Choosing the Right Canvas: A Quick Guide for Artists

When it comes to painting, your canvas is more than just a surface — it's the foundation of your work. At bradburyART, we stock a range of high-quality, triple-primed canvases designed to suit different media, styles, and budgets. Whether you're just starting out or you're working on your next exhibition piece, this guide will help you choose the right one for your studio.

What canvas do artists use?

Professional artists tend to look for canvases that offer good surface stability, absorbency, and longevity. Most will choose either cotton or linen canvas, depending on texture preference and how much detail they want to capture. For more rigid support, wooden panels are a popular alternative.

We stock:

• Cotton canvas – affordable, durable and great for both oil and acrylic

• Linen canvas – tighter weave, a bit more refined, used by many traditional oil painters

• Wooden panels – smooth, solid, no bounce – ideal for fine detail or mixed media

All of our canvases are triple-primed with gesso, so they’re ready to paint straight out of the wrapper. Gesso creates a surface that’s more economical with paint, stops colour soaking in, and improves brush flow — a key advantage, especially for acrylic or oil painters working in layers.

What's the difference between deep edge and standard edge?

We often get asked this in-store. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Standard Edge Canvas (approx. 1.8cm deep)
  Traditional format, fits most frames, ideal for work that will be framed or hung flat to the wall.

• Deep Edge Canvas (approx. 3.8cm deep)
  Chunkier profile, often used unframed for a contemporary look. Great for larger pieces or bold work that’s going straight onto the wall.

We offer both options in single canvases and discounted multipacks — a great value if you're preparing for a show or stocking up your studio.

Is it cheaper to make or buy canvases?

Unless you’re buying raw rolls and building your own stretchers in bulk, buying pre-stretched canvas is generally more economical — especially when you factor in your time, the cost of tools, and the need to apply multiple coats of gesso. Our discounted multipacks offer excellent value and are delivered free across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Where do professional artists get their canvases?

Professionals tend to source their surfaces from trusted suppliers who focus on quality, consistency, and good priming. We’re proud to say bradburyART has been supplying artists across Belfast and beyond for over 30 years — both in-store and online.

What is the best art canvas?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your medium, technique, and how you want the finished work to look. Here's a quick guide:

Shop Artists’ Canvas Online

We deliver across Ireland and Northern Ireland — free on our discounted canvas packs. Single canvases and specialist panels are available in-store if you want to see and feel the surfaces before buying.

👉 Browse Artists’ Canvas Collection