Linen vs. cotton canvases

In this blog post I’m going to discuss the differences between linen and cotton canvases. Choice of canvas comes down to the artist’s personal preference and medium. From my own experience of using acrylic paint my canvas choice is nearly always linen.

Read on to explore the key differences between linen and cotton canvases:

Texture - Cotton and linen canvases have distinct textural differences. Cotton starts as a soft, fluffy fibre, whereas linen is made from rigid flax plant fibres. Depending on how the canvases are primed, these differences can be minimised or exaggerated. Generally, linen has a finer texture and a more noticeable ‘natural weave’. Cotton is more consistent in its texture but has a prominent weave, so it’s less suited to fine detail work.

Durability - Linen canvases are considerably more durable than cotton canvases, especially for larger sizes, as the flexibility of cotton can easily warp. Although a good quality cotton canvas can last a long time, linen is considered the top choice if selling/exhibiting artwork that needs to stand the test of time.

Ease of use - Ready made canvases make either option accessible, however, If hand stretching a canvas, cotton is often the easier option due to its flexibility.

Expense - When considering price, cotton canvases are advantageous as they are more affordable than linen. Linen is harvested by hand and therefore considered more ‘premium’. It is often regarded as the gold standard for many professional artists.

Sustainability - Linen is considered the more sustainable choice as cotton production involves heavy use of water and pesticides. Not only does the flax plant require less water, linen fibres can be processed without the use of chemicals, so it’s better for the planet.

To conclude, I recommend that if the artist has the resources to use linen canvases they should give them a fair go. It will be a great investment due to the longevity and durability benefits of linen. Thank you for reading this blog post - I hope you found it interesting. Please comment below to share your favourite type of canvas and why.

I look forward to hearing from you!