Which is better, stretched canvas or canvas board? Well, the answer comes down to a few factors, including portability, framing, how large you want your paintings to be, cost, and personal preference.
Canvas boards are thinner than stretched canvases, and they are available in smaller sizes. If you want to do small paintings, I suggest giving canvas boards a try.
Stretched canvases are larger and bulkier. They are ideal for larger paintings, but not always available in smaller sizes.
Some beginners like to start with one or the other. For instance, when my mother began painting, she was using canvas boards, and now she tends to use stretched canvases.
I started with the boards as well, seeing as how as a kid I was stealing my mother’s art supplies when she wasn’t looking!
Most of my recent paintings have been done on stretched canvas because it is my personal preference. It also allows me to create larger paintings, although boards are available in larger sizes.
Today we are going to take a look at the differences between stretched canvases and canvas boards. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of the benefits and drawbacks of each, and which ones you should use for your painting projects.
Let’s get started.
Canvas Board and Stretched Canvas Comparison
| Factors | Canvas Board/Panel | Stretched Canvas |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Easy to transport | Large and bulky, not very portable if using large canvases |
| Durability | Can warp or bend over time | Offers better durability due to the frame |
| Cost | Less costly than stretched canvas | Costly, especially in larger sizes or odd shapes (oval, round, etc.) |
| Framing | Easy to frame | Ready to hang |
| Sizes | Not available in larger sizes | Available in many sizes |
| Flexibility | No flexibility | Flexible |
| Usage | Great for in-studio or plein-air painting | Best for using in-studio due to the bulkiness |
| Shapes and sizes | Comes in sizes from 5X7 and larger, and in multiple shapes, including round, oval, hexagon, and triangle | Comes in sizes from 5X7 and larger |
What Is Canvas Board?
A canvas board, also referred to as a canvas panel, is a type of canvas. The difference between a canvas panel and a stretched canvas is that the canvas on a panel or board is glued to a cardboard backing.
If you are looking for a sturdy surface to paint on that isn’t going to dimple, a canvas board is the best option for your work. The surface is sturdy, and you can frame a canvas board to hang in your home.
Some canvas boards have backings made of wood. I don’t tend to use these, because they are much more expensive than those with cardboard backings.
You will find canvas boards available in a wide variety of sizes. While they are ideal for smaller paintings, you can also find canvas panels in larger sizes.
Canvas boards are great for both beginners and professional artists. They don’t cost as much as stretched canvases, but they also aren’t as durable. A canvas board can warp over time if it isn’t properly stored and taken care of.
Pros and Cons of Canvas Boards
Pros
- Ideal for smaller paintings
- Used by amateurs and professionals
- Less expensive than stretched canvas
- Sturdy painting surface
- Easy to frame
- More portable than stretched canvas
Cons
- Not as durable as stretched canvas
- Not available in very large sizes
- No flexibility
What Is a Stretched Canvas?
A stretched canvas is a canvas that is stretched over a wooden frame. The frame gives the canvas support and keeps it from sagging, wrinkling, and buckling.
I prefer using a stretched canvas because the tension makes it easier for painting. It has a little bit of give, whereas a canvas board does not. The surface is smooth and even.
I also like the fact that I don’t need to go out and spend a lot of money on a frame for a painting done on a stretched canvas. You can frame it just as it is. You can use frames, but they are not necessary.
A stretched canvas can be mounted on a wall. You can mount a stretched canvas on a wall with hangers or special brackets, but I will admit that I am guilty of hanging my stretched canvas paintings with push pins!
You can get stretched canvases in a wide variety of sizes. They don’t often come in very small sizes, such as 5 X 7, but if you want to do a large-scale painting, a stretched canvas is the ideal choice. I also love that they come in a variety of shapes. My favorite canvases to work on are oval, but you can also get round, square, triangle, and hexagon shapes.
The frames for stretched canvases can be made from a variety of wood types. The less expensive woods are used for student-quality canvases, and professional artists often use canvases that have frames made of higher-quality wood.
Pros and Cons of Stretched Canvas
Pros
- Available in many sizes, including very large sizes
- Available in many shapes, including round, oval, and triangle
- Smooth surface for painting
- Easy to mount and display
- Frames made from a variety of woods
- No need to frame a stretched canvas
- The frame offers support for paintings
Cons
- Canvas can “dimple” if something is placed on top of it
- More costly than canvas boards
- Not as portable as canvas boards
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision as to whether you choose canvas boards or stretched canvases will come down to your personal preference, the size of the painting, whether you want to frame your painting and portability.
I mainly use stretched canvases, but I have done the odd piece on canvas boards. For instance, I did a painting for my great aunt, and since I know she loves framed paintings, I did it on a canvas board.
If you are a beginner on a small budget, I suggest starting out with smaller paintings on canvas boards. Once you get the hang of painting, you can move on to the most expensive stretched canvases.
In the end, it is up to you which type of canvas you use. The main thing is, you are painting and you are loving it!
Sari Green is a semi-professional artist and professional writer. She has been hosting paint & sip parties for the past couple of years, and truly enjoys helping other people to create their very own masterpieces. She loves to create, and you never know what she’s going to come up with next!