The best oil paint canvas

Best oil paint canvas set against blue sky
(Image credit: Jeffrey Coolidge via Getty Images)

Picking the perfect oil paint canvas is crucial for your process. Standard paper isn't enough to stand up to oil paint, so a high quality canvas will support your painting and allow your vibrant colours to sing. On this page, we've chosen a variety of ready-to-use canvas options for experienced and beginner artists.

To make our selection, we've used a combination of our own tests and experience, as well as user reviews from around the internet. If you're not sure what type of canvas you need, then scroll to the bottom where you'll find the key things to consider when choosing an oil paint canvas.

The right oil paint canvas will be no good unless you pick the right paint and easel as well. Our guides to the best oil paints and the best art easel will help you on your way. But for now, here are our top picks for canvases for your next oil painting. 

The best oil paint canvas available now

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What should you look for when buying an oil canvas?

Canvases are made out of cotton or linen. Linen is tough and handles thick paint well, but cotton is more affordable. Remember, while cotton can be stretched tightly for a taught surface, it may loosen in larger frames. 

Traditional canvases comprise of canvas stretched over a wooden frame, creating a slightly springy surface. These are the best oil paint canvases for larger artworks, as they can be taken off the frame for storage, are lightweight, and stable over time.

Canvas boards are comprised of canvas stretched over and glued to a solid board. These are much thinner than canvases, and have a firm surface.

Canvas papers are specially treated papers for oils that emulate canvas. They are great for beginners, or quick studies, as they are affordable, and won't take up much space.

Does oil paint need a special canvas?

General paper isn't strong enough to hold up to oil paint so you'll want a special canvas to work with. Linen and cotton canvases are the most common, although canvas papers are available.

Lancelot Richardson

Lancelot Richardson is an artist, painter, and freelance illustrator based in Brighton, UK. He tutors life drawing at independent art school Draw Brighton, and teaches in their online Patreon courses. He is also a freelance writer, producing articles on art and drawing. He works in both traditional and digital mediums.

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