Ever find yourself wondering, "Where on earth do artists even find these large blank canvases?" You're definitely not alone. It's a question that pops up all the time in art forums, comment sections, and chats with fellow artists. Painting big can be a fun and freeing creative experience, but one of the biggest challenges some artists face is finding a canvas that's large enough to bring your vision to life. You won't usually find these oversized canvases sitting on shelves at your local art store. It often takes a little extra digging, especially if you need a custom size for a special project or commission. That's why we've rounded up some of the best resources that professional artists use when they need a big canvas. So if you're planning a masterpiece for a commission, or just creating something bold for your own space, this guide will help you find exactly what you need.
Option 1: Local Frame Shop
One of the best resources for large canvases are local frame shops. Some artists rely on these frame shops, where you can custom order stretcher bars and have linen or cotton fabric stretched over them to your exact specs. It's usually closer to the artists location and is a great option if you want to inspect the materials up close for quality, But it can get pricey and turnaround times vary by shop.
Option 2: DIY Stretching with Canvas Rolls
For those who love getting hands on, DIY stretching is another route. You can buy rolls of canvas and independent stretcher bars to build your own frames. It’s rewarding once you get the hang of it, but be ready for the space, tools, and physical effort it requires. If you need help, check out our guide on how to stretch your own canvas.
Option 3: Budget Canvas Substitutes
If you’re on a tight budget, builders’ drop cloths or hardboard panels sealed with gesso can serve as a makeshift 'big' painting surface. Although they’re fine for practice pieces, keep in mind that they aren’t archival or gallery-ready, and prepping them takes extra time.
Option 4: Bulk Canvas Rolls on a Budget
Artists that paint large often opt for buying bulk canvas rolls to save money. It’s cost-effective, but you’ll need to stretch the canvas yourself or hire someone. Just remember quality matters. Invest in good canvas and solid stretcher bars to avoid sagging or warping down the line.
Important Tips for Building Large Canvases
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Cross-supports matter: Frames larger than 24 x 36 need reinforcing braces to stay stable.
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Wood quality counts: Cheap, long stretcher bars may warp with paint and humidity changes—opt for kiln-dried wood or professionally laminated bars.
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Transport planning: Oversized frames might require freight shipping or clever DIY transport solutions. Using unstretched canvas rolls lets you prep on-site and minimizes freight hassle.
Why Custom Canvas Store Is Your Best Choice
If you’re hunting for the best place to buy a large blank canvas, then use us! We specialize in making odd sized, small, medium, and large canvases for professional artists. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our team crafts each canvas to perfection: primed, gallery-wrapped, back-stapled, and delivered to your studio or doorstep ready to hang, no tools, no surprises.
What We Offer:
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Full control over size: Up to 8 × 8 feet, including half-inch fractions, stretcher-bar depth, and orientation.
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Museum-quality finishes: Built to withstand climate changes and frequent transport from studio to gallery.
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Performance-ready: Every canvas arrives primed, gallery-wrapped, with perfect tension.
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Quality-first: Made by builders with 20 years in the industry.
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Artist-friendly perks: Free shipping and a buy-one-get-one-free deal perfect for studios or diptych/triptych projects.
Ready to Go Big?
That’s peace of mind in a box. Whether you go custom, DIY, or budge-friendly, knowing where to find your canvas sets you up for success when tackling big scale projects. If you’re a professional artist that consistently creates large scale paintings and you want to skip the tool hunts, stretching mishaps, and assembly time, then Custom Canvas Store is here to help! With precision sizing up to 8 × 8 feet, we make it easy to bring your boldest ideas to life.
