invented in 1941 during WWII<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\nTherefore, it hasn\u2019t withstood archival tests like famous pieces that have been made centuries ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While many manufacturers and artists do feel optimistic about its longevity, it\u2019s simply untested in this regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But here\u2019s the deal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike linen or cotton that may exhibit natural qualities in the weave of the fabric itself, polyester for the most part is going to be nearly uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the artists looking to make their own stretched canvas, polyester will give you the most predictable results \u2013 which can be a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flexibility in this fabric will often be far greater than canvas, making it much easier to assemble your custom large scale surfaces. Furthermore, given the synthetic properties of this fabric, you won\u2019t likely experience the same slack you would otherwise see in cotton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh, and about the price:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Synthetic can vary wildly\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So be sure to price accordingly and compare between your local art supply store and online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Should You Go With A Fine Or Rough Texture For Your Canvas?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs we learned that canvases can come in many different forms and fabrics, surely that\u2019s all there is to know\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026right?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course not!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t worry, texture is a bit easier to digest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The general rule (not a hardline rule) is that you should use a finer texture fabric on small pieces and rougher fabric on larger pieces\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026but why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When painting a small scale piece (think less than 10\u201d in diameter), you are likely going to be using many of your finer paintbrushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The finer texture of the fabric will be much more receptive to these brushes (and ultimately better control).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the flip side, for a rough texture that is at a much larger scale your detail work is likely going to be non-existent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Likewise, a large-scale painting will often be displayed further away from the viewer making the reliance on a finer fabric simply not necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, it goes without saying, the piece that you plan on putting together and the message you want to convey will largely dictate the texture of the fabric most of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, we just wanted to give some general pointers so you don\u2019t break the budget paying for a finely woven linen that may cost three times as much as a medium or rougher texture fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Primed Or Raw Canvas \u2013 Which Is Better?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCost aside, you will find that canvases can come in either primed or raw (natural).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is there a reason why you should select one over the other?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In all honesty, it depends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Primed canvases are nice as they offer the convenience of having the manufacture prep your surface for you. This allows you to get started with your initial wash of your painting immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With raw canvases, you will need to make sure that you apply a primer (gesso), prior to painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skipping this essential priming step will not only often produce lackluster results, but will also absorb an excessive amount of your medium which can be costly (remember we said that cotton can carry 24-27 times its weight in water).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Application of gesso is extremely simple and can be done relatively quick, especially if you plan on prepping several canvases at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, even if you do decide to invest in primed canvases, an additional layer of gesso can\u2019t hurt as it will often help to provide a more receptive texture for your medium, ultimately making for better performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n