Artists’ canvases come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit every creative style and medium. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, choosing the right canvas is essential for the success of your artwork. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular canvas brands, types, and specifications available from leading UK art supplies retailers.
Best Brands of Artists’ Canvases in the UK
Winsor & Newton:
Winsor & Newton Canvases
Winsor & Newton is one of the most respected names in the art world, known for producing high-quality artists’ canvases trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike. Their range includes:
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Cotton Canvases – Ideal for acrylic and oil painting, offering a smooth surface and reliable absorbency.
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Linen Canvases – A premium option with a natural texture, excellent for detailed work and longevity.
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Professional Stretched Canvases – Designed for serious artists, featuring heavyweight fabric and triple-primed surfaces.
Winsor & Newton canvases are widely praised for their durability, versatility, and consistent quality, making them a go-to choice for artists across the UK.
Types of Winsor & Newton Canvases (UK Range)
Stretched Canvases
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Classic Cotton Stretched Canvas
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100% medium-grain cotton
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Triple-primed with acid-free acrylic gesso
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Suitable for both oil and acrylic paints
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Back-stapled with clean, paintable edges
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Available in a wide variety of sizes
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Professional Cotton Canvas
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Premium-grade 100% cotton (heavier weight)
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Sturdy, warp-resistant stretcher bars
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Balanced absorbency for optimal paint application
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Ideal for professional artists working in oils or acrylics
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Professional Linen Canvas
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100% Belgian linen – smoother and more durable than cotton
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Even tension across surface, perfect for precision and detail
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Ideal for oil painting due to low absorbency
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Triple-primed and ready to use
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Canvas Boards / Panels
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Canvas Boards
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High-quality cotton canvas mounted on rigid board
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Lightweight, portable alternative to stretched canvas
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Suitable for students, sketching, and outdoor painting
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Triple-primed and ready for use
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Canvas Rolls
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Cotton Canvas Rolls
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Sold by the roll or metre (usually 1.5m wide)
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Triple-primed for immediate use
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Ideal for custom-sized works or framing
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Suitable for oil and acrylic painting
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Linen Canvas Rolls
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Premium-quality linen for professional artists
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Available in primed or unprimed finishes
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Allows for fully customised canvas sizes and tension
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✅ Notable Point:
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All Winsor & Newton canvases are acid-free and archival quality, helping preserve your artwork long-term.
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Many ranges are FSC-certified, supporting sustainable sourcing practices.
Daler-Rowney
Daler-Rowney is another highly regarded UK art brand offering a wide range of artists’ canvases, including cotton, linen, and student-grade options. Known for combining affordability with reliable quality, their canvases are ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike. Suitable for acrylic, oil, and mixed media techniques, Daler-Rowney canvases provide excellent value for artists at any level.
Types of Daler-Rowney Canvases
Stretched Canvases
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Simply Stretched Canvas
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Ideal for students & beginners
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100% cotton, triple-primed with acrylic gesso
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Available in standard and mini sizes
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Affordable and ready to paint on
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Artists’ Stretched Canvas
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Mid-range quality for more experienced artists
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Heavier weight cotton
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Suitable for acrylic and oil paints
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Available in a wide variety of sizes
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Georgian Stretched Canvas
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Professional-grade
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100% cotton, heavier weave
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Suitable for oil and acrylic
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Stapled on the back, allowing edge painting
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Canvas Panels & Boards
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Simply Canvas Panels
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Canvas mounted on sturdy card
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Perfect for quick studies, students & portable work
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Ideal for classroom or beginner practice
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Artists’ Canvas Boards
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Higher-quality canvas on board
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Great for plein air painting or framed works
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Suitable for all media
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Canvas Rolls
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Cotton Canvas Rolls
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Unstretched, flexible for custom framing
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Available in different weights and textures
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Great for large-scale or custom-size pieces
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Linen Canvas Rolls
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Professional quality
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More durable with a finer texture
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Primed and unprimed options available
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Liquitex:
Liquitex is a renowned brand recognised for its high-quality, versatile artists’ canvases. Known for their exceptional performance and innovation, Liquitex offers a variety of cotton and linen canvases, as well as gessoed panels, perfect for artists who demand consistency and durability for their painting techniques.
The Liquitex Canvas Range Includes:
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Liquitex Professional Stretched Canvas
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Made with high-quality cotton
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Available in different textures (medium and fine)
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Pre-primed with Acid-Free Gesso for optimal paint adhesion
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Perfect for acrylic, oil, and mixed media
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Liquitex Professional Linen Stretched Canvas
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Made from premium linen for added durability
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Ideal for both oil and acrylic paints
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Smooth surface with minimal texture for fine detail work
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Liquitex Acrylic Gessoed Panels
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Pre-primed and ready to use
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Perfect for creating a smooth, primed surface for both acrylic and oil painting
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Lightweight yet sturdy for easy transport and storage
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Why Choose Liquitex Canvases?
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Premium materials for superior performance
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Smooth, even surface for consistent results
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Available in various sizes and textures to suit different styles of painting
Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, Liquitex provides the quality and reliability artists need to bring their creations to life.
ArtDiscount (Own Brand):
ArtDiscount‘s own brand of canvases is well-regarded for providing excellent value for money, catering to a variety of artistic needs, from budget-friendly options to premium choices for more experienced artists. Here’s a breakdown of their popular canvas offerings:
- Economy Standard Canvases: These canvases are made from 350gsm cotton and are available in a variety of sizes. They are a good option for beginners or for artists who are on a budget.
- Premium Standard Canvases: These canvases are also made from 350gsm cotton, but they have a tighter weave and a smoother surface. They are a good option for artists who want a higher quality canvas.
- Premium Deep Edge Canvases: These canvases are made from 420gsm cotton and have a 38mm deep edge. They are a good option for artists who want a canvas that is strong and durable.
- Canvas Rolls: ARTdiscount also sells canvas rolls in a variety of sizes and weights. This is a good option for artists who want to save money or who need a lot of canvas.
- Mini Magnetic Canvases: These canvases are small and lightweight, and they have a magnetic backing so that they can be easily attached to a metal surface. They are a good option for artists who want to create small paintings or sketches.
- Stretched Round Canvases: These canvases are made from 350gsm cotton and are available in a variety of sizes. They are a good option for artists who want to create circular paintings.
Bob Ross Artists Canvases
The Bob Ross range of artists canvas is available in a variety of sizes and weights, and is made from high-quality cotton. It is ideal for use with oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints. The canvas is also triple primed, which helps to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface and prevents it from cracking or peeling.
- It is made from high-quality cotton.
- It is triple primed.
- It is available in a variety of sizes and weights.
- It is ideal for use with oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints.
- It is available from a variety of online and in-store retailers.
Pintura Artists Canvases
Made in Italy, Pintura is a brand of artist canvas that is sold by ARTdiscount in the UK. They offer a variety of canvas types, including standard canvas, chunky/deep edge canvas, irregular shaped/coloured canvas boards, professional canvases, wooden panels, and canvas rolls. Pintura canvases are available in a wide range of sizes.
Pintura canvases are made from high-quality cotton and are triple primed to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface and prevents it from cracking or peeling. They are also available in a variety of sizes and weights to suit the needs of any artist.
Seawhite Artists Canvases
The Seawhite range of artists canvases is a popular choice for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. They are known for their high quality, affordability, and versatility.
Types of Seawhite Canvases
Seawhite offers a wide variety of canvas types, including:
Standard Edge Canvases: These canvases are made from 380gsm heavyweight, 100% cotton canvas, acid-free primed and ideal for oil and acrylic painting. They are available in a variety of sizes, from small to large, and they have a clean edge that is 1.8cm deep.
Cass Art Artists Canvases (Own Brand)
Cass Art, a renowned art supplies retailer, offers its own brand of canvas, catering to artists of all skill levels. Their canvas range encompasses a variety of options to suit diverse artistic needs and preferences.
Types of Cass Art Canvases
Cass Art’s canvas collection comprises various types, including:
Artists’ Cotton Canvas: This premium canvas, made from 11.8oz cotton, is ideal for both oil and acrylic painting. Its tight weave and smooth surface provide exceptional paint adhesion and a professional finish.
Artists’ Natural Linen Canvas: Crafted from 11.3oz linen, this canvas offers a unique texture and durability, making it a preferred choice for experienced artists. Its natural color and absorbency lend themselves beautifully to oil paint techniques.
Deep Edge Cotton Canvas: This canvas features a 1.5-inch depth, providing a contemporary look and additional support for thicker paint applications. It’s available in a variety of sizes, making it suitable for both large-scale and smaller paintings.
Cotton Canvas Roll: For artists who prefer the flexibility of working on larger or custom-sized canvases, Cass Art offers cotton canvas rolls in various widths and lengths. This option allows for greater creative freedom and the ability to tailor the canvas to specific projects.
Canvas Board Packs: These convenient packs of canvas boards provide a versatile and economical option for artists. The boards, made from MDF and primed with high-quality gesso, come in various sizes and offer a smooth, ready-to-paint surface.
Loxley Artists Canvases
Loxley is a renowned brand of artists’ canvases, offering a comprehensive range of options to cater to the diverse needs of artists of all levels. Their canvases are known for their exceptional quality, versatility, and affordability, making them a popular choice among artists worldwide.
Types of Loxley Canvases
Loxley’s canvas collection encompasses a wide variety of types, each tailored to specific artistic preferences and techniques:
Ashgate Canvas: This traditional canvas is made from 350gsm cotton and is double-primed for optimal paint adhesion. It is available in a wide range of sizes, from small to large, and is suitable for both oil and acrylic painting.
Gold Canvas: This premium canvas is crafted from 420gsm cotton and is triple-primed for exceptional durability and paint retention. It is available in both traditional and deep edge formats, catering to various artistic styles.
Chunky Canvas: This deep edge canvas, made from 38mm thick stretcher bars, provides a modern aesthetic and additional support for thicker paint applications. It is available in a variety of sizes and is suitable for both oil and acrylic painting.
Linen Canvas: This premium canvas, made from 100% linen, offers a unique texture and natural color, making it a preferred choice for experienced artists who appreciate the subtle nuances of linen. It is suitable for both oil and acrylic painting.
Canvas Boards: For artists who prefer a more portable and economical option, Loxley offers canvas boards made from 3mm MDF and primed with high-quality gesso. They are available in various sizes and are suitable for a variety of painting techniques.
Global Artists Canvases
Global Art Supplies Ltd, a UK-based art supply company, offers a wide range of artists’ canvases catering to various artistic needs and preferences. Their canvas collection encompasses both traditional options and contemporary styles, ensuring that artists of all levels can find the perfect canvas for their creative endeavors.
Types of Global Art Supplies Canvases
Global Art Supplies’ canvas range includes a diverse selection of types, each with distinct characteristics:
Standard Edge Canvases: These canvases, made from 350gsm cotton, are ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike. They offer a smooth, even surface for oil and acrylic painting and are available in a variety of sizes to suit various projects.
Deep Edge Canvases: With a depth of 38mm, these canvases provide a modern aesthetic and additional support for thicker paint applications. They are crafted from 420gsm cotton and are available in a range of sizes, catering to both large-scale and smaller paintings.
Unprimed Canvases: For artists who prefer to prime their own canvases, Global Art Supplies offers unprimed options made from 350gsm cotton. These canvases provide a blank canvas for artists to customize with their preferred priming method.
Canvas Boards: These portable and economical canvases, made from 3mm MDF, are primed with high-quality gesso. They are available in various sizes and are suitable for a variety of painting techniques.
Canvas Rolls: For artists who prefer the flexibility of working on larger or custom-sized canvases, Global Art Supplies offers cotton canvas rolls in various widths and lengths. This option allows for greater creative freedom and the ability to tailor the canvas to specific projects.
Pebeo Artists Canvases
Pebeo, a renowned French manufacturer of artist supplies, offers a diverse range of artist canvases to suit the needs of artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Their canvases are known for their high quality, affordability, and versatility, making them a popular choice among artists worldwide.
Types of Pebeo Canvases
Pebeo’s canvas collection encompasses a variety of types, each tailored to specific artistic styles and techniques:
Natural Linen Canvases: These premium canvases, crafted from 100% linen, offer a unique texture and durability, making them a preferred choice for experienced artists. Their natural color and absorbency lend themselves beautifully to oil paint techniques.
Artists’ Cotton Canvases: These canvases, made from 380gsm cotton, are ideal for both oil and acrylic painting. Their tight weave and smooth surface provide exceptional paint adhesion and a professional finish.
Pop Art Canvas Pads: These convenient canvas pads, made from 250gsm cotton, are perfect for quick sketches and studies. They come in a variety of sizes and are acid-free and internally and externally sized for enhanced wet-in-wet strength and durability over time.
Canvas Boards: For artists who prefer a more portable and economical option, Pebeo offers canvas boards made from MDF and primed with high-quality gesso. They come in various sizes and are suitable for a variety of painting techniques.
Canvas Rolls: For artists who require the flexibility of working on larger or custom-sized canvases, Pebeo offers cotton canvas rolls in various widths and lengths. This option allows for greater creative freedom and the ability to tailor the canvas to specific projects.
Jacksons Art Artists Canvases (Own Brand)
Jackson’s Art Supplies offers a variety of canvas options under their own brand. They have stretched canvases, canvas panels, and rolls. Their canvases are made from different materials like cotton and linen, providing artists with options based on their preferences and the desired surface texture.
They offer pre-stretched canvases in various sizes, which can be convenient for artists who prefer to start working on a pre-made surface. The canvas panels are great for a more portable and rigid option, and the canvas rolls provide flexibility in choosing custom sizes for your artwork.
