8 Best Paper For Acrylic Paint in 2023 [Artist & Beginner Grade]

When it comes to acrylic artwork, the canvas is the go-to option. There are many options available in the market, each with varying features. Picking the right canvas is the first step in creating a masterpiece.

Without further ado, let’s get to the product reviews.

Best Paper for Acrylic Paint

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which paper to choose. To make your decision easier, we have compiled a list of the best paper for acrylic paint. From texture to thickness, we have considered all the essential factors to ensure that you get the best results for your artwork. So, without further ado, here’s the list of the 8 best papers for acrylic paint.

1. Art Alternatives Stretched White Canvas - Best for Affordable Multipack

Taking the second spot on our list is the Art Alternatives Stretched White Canvas. It comes in a multi-pack consisting of seven unbleached 4 oz. cotton canvases. It is ideal for use with oil, acrylic, and alkyd paints. We have reviewed the 11 inches x 14 inches canvas that has a depth of 0.5 inches. 

Experience

First of all, we have to mention how affordable this canvas is. If you are a beginner and do not want to spend a lot in your initial painting ventures, this is a perfect choice. We especially liked the careful individual plastic packing of each of the seven canvases in this pack. 

The lightweight canvas almost mimics linen, and at a thickness of 0.5 inches, you get the option of displaying it with or without a frame. We like the gallery wrapping of the canvas that allows you to apply paint to the sides. The corners are a perfect square. 

We recommend that you do not use very heavy layers of paint on this canvas as it is not hand-stretched and may sag. If you find the canvas to be a little loose, you can spray the back and corners with water and let it dry to make it tight as a drum. 

2. US Art Supply Stretched Canvas 4-Pack - Best for Nighttime Landscape Paintings

US Art Supply Stretched Canvas is available in two variants – Black 4-pack and White 6-pack. We have chosen the Black 4-pack and used it extensively to give you a comprehensive and accurate review. US Art Supply offers this canvas in various sizes. In the Black 4-pack, we have reviewed, each canvas measures 8 x 10 inches with ¾ inch depth. 

Experience

The US Art Supply Stretched Canvas pack is ideal for use with all kinds of oil and acrylic paints. We liked the hand-stretched canvas that is tight enough for multiple layers of paint. The 0.75-inch profile of these canvases coupled with staple-free edges allows for a convenient frameless display on walls.

We liked the smooth finish of the canvas, thanks to three layers of environment-friendly, acid-free acrylic gesso. The triple-primed canvas ensures that none of your acrylic paint is soaked up. You will appreciate the fact that these canvases are hand-stretched over stretcher bars obtained from environmentally managed forests.

The black finish of these canvases is well-suited for creating night-time landscapes or deep-space scenes. Each canvas weighs about 12 oz after priming and is 100% cotton.

3. Darice Cotton Stretched Canvas, Pack of 2 - Best for Budget Artists

Darice offers the Cotton Stretched Canvas in eleven different sizes and ten-pack variants. We have selected the pack of two 18” x 24” canvases and reviewed it. Darice has been providing affordable art and craft supplies for over 60 years and is a renowned brand trusted by artists worldwide. 

Experience

We believe that a list of the best canvases for acrylic paints cannot be complete without the Darice Cotton Stretched Canvas. The brand is known for its art and craft supplies, and we were not disappointed. Each medium-weight, acid-free canvas is ideal for use with acrylic paints.

The canvas is double primed so you do not have to worry about high absorption and can start painting as soon as you unpack it. We liked the affordable price tag on this top-notch canvas pack, and we recommend it to artists operating on a tight budget.

The canvas has an ergonomic design and is back-stapled to allow you to paint on the sides as well. In case you find the canvas to be a bit loose for your liking, it comes with stretcher keys that can be used to tighten it.

4. Masterpiece Artist Canvas 43018 Monet PRO

Masterpiece Artist Canvas from the Monet Pro Line is available in various size options and styles. We have reviewed the 8” x 10” Cotton 10.5 oz. – 3X – Carmel Portrait Smooth variant. It is made from 100% cotton and has a depth of 1.5 inches. 

Experience

We loved the Masterpiece Carmel Portrait Smooth Canvas. It is based on 100% cotton, medium-weight canvas and is sized and double primed with archival quality, acid-free acrylic gesso. You will not have to worry about the paint being absorbed too quickly by the canvas surface.

You will appreciate the versatile use of this canvas – it goes with oils, acrylics, and alkyds. A significant reason for including this canvas in our list was the additional procedure undertaken to make the canvas texture incredibly smooth.

In addition to the usual features that are common in most high-quality canvases, what sets this specific canvas apart is its “Canvas Relief” feature. There is ½ inch space between the stretcher bar and the canvas surface to prevent the possibility of pressing the fabric and touching the bar underneath.

You get the option to re-stretch the canvas, if needed, with the help of pre-installed corner and brace keys.

5. Arteza Stretched White Blank Canvas

From the house of Arteza, we bring to you the 11” x 14” Stretched White 100% Cotton Canvas. It can be used by all types of artists – beginners, hobbyists, and professionals – and is ideal for use with oil, acrylic, water, tempera, and gouache paints. It comes in a super value pack of eight canvases, each having a 5/8” profile. 

Experience

There are a few features of this canvas pack from Arteza that are worth highlighting. First of all, each canvas has a highly sturdy construction with the fabric being stretched over and stapled onto pinewood stretcher bars.

Secondly, each canvas comes coated with 8 oz of acrylic, acid-free titanium gesso primer. You can start painting your favorite art as soon as you unpack this canvas. We especially liked the thoughtful individual packaging of each canvas in this set. We recommend this canvas pack from Arteza for gifting purposes, owing to its win-win features.

The Arteza Stretched White Canvas comes in a wide array of dimensions, making it convenient for anybody to find the perfect size they need. You will appreciate the 100% money-back guarantee that Arteza offers with this canvas set, which goes to show how much the company values customer satisfaction.

6. CONDA Artist Stretched Canvas

CONDA offers the Artist Stretched Canvas in three size variants. We used the 5” x 7” canvas pack that includes six pieces. It is made from 100% unbleached cotton and is acid and oil-free. It is ideal for oil as well as acrylic painting. 

Experience

We had an enriching experience using the CONDA Artist Stretched Canvas pack. Each canvas is triple-primed with acrylic gesso to ensure that the color holds on the surface and there is no chance of the paint seeping through to the back of the fabric.

We especially liked the traditional handmade design of the canvas, which is tacked and has wooden wedges to adjust tension. A significant positive of the pack is that each canvas is packed individually so you can safely store canvases not being immediately used.

You will want to buy the CONDA Canvas pack as it offers top-notch quality at an affordable price. The wooden frame of each canvas is made from pure fir wood with the utmost care and craftsmanship to guarantee a sturdy and stretched canvas.

We recommend this canvas pack to anybody who is just starting on their artistic journey, only because of how inexpensive it is.

7. The Edge All Media Cotton Canvas

The Edge All Media Cotton Canvas is available in dozens of sizes and two depth variants – 1.5” and 2.5”. We have reviewed the pack of three 24 inches x 36 inches, 1.5-inch deep canvases. Each canvas is perfect for alkyds, oils, acrylics, frameless artwork presentations, and mixed media works. 

Experience

This list would be incomplete without the Edge All Media Cotton Canvas offered by Creative Mark. We especially liked the “tuck-n-roll” style of its construction, which leaves the edges staple-free and clean for painting and frameless display. 

A particular highlight of this canvas is the unique primer developed and used by Creative Mark which is significantly better than other primers and allows your paintings to preserve their vibrant colors with maximum adhesion. 

You will be pleased to know that each of the three canvases in this pack is hand-stretched by skilled craftsmen to ensure that the fabric is not loose. The material is stapled in each corner at the back. The raw canvas weighs 8 oz., and the primed canvas weighs about 14 oz. 

We also liked the durable construction of the wooden stretcher bars in this canvas. If you take our word for it, buying this canvas is a no-brainer. 

8. Daveliou Stretched Canvas

The Daveliou Stretched Canvas is available in a pack of five pieces in three sizes – 8 x 10 inches, 11 x 14 inches, and 16 x 20 inches. It is made from 100% pure three-ply/280-gsm cotton. It has a 5/8” profile and is suitable for use with oil and acrylic paints. 

Experience

At the final spot on our list of recommendations is the Daveliou Stretched Canvas. We extensively used the 11 inches x 14 inches canvas pack and were convinced to include it in our list. The canvas features staple-free edges and a perfectly firm surface. 

We especially liked the top-notch build of this canvas. It is made from pure cotton, which is meticulously stretched and wrapped on a kiln-dried, beveled stretcher bar frame. You will not face any problems with this canvas regarding its tightness. 

A significant highlight of this canvas from Florida-based Daveliou is the use of their proprietary gesso primer, which adds just the perfect absorption and tooth to the canvas surface. 

You will be pleased to know that this canvas comes with a one-year money-back guarantee, making it a definite customer favorite. 

Best Paper For Acrylic Paint Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Paper For Acrylic Paint

We have shortlisted ten of the best canvases from the hundreds available in the market. When it comes to picking one of these ten products that will perfectly meet your requirements, you should consider the following factors:

1. Primed for Perfection?

When it comes to canvases, it is not rocket science to add a coat of primer. Most of the products we shortlisted come with two or three coatings of acrylic gesso primer, which ought to be sufficient in most cases. To be on the safer side, you should consider applying an additional coat of primer before you paint.

A perfectly primed canvas prevents the absorption of paint and allows you to create your art without unnecessary hassles.

2. Opt for Bulk Buying

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, it makes sense to buy your canvases in bulk. Having a decent stock of painting materials and canvases is cost-effective in the long run.

Like everything, there is a learning curve when it comes to using canvases. Bulk buying ensures you get used to painting on a specific surface. When buying in bulk, we advise you to go for individually packed canvases to avoid damage and wastage over time.

3. Absorption and Tooth

Absorption and Tooth are the bread and butter of canvases. Gesso primer coatings help to build up the tooth on the surface of a canvas, which makes it smoother and provides a good texture.

Another essential factor to consider is absorption. You do not want to buy a canvas that soaks up your paint as soon as you apply it, as that can make detailed art nearly impossible to create.

Papers For Acrylic Paints FAQ's

What type of paper is best for acrylic paint?

Acrylic paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, but paper with a weight of 300 gsm or more is ideal for acrylic painting. Look for papers that are specifically labeled as suitable for acrylic paint.

Can I use regular paper for acrylic painting?

Regular paper is not recommended for acrylic painting, as it is not sturdy enough to hold the weight of the paint. The paint may bleed through or the paper may wrinkle and warp.

Can I use watercolor paper for acrylic painting?

Watercolor paper can be used for acrylic painting, but it may require more paint and layering to achieve a solid color. Look for watercolor papers with a weight of 300 gsm or more, and avoid papers with a strong texture.

Can I use canvas paper for acrylic painting?

Canvas paper is a good option for acrylic painting, as it mimics the texture of canvas without the added cost. Look for papers with a weight of 300 gsm or more and a surface that is specifically designed for acrylic paint.

Do I need to prepare the paper before painting with acrylics?

Some papers may require priming before painting with acrylics to prevent the paint from soaking into the paper fibers. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific paper you are using.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the best papers for acrylic paint, and we hope you found it insightful and helpful. We understand how essential it is to choose the right surface to work on for your masterpiece, and after thoroughly testing various products, we are excited to share our top expert recommendations. Acrylic paintings are vibrant and bring life to any canvas, so finding the perfect match is crucial.

Out of these 8 best papers for acrylic paint, here are the top three expert recommendations:

1. Art Alternatives Stretched White Canvas is an ideal option for those looking for affordability, especially beginners. The seven canvases included in this pack are perfect for practicing without needing to worry about the cost. The lightweight construction and individually wrapped canvases also add value to the overall experience.

2. US Art Supply Stretched Canvas 4-Pack is a good option for artists wanting to create nighttime landscapes or deep-space scenes due to their black finish. The hand-stretched canvases provide a tight surface to work on, and the triple-primed acid-free acrylic gesso delivers a smooth finish perfect for acrylic paints.

3. Darice Cotton Stretched Canvas, Pack of 2 is the right choice for artists on a tight budget who still desire a high-quality canvas. Double-primed and designed to minimize paint absorption, these medium-weight canvases are suitable for a variety of acrylic painting projects.

In revealing our top three recommendations, we factored in the availability of multiple sizes, the ability to re-stretch the canvas, and whether the canvas is pre-primed. Our choices cater to a range of artist preferences, whether you are just beginning your artistic journey or an experienced professional. It's our pleasure to help you find the best product for your needs so you can continue creating beautiful acrylic masterpieces. Happy painting!

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