Ask the Expert: Your Top 5 Canvas Questions Answered

For any artist, the creative process is filled with questions. Some are about technique—which brush to use, or how to mix a specific colour. But just as often, the questions revolve around the canvas itself. How do you protect it? How do you fix it? Is it okay to… do that? These practical queries are just as important as the artistic ones, because a masterpiece is only as strong as its foundation.

At HM Canvases, we take pride in being more than just a supplier; we're a knowledgeable partner in your creative journey. We love hearing from artists and helping them navigate these common challenges. So, we've compiled a list of the top five questions we hear most often from our community. Consider this your go-to guide for all those small but vital canvas queries you've always wanted to ask.

1. My canvas feels a bit saggy. How can I tighten it?

This is perhaps the most common question we receive, and for good reason. A canvas should be a tight, stable surface for painting, and a saggy one can be frustrating. The good news is, a canvas that has lost a bit of its tension can almost always be fixed. There are two primary methods, and you can try them in this order.

Method 1: The Water Spray Method

Canvas fabrics, whether they are cotton or linen, are made of natural fibres that react to moisture. When they get a little damp, they expand, and when they dry, they contract, becoming taut. You can use this property to your advantage.

• How to do it: Use a spray bottle filled with distilled water to lightly mist the back of the canvas. Make sure to apply a very fine, even coat, and avoid getting any moisture on the front of your artwork. A little goes a long way. As the water evaporates, the fibres will contract, pulling the canvas tight again. You’ll see the canvas return to its original tension as it dries. This method works well for minor sags and dents.

Method 2: Using Wedges (or "Keys")

If your canvas still feels a bit loose or if it has a noticeable ripple, you may need to use the wedges. Many quality canvases, like those from HM Canvases, come with small wooden wedges (or keys) that are placed in the corners of the stretcher bars. These are specifically designed to expand the frame and re-tension the canvas.

• How to do it: Lay your canvas on a flat, clean surface. Locate the small slots in the inner corners of the stretcher bar frame on the back of the canvas. Gently insert a wedge into each slot, one in each corner. Using a small hammer, lightly tap the wedges into place. Crucially, tap each wedge a little at a time, alternating corners. Do not hammer one wedge all the way in at once, as this can cause the canvas to become uneven or tear. Tapping them in slowly and evenly will cause the frame to expand and your canvas to pull perfectly taut.

With a high-quality, expertly stretched canvas and a robust frame, like those we create at HM Canvases, sagging should be a rare occurrence. Our sturdy and warp-resistant frames are designed to help your canvas maintain a stable, flat surface for years to come, but if you do need to make an adjustment, you’ll be prepared.

2. Can I paint on the back of my canvas?

This is a fantastic question that speaks to the creativity of artists, but the short answer is no, you should not paint the back of your canvas. While it might be tempting to use the entire surface, doing so can have serious archival consequences.

The back of the canvas is designed to be a breathable surface. The fibres need to be able to expand and contract freely in response to changes in temperature and humidity. When you apply a layer of paint—especially a non-breathable one like oil—you create a barrier that can trap moisture against the fabric. Over time, this trapped moisture can cause mildew, mould, and the gradual rotting of the canvas fibres. It can also lead to warping and tension problems, potentially causing the canvas to ripple or tear at the corners.

Additionally, painting on the back of your canvas can make it difficult for conservators to repair the work in the future. Notes, signatures, or important information can be written in pencil or a permanent marker on a small, unobtrusive gessoed area on the back, but the general rule is to leave the canvas fabric untouched and unpainted to ensure its longevity.

3. I want to exhibit my work. What’s the best way to frame it?

Choosing the right frame is one of the most crucial final steps in the artistic process. It not only protects your work but also enhances its visual impact and gives it a polished, professional finish. For contemporary canvases, there are a few primary options.

• Tray Frames (also known as Floating Frames): This is our most popular option for modern artwork. The canvas is recessed slightly inside the frame, creating a small shadow line between the edge of the canvas and the frame itself. This gives the illusion that the painting is "floating," hence the name. A tray frame is an excellent choice for paintings with finished or painted sides, as it allows the entire canvas to be seen without being covered by a traditional frame rebate. Tray frames provide a clean, elegant, and minimalist look that works beautifully with all styles of painting.

• Traditional Frames: Traditional frames are typically designed to overlap the front edge of the canvas, covering the sides and creating a border around the artwork. They offer a classic, formal aesthetic that can complement certain styles of painting. They also provide excellent protection for all four sides of the canvas.

Choosing a professional framing service, like the one we offer at HM Canvases, ensures that your frame is perfectly suited to your artwork, offering optimal protection and presentation. We specialise in contemporary tray frames and can work with you to find the ideal solution for your unique piece.

4. Can I paint on an unprimed canvas?

The question of painting on an unprimed canvas is a fundamental one about materials, and the answer depends entirely on your chosen medium.

• Oil Paint: Absolutely Not. Oil paint is a beautiful and durable medium, but it contains oil that will penetrate an unprimed canvas. This oil will eventually cause the canvas fibres to rot and become brittle, leading to the gradual destruction of your artwork. For this reason, it is considered non-archival to apply oil paint to an unprimed surface.

• Acrylic Paint: It's Possible, But Not Recommended. Acrylic paint can be applied directly to an unprimed canvas. However, the fabric is a very absorbent surface, which can lead to dull colours, uneven application, and paint that may not adhere as well as it could. While acrylics won't damage the fibres in the same way that oil will, painting on an unprimed surface is not considered best practice for archival work.

Ultimately, the best practice for both oil and acrylic is to use a properly primed surface. This is why all HM Canvases are expertly prepared with gesso. Our consistent, archival priming provides the perfect "tooth" and surface tension for optimal paint adhesion and colour vibrancy, ensuring your hard work will stand the test of time.

5. What is the best way to pack and ship a finished canvas?

Shipping a finished canvas can be nerve-wracking, but with the right steps, you can ensure your masterpiece arrives safely.

1. Protect the Surface: The first step is to protect the face of the canvas. Place a sheet of glassine paper over the painting's surface. Glassine is a smooth, non-porous paper that won’t stick to the paint or leave a residue. You can then add a layer of soft material like foam or thin cardboard on top of the glassine for an extra layer of protection.

2. Cover the Corners: The corners of a canvas are the most vulnerable parts. Use cardboard corner protectors or make your own by taping folded cardboard over each corner.

3. Wrap Securely: Wrap the entire canvas in a layer of bubble wrap or foam, ensuring the bubbles face out (not against the painting). Use packaging tape to secure the wrap tightly around the canvas.

4. Box It Up: Choose a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the canvas. We recommend double-boxing for added security. Place your wrapped canvas inside the first box, filling any empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent it from shifting. Then, place that box inside a larger box, again filling the gaps with packing material.

5. Label Everything: Clearly label the box with "Fragile," "Do Not Stack," and an arrow pointing up to ensure it is handled correctly by the courier.

Following these steps will give your artwork the best chance of a safe and successful journey to its new home.

We hope this expert guide has provided some useful answers and given you greater confidence in your creative process. The quality of your materials is a cornerstone of your artistic success, and we're always here to offer advice and support. Do you have more questions you'd like us to answer? We’d love to hear from you