Frequently Asked Questions!
We know that choosing the right canvas is an important decision for any artist. That’s why we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you find the perfect canvas.
Is ACF a new company?
Established in 2013 in South Africa, Art Canvas Factory is not new to the industry.
They're known for high-quality artist box and stretch canvas frames.
In 2023, they expanded into the UK market, bringing along their ACF Stretch / Box Canvases and introducing new products like “Box Board Canvas”.
They offer a range of canvas products on their online store. Though ACF is newer to the UK, they have a solid reputation, backed by a decade of excellent reviews and a strong social media following.SA Facebook over 48 000 followers
What type of canvas do you use?
Currently we offer two types of durable, woven polyester canvases that are acid free.
The 260 gsm canvas, featured in our Stretch Canvas range, is strong, flexible, and treated to repel water and stains while enhancing colors.
The 300 gsm canvas, used for our Box Canvas and other premium frames, is thicker and comes pre-coated with a special gesso for oil painting, though it's great for other mediums too.
You're welcome to add more gesso if you like!
How are the canvases primed?
Our canvases are primed with a special coating that makes them resistant to water, stains, and dirt while providing excellent color development.
The lighter 260 gsm canvas receives a heat-stable, optically whitened treatment, making it strong and flexible.
Our heavier 300 gsm canvas is coated with an exclusive gesso, developed with Joe Joubert Hand Made Oil Paints, ensuring an even, oil-ready surface.
Nevertheless, we consistently recommend that artists should ready their canvases in the usual manner, whether that involves applying gesso or an undercoat, according to preference.
What are the benefits of polyester canvas over linen, cotton duck or poly cotton?
Polyester canvas is known for its strength and durability, which surpasses that of both linen and cotton duck.
It's less prone to absorb moisture, reducing the risk of warping and maintaining tension over time.
Polyester also offers a consistent weave and is generally more heat stable.
Additionally, it tends to be lighter and is often treated to be water, stain, and dirt repellent, which enhances the longevity of the artwork.
Polyester canvases provide a smooth surface that is great for detailed work and excellent color clarity.
Can I paint on any type of polyester?
While it's possible to paint on various polyesters, our research indicates several challenges unique to the art community.
We've delved into these, addressing issues like sagging, flexibility, indentation, and surface coatings.
Our efforts involved extensive collaboration with scientists and artists to develop our exclusive range of products, tailored to overcome these specific concerns.
The coatings we have developed are exclusive to ACF canvases - and made solely for artists.
Do your stretchers warp or break?
Our stretcher bars, crafted from MDF, are designed for stability and longevity.
They resist warping, bending, or buckling, which is why we confidently offer a 100% guarantee.
Our decade-long experience, with over 100,000's stretcher bars produced and an exceptionally low return rate, attests to their quality.
MDF's advantages include stability against temperature changes, resistance to pests, environmental friendliness from recycled wood, and a long lifespan, ensuring durability when maintained in favorable conditions.
Handle canvases with care, store them vertically, and avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.
Are ACF canvasses a cheap chinese import?
ACF Canvasses Ltd is established in the UK and represents an expansion of South Africa's Art Canvas Factory, renowned for handmade high-quality artist box and stretch canvas frames.
The canvas is also developed and manufactured in South Africa.
Their unique stretcher bars have been designed by the owner Graham back in 2013.
The company upholds its commitment to quality in the UK, ensuring their canvases are distributed with the same high standards as the original Art Canvas Factory, rather than being imported from China.
Are ACF products sustainable and eco-friendly?
ACF products, made from MDF and polyester, offer eco-friendly benefits.
MDF is sustainable, using recycled wood fibers, minimizing waste and reducing timber harvesting. It utilizes almost all parts of the tree, enhancing its environmental profile.
Polyester, compared to linen and cotton, is more sustainable due to lower water, energy, and land use.
Polyester can be recycled.
Products made from recycled plastics are durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
These materials contribute to ACF's commitment to sustainability and eco friendliness.