Should I Stretch My Own Canvas?

Embarking on a painting journey is an adventure filled with boundless creativity and artistic exploration. Yet, before we can unleash our brushes upon the canvas, an important decision must be made—do we purchase a pre-stretched canvas or stretch the canvas ourselves?

There are pros and cons to stretching your own canvas and buying a pre-stretched canvas.

Stretching your own canvas

Canvas rolls in an art studio
Canvas rolls in an art studio

Pros

1. Cost-effective. Artists stretch their own canvas for the savings they will incur in the long run. You remove the cost paid for professional services, but keep in mind that you have to buy in bulk in the beginning (canvas rolls, stretcher bars, tools, etc.).

2. Personalization. Stretching your own canvas gives you the freedom to customize the canvas according to your preferences and artistic vision. You have complete control over the materials that will  be used in your canvas.

3. Additional learning. Most artists can learn how to stretch a canvas. It will be challenging at first, but it’s a valuable learning experience.

Cons

1. Time consuming. As with other DIY projects, stretching a canvas can be time-consuming, especially for beginners. Think about whether the savings is worth the time you’ll spend in the stretching process.

2. Skill. It’s a learned skill to stretch a canvas. An Internet search on tutorials on how to stretch a canvas may help you, but it’s better to have proper guidance from an experienced artist or craftsman.

3. Space. You need to have ample space to stretch a canvas.

Buying Pre-stretched Canvas

Several sizes of pre-stretched canvases
Several sizes of pre-stretched canvases

Pros

1. Time-saving. Buying  a pre-stretched canvas frees you from the laborious task of stretching and priming, allowing you to devote more time to the creative process itself.

2. Convenient. A pre-stretched canvas gives you the simplicity of a ready-to-use surface. Whether you’re painting in the comfort of your studio or amidst the hustle and bustle of a plein air adventure, a pre-stretched canvas is a portable, hassle-free companion that empowers you to create wherever inspiration strikes.

3. High quality. Pre-stretched canvases are crafted with care and precision, ensuring a professional-quality surface. They provide a stable foundation that resists warping and sagging, preserving your artwork for generations to come.

Cons

1. Limited sizes. Off-the-shelf canvases may be limited in size and you might not find the right canvas that you need. But, there are shops like CanvasLot that offers custom-sized canvases from 6 inches up to 12 feet.

2. Changes in surface tension. Temperature changes, improper handling, vibrations are a few factors that affect the surface tension of a pre-stretched canvas.

Final word: Should you stretch your own canvas?

Whether you’re working with your own stretched canvas or a pre-stretched one, there are advantages to both options. If you’re working on large paintings regularly, stretching your canvas have its perks. But, if you paint once in a while, or you like to create small and medium artwork, then pre-stretched canvases are for you.

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