Everything about Canvas, Stretchers, and Tools

A stretched canvas can be very expensive depending on the brand, size, whether or not it is gallery wrapped, and quality. Sometimes stretching the canvas yourself is the cheapest route, but not always. This guide will cover various aspects of stretched canvas, and how and when to stretch your own canvas.
Stretched Canvas Attributes

Types of Canvas: Canvas is the cloth that is stretched over the wooden bars (the stretchers). Linen is also sometimes used instead of canvas. Fine weave canvas is great for painting people and very detailed paintings. Canvas that has a grain such as regular canvas is best for a variety of techniques from impasto, impressionism, and portraits. There are no clear advantages between the two types except with personal preference. Various canvases also differ in weight and weave. Some people prefer the expensive, heavy canvas for their paintings, but this is not necessary. My teacher at my old high school used to stretch canvas for a gepany and said the cheap canvas found at local department stores works just fine.