match your artistic needs.​

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