What is Canvas Paper

Canvases are the go-to material for artists when it comes to painting. They are durable, and their texture adds a unique element to the paintings. That being said, if you’re a beginner who is prone to making mistakes, frequently spending on canvases can be quite costly.

That’s why we suggest using a more beginner-friendly option, canvas papers instead. But what is canvas paper, and why is it a better option than a traditional canvas?

This post will explore the answer to this while teaching you more about the material and its uses.

What is Canvas Paper?

Canvas paper is a paper type that is embossed to mimic the appearance of a traditional canvas. It usually has the same texture, so your paintings can still have a tactile element. These similarities allow artists to get the experience of working on a canvas but with more convenience.

The paper is thin and lightweight but still suitable for various media, including watercolor, charcoal, oil pastels, and oil and acrylic paints. 

What are the Differences Between a Canvas and a Canvas Paper?

There are more than 10,600 employed artists in the U.S. Between canvas vs prints, most of these artists prefer working with the former. That’s why canvas paper is also very popular despite being a little different from canvas. The main differences between the traditional and paper alternatives are:

• The canvas paper is thinner and lighter in weight.
• It doesn’t come with a wooden frame for support.
• When it comes to canvas paper print vs canvas print, the former is easier to achieve.
• Canvas paper cannot be stretched.
• A traditional canvas is usually made of linen or cotton, but what is canvas paper made of? Well typically, it is a blend of cotton, polyester, and wood pulp.
• Unlike with a canvas, you can get canvas paper in different textures.

Types of Canvas Paper

Now that you know what is canvas paper, let’s discuss its types and what each is used for:

• Canvas Sheets: Canvas sheets are pre-cut and made for expansive projects with numerous elements. Their large surface area makes it easy to add details and dimensions to your work.
• Canvas Pads: Knowing what is canvas paper pads will change your life as an artist. These are pads of multiple canvas sheets that you can easily carry and work on anywhere. They come in standard paper sizes and various weights to suit different buyer preferences. 
• Canvas Rolls: If you can’t find canvas sheets or pads of your desired size, you should go for canvas rolls. These allow you more flexibility and customization to cut out your preferred paper size and shape.

Benefits of Canvas Paper

Having learned what is canvas paper and its types, you should also know the canvas paper benefits. The following are some pros of canvas paper that make it a better choice than a traditional canvas:

1. Portable and Convenient

One of the major advantages of canvas papers over standard canvases is their portability. Canvases are usually bound to a single room because they are hard to move. This is why most people keep them in a designated work area of the house or office. 

With papers, though, you can easily tuck them in a file or backpack and take them anywhere you want. So you can work on your piece at home, school, cafe, or even on the bus.

2. Cost-Effective

Canvases consist of wooden frames, which hike up their price, especially if you’re going for a larger size. This should not push you away from taking a shot at canvas art, hindering your art journey. That’s why we recommend going for canvas paper instead. 

For the same price of one canvas, you can get a canvas paper pad with multiple sheets. Larger-sized sheets and rolls will also cost you significantly less than the framed counterpart.

3. Beginner-Friendly

If it’s your first time painting on a canvas, chances are you’re going to make some mistakes. If the mistakes are irreversible, you’ll have to replace your canvas with a new one, which can be costly. That’s why you should get some canvas paper sheets and practice on them instead. 

They are inexpensive and can easily be discarded when you’re done using them. Plus, when you’ve mastered different designs and techniques on paper, you’ll get better results on a canvas as well. 

4. Long-Lasting

Canvases are durable but can easily be damaged by environmental factors. For example, placing a canvas in a humid environment can shrink the material or expand the wood. This is why owners are required to take extra precautions to preserve them. 

On the other hand, Canvas papers aren’t much affected by environmental conditions. In addition, they can easily be saved in files and drawers, so preserving them from damage is much easier.

5. Different Texture

Textures play a big role in the final look of an art piece. Most traditional canvases have the same texture, leaving little room for experimentation. Canvas papers, on the other hand, come in different textures, such as rough, smooth, and medium. 

Additionally, you can get the paper in different finishes, such as glossy, matte, and satin. These features allow the paper to significantly contribute to the design rather than just be a medium of display.

Uses of Canvas Paper

Even after knowing what is canvas paper, you may be confused about what it can be used for. So, here are some common applications:

1. Painting

Artists mostly use canvas paper for paintings because the rough texture is great for holding pigment. Plus, the material works for many different paint types, like oil, acrylic, and watercolor, guaranteeing great results.

2. Sketching and Drawing

One of the great things about canvas paper pads is that they aren’t limited to painting. You can also use them for sketching and drawing to conceptualize an idea. This saves you from buying a separate sketchpad for this purpose.

3. Mixed Media

Mixed media art is when you use different materials, e.g., paints, cloth, wood, etc, to make a project. Canvas paper’s versatility makes it the perfect material to hold each component of the art piece together.

4. Crafts

Another great thing about canvas paper is that it can be used for different arts and crafts projects. For example, you could use the material to make a custom greeting card or DIY wedding invitation. A lot of people prefer using art prints for these, but the final look comes out flat and unappealing. Between canvas vs art print, the former definitely offers a more premium look.

How to Use Canvas Paper?

After “What is canvas paper?” another question you should have is how to use this paper. The following tips will help you get the best results on your canvas paper:

• Before painting, always prime the surface of the canvas paper with Gesso. This enhances the texture and improves the adhesion of the paint.
• Avoid using too much water when working with this paper type. Instead, apply a thin layer of paint and wait for it to dry before doing the next.
• To improve the longevity of the canvas paper artwork, make sure to frame it. Also, display the frame in a cool space away from sunlight to avoid damage.

Conclusion

If you’re an artist and haven’t worked with canvas paper yet, you’re missing out. Now that you know what is canvas paper and all of its benefits, waste no more time. Get your hands on some canvas paper and unleash your creativity.

If you need high-quality paper for your projects, get in touch with us at PaperPapers. We have a wide range of different paper types to meet each of your unique art needs. Additionally, each type is available in various thicknesses and sizes for your convenience.