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Top 5 Best Canvases for Gouache Paint

Using the right type of canvas is just as important as using the right type of paint. There are many tiers for canvases, such as beginners, level 1, level 2, level 3, and even art gallery ready canvases.

Some canvases are also specifically designed for a certain type of paint, while others are universal. In this guide I go over the best canvases to use with gouache paint. Let’s read on!

IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…

NameOur RatingPrice
Asani Pre-Primed Canvas Panels

5/5
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Arteza Stretched Canvas Multipack5/5
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MagicFly Canvases4.5/5
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1- Asani Pre-Primed Canvas Panels

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Asani canvas panels are great if you’re looking for a bulk deal. This set comes with 28 canvas panels, and includes seven 5×7, seven 8×10, seven 9×12, and seven 11×14 panels. They are 100% cotton, and don’t require you to prepare the surface.

The panels come pre-primed with acid-free gesso, so that’s a plus! It’s a great set for beginners, kids, and even professionals. Asani canvas panels work great with gouache paint, tempera paint, and even acrylic paint.

What’s really cool about these panels is that they come individually wrapped. I always think that’s important because a canvas can get scratched or damaged if they are loose, or every other canvas is wrapped in the pack.

If you’re looking for a bulk deal on panels, I recommend Asani canvas panels. They are great quality, and you don’t need to worry about priming them.

What We Like

They come pre-primed, ready to paint.

What We Don’t Like

Some people don’t like their canvas pre-primed.

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2- Arteza Stretched Canvas Multipack

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I personally love Arteza and all of their products. Their quality always goes beyond my expectations, and I end up buying more repeats of their stuff.

This canvas set is a regular stretched canvas set, and not panels like the product above. It comes in 100% cotton, so it’s perfect for most mediums including, gouache paint, tempera, acrylic, and even oil paint. I have personally used their canvases, and my paintings turn out amazing. It also comes in a variety of sizes, such as 4×4, 5×7, 9×12, and 12×14.

What I like about Arteza is that their products are properly created, meaning the quality is always perfect. This canvas set for example has the canvas stretched and stapled onto premium pinewood, which creates a firm frame, as well as offers a high quality finish.

This Arteza set also comes with pre-primed canvases, and it’s coated with 8 oz. of acid free gesso. Meaning there’s no need to prime your surface, and you can start painting on the canvas directly.

I highly recommend this Arteza set if you’re looking for professional quality results, at an affordable price.

What We Like

Premium quality canvas and pinewood frame.

What We Don’t Like

Honestly, this is an amazing set.

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3- MagicFly Canvases

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MagicFly is another amazing brand that works great with gouache paints. This high quality canvas set works with not only gouache paints, but oils, acrylics, and even watercolors. It also comes pre-primed with acid free gesso, so you can strata painting right away.

This MagicFly set comes with 12 canvas boards in sizes: 4″X4″ 5″X5″, 6″X6″, 8″X8″, and with 3 of each. What’s neat about this set that other don’t offer, is that it comes with additional paper display stands. This is headful if you want to display your artwork in the meantime, or just to get a feel how it will look on a display easel.

As with the rest, this set is 100% cotton, since that is the best type of canvas for gouache paint. The frame is also made of high quality pinewood, which gives your painting premium support.

I recommend this set if you’re looking for a premium quality canvas, at an affordable price.

What We Like

Great quality, and comes with display stands.

What We Don’t Like

The sizing is not as big as other brands.

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4- FIXSMITH Canvases

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FixSmith canvases come in a 12 pack, and are also 100% pure cotton. This set is more of a beginner or level 1 quality, because they offer a standard back stapled finish, and no support frame in the middle. It makes a great set for beginners, kids, or even just to practice on.

The frame is made out of pinewood, and the actual canvas is triple primed with acrylic gesso. This is good if you are looking for a pre-primed canvas. This FixSmith set comes in one size of 8×10 inches, and 5/8 width.

You can use gouache paint, acrylic paint and even oil paint with this set. I recommend FixSmith if you want a beginner type of result, or even for kids to practice on. This set is not art gallery ready.

What We Like

Affordable and good beginners quality.

What We Don’t Like

Only comes in one size.

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5- U.S Art Supply Canvases

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U.S Art Supply is another great brand, that offers high quality products at an affordable price. This set comes with a variety of sizes including, 4×4, 5×7, 8×10, 9×12, and 11×14. I like that there are more options than other sets, since some sets come only in small sizes packs.

This set also comes with a back stapled finish on high quality wood. It’s pre-primed with acid free acrylic gesso, and hand stretched over kiln dried bars.

You get 2 of each with this U.S. Art Supply canvas set, which is neat because if you mess up, or need to paint a pair, you can an additional exact size right there.

This is a great started set, or level 1 canvas set. I recommend this brand if you want to start out with gouache paint on canvas, or other mediums as well. This set is not art gallery ready.

What We Like

Great size options.

What We Don’t Like

Not art gallery quality.

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What to Look For in a Canvas

To find the best canvas for your needs, consider the following major aspects before finalizing a purchase.

The quality of the actual canvas material plays a big role in how your painting will turn out. There are a variety of levels for canvases, starting at level 1. This is usually for kids or beginners, and the canvas material is a basic stretched canvas which can often feel a bit rough.

Level 2 is more for students and even more premium paints. A level 2 canvas will have a smoother finish, and may have a better frame.

Level 3, and professional canvases are usually for artists, art galleries and even museum. Many level 3 canvases come in art gallery ready form. Meaning the canvas is extremely soft and smooth, the back of there canvas is presentation ready, and the quality of the wooden frame is also professional.

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If you purchase a painting from an art gallery, or even a professional artists, you may notice that the back of the canvas has an extra piece of wood int he middle. This is for support, and shows the quality of the canvas. The actual canvas is also stretched and tucked inside the wooden frame, which is neatly stapled for minimal exposure.

With a level 1 canvas, the back has regular staples that you can see, and the canvas is not tucked inside the wood. Also, they don’t include an extra support bar in the middle, like you would find with a level 2 or higher.

Best Gouache Paint Canvas Brands

Arteza

Arteza is a company that is designed and was created by artists. They have over 1,000 products and always growing. They believe art can heal, and believe art should be available to everyone. Their supplies are affordable but premium quality, which is rare for a company nowadays. 

Their customer support is also very good, and if you have any issues with your products, they are there for you.

I use Arteza canvases, gouache paint, and acrylics on most of my projects, and I can honestly say the quality is beyond amazing. Most of my paintings that are on display at the gallery linked below were done with Arteza. 

FAQs

What Type of Canvas Is Used for Gouache?

The best type of canvas for gouache paint is going to be a 100% cotton canvas. They are soft and ready for smooth brush strokes such as gouache paint. You have the option to purchase a pre-primed canvas, so you can start painting right away.

Do You Need Gesso for Gouache?

If you purchased a canvas that is not pre-primed, then I recommend priming your surface with gesso. Most canvases today come pre-primed, but some still require priming. The best type of gesso to use for gouache paint is Liquitex Gesso. It works amazing with gouache paint and even acrylics.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best type of canvas for gouache paint, I highly recommend Arteza. Their products are amazing and always of professional quality. I love this brand because they are also very affordable. Arteza canvases are perfect for your gouache paint project.

Another great brand is MagicFly. Their canvas quality is also great and designed for gouache paint, as well as other mediums.

Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your gouache paint project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting! 

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