Canvas coated panels vs stretched canvas.

Yes, the Oil-Primed Linen Panels are exquisite. And, yes, the acrylic-primed cotton panels are cheaper. I've used them both, and that was when I was showing, and selling quite a bit of my work. When one sells their work, they can generally afford panels that are a bit more pircey.
 
[QUOTE="Bongo
Back in the day I started painting on those canvas-covered cardboard panels. Never warped, I scoffed at people who complained about them. So I bought some recently just for the convenience of them... OMG they warped like pretzels. I would advise to stay clear of
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Me, too .... back in the early 1980's, I bought a couple Fredrix Red Lion panels at the store. They were nice and thick, never warped... Then a local artist passed away and the estate was selling their supplies and equipment. Aside from paint (that's for another post!), I purchased about 250 Red Lion panels of all sizes. I have about 135 left unpainted, and they have been stored in the cellar, the barn, the attic, and finally in my little studio for over forty years, now. The bigger ones are stored under the bed in the guest room. Not one is warped. I see them every day, perfectly fine. I have a few framed paintings and and one has a slight bow, and the rest are stored flat so no warpage there. They were my favorites. The ones in the hobby stores today don't compare..
 
The Ampersand panels look good. I actually have some in small size that I forgot about since they are too small for what I want to do now. The other one I'm looking at is the

Centun Deluxe Professional Oil Primed Linen Canvas Panels


  • Features: Acid-free, archival linen panels, 11oz. oil primed, Made Of medium Weight linen, exclusive OP enhanced oil Priming, mounted on 3mm (1/8") MDF Wood board, medium Weight and Texture, and non warping
  • Perfect For: Artists of All skill levels, oil and alkyd Painting, archival longevity, linen lovers expecting the best, Professional artists, commissioned work, and Traveling
  • OP Enhanced Priming: Exclusive Enhanced Oil Priming is Used for Each of these Canvas panels making for fantastic Color retention
They make a case for special oil priming saying that universal primers absorb the oils more?

Seems like they are about the same cost. The Youtuber Tanner Steed https://www.tannersteedart.com/ uses them and he is a pretty good painter to say the least.
If you paint with Acrylics you won't be able to use the oil-primed panels.

I've tried sealing those canvas panels with lineco (pva sealent) AFTER I painted on them, and BEFORE I painted on them, - and they still warped an unacceptable amount.

I'm going to try spraying with an automotive primer-sealer (see: https://creativespark.art/threads/second-act-for-panels.6043/#post-100851 ) and see if that keeps them from warping.

My hardboard panels for a 16"x20" cost me less than $2. each. Those Centurion oil primed lined Canvas Panels you linked are $20 for a 16"x20". That makes them TEN TIMES more expensive.
 
For really fine detail sanded ABS works great also.
I first heard of this support back when the Cellini Studio Products forum was around. Looking up the durability at the time I decided to give it a pass because in commercial use tests it was slightly heat sensitive and to some types of solvent. Not the worst support, but not worth the effort for me.
 
For small and medium sizes, I use cheap premade hardboard panels with reverse side pinewood edge supports on top of which I glue fine linen to the front surface with no wrap around the sides.

The disadvantage (ease of damage) of stretched linen (which I still use for larger sizes) is also an advantage. If the painting doesn't work, rip it off and start again on the same stretcher. Linen has gotten so expensive now though. When my roll runs out, I'm not sure of my next choice.
 
I first heard of this support back when the Cellini Studio Products forum was around. Looking up the durability at the time I decided to give it a pass because in commercial use tests it was slightly heat sensitive and to some types of solvent. Not the worst support, but not worth the effort for me.
This one was done on ABS many years ago (like 15 or more) and it has held up very well. Looks much like the day I painted it.
1731799751026.jpeg
 
I was just reading about one painter that stretches his own finest linen, uses rabbit skin glue, white lead oil ground, and then self ground pigment applied with glue to the surface before painting. Because he says that if you want to paint masterpieces you need to use the best materials and methods.

And I guess that after one has done all that you damn well better paint something good.

I gotta find me some rabbits. Animal sacrifice adds to it I guess. And lead is always nice to play with.
 
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