Best Canvas Pads of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

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Canvas pads are a popular choice among artists who prefer painting on a sturdy and durable surface. These pads are made with high-quality canvas material that provides a smooth and even texture for painting. They are available in various sizes and thicknesses, making them suitable for different types of artwork. The canvas pads are also easy to transport, making them ideal for artists who enjoy painting outdoors or on-the-go. Whether you're a beginner or a professional artist, canvas pads are a versatile and reliable choice for your painting needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad Cover #TOP 1
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad, 9x12, 10 Sheets Cover #TOP 2
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad, 9x12, 10 Sheets
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Arteza Canvas Pad Cover #TOP 3
Arteza Canvas Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Canvas Pads

#TOP 1

Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad

P315-9
White
9x12
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad Cover
Strathmore 300 Series, Canvas Pad, 9x12 inch, 10 Sheets – Triple Primed, 100% Cotton Canvas, Plein Air Artists, Acrylic Paint and Oil Paint

Strathmore Canvas Pad is a high-quality art surface designed for acrylic, oil, and water-mixable oil paints. Made from 100% cotton, this pad features triple-primed, acid-free, 8 oz weight canvas with a medium grain texture. It provides a strong and ready-to-use surface for artists to express their creativity. The tape bound pads allow for a clean tear when displaying finished artwork, making it easy to showcase your masterpieces. With its portable design, this canvas pad is perfect for plein air and on-location artists who want to capture the essence of any environment. Available in four sizes, artists can choose the perfect sheet size for their class study or finished pieces. Strathmore Canvas Pad is the artist's choice for creating stunning artworks.

What We Like
Sturdy canvas texture
Holds paint well
Great value
Versatile creative uses
Convenient flat format
What We Don't Like
Occasional shipping damage
Higher price for some
#TOP 2

Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad, 9x12, 10 Sheets

P310-9
White
9x12
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad, 9x12, 10 Sheets Cover
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad, Glue Bound, 9x12 inches, 10 Sheets (115lb/187g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students - Acrylic and Oil Paints

The Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Paper Pad is perfect for both adults and students to practice techniques with oils and acrylics. The heavyweight paper has a coated, textured surface that replicates the surface of canvas, allowing you to create beautiful works of art. There are 10 sheets per pad, which are acid-free and made in the USA. This canvas-textured paper is suitable for practicing techniques with oils, caseins, acrylics, alkyds, or egg tempera.

What We Like
High paper quality
Compatible with multiple media
Great for acrylic and watercolor
Canvas-like texture
Preferred by artists
What We Don't Like
Needs gesso application
Hard to find in stores
#TOP 3

Arteza Canvas Pad

ARTZ-2387
White
9 x 12 (Pack of 2)
Arteza Canvas Pad Cover
ARTEZA Canvas Pad 9x12 Inches Pack of 2, 20 Glue-Bound Sheets of Pre-Primed Canvas Paper for Acrylic, Oil and Mixed Media Painting

Arteza Canvas Pad is a pack of 2 canvas pads that are perfect for acrylic and oil painting. Each pad contains 10 sheets, for a total of 20 sheets in this pack. The canvas paper sheets are pre-primed with acid-free acrylic gesso, so you can start creating as soon as your brush touches the page. The glue-bound design allows you to easily tear your pages from the pad when you're ready to work or display your finished painting. Designed and created by artists, Arteza aims to make their art supplies accessible to all people. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, Arteza provides quality art supplies for all ages and levels.

What We Like
Affordable practice for beginners
Good with acrylic and oil paints
Easy to cut without fraying
Real canvas texture
Encourages artistic experimentation
What We Don't Like
Possible slight shrinkage or wrinkling
#TOP 4

Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad

P315-12
White
12x16
Strathmore 300 Series Canvas Pad Cover
Strathmore 300 Series, Canvas Pad, 12x16 inch, 10 Sheets – Triple Primed, 100% Cotton Canvas, Plein Air Artists, Acrylic Paint and Oil Paint

The Strathmore Canvas Pad offers a convenient way to create art on the go. Made from 100% cotton, this triple-primed canvas provides a strong surface ideal for acrylic and oil paints. You’ll appreciate the tape-bound design, which allows for easy tearing and framing of your artwork. With various sizes available, you can select the perfect dimensions for your projects, whether for class studies or finished pieces. This portable option is especially beneficial for plein air artists who want to capture the beauty of their surroundings without the hassle of bulky materials.

What We Like
Good paint absorption
Sturdy canvas texture
Great value
Convenient flat sheets
Versatile creative uses
What We Don't Like
Minor shipping damage
Not for professional framing
#TOP 5

U.S. Art Supply Canvas Paper Pad

4336944203
White
9-x-12-inch
U.S. Art Supply Canvas Paper Pad Cover
U.S. Art Supply 9" x 12" 10-Sheet 8-Ounce Triple Primed Acid-Free Canvas Paper Pad (Pack of 2 Pads), Canvas Paper for Acrylic Painting

The U.S. Art Supply Canvas Paper Pad includes 2 pads of 10 sheets each, 8-ounce triple primed with acid-free acrylic gesso. It is perfect for use with various painting mediums such as acrylics, oils, and temperas. The top bound pages can be easily removed for framing.

What We Like
Versatile for multiple art mediums
Good texture for oil painting
Affordable price and great quality
Convenient for framing
Available in several sizes
What We Don't Like
Highly absorbent textured side
#TOP 6

U.S. Art Supply 8x10 Triple Primed Canvas Paper Pads

PCP08X10-2PK
White
8-x-10-inch
U.S. Art Supply 8x10 Triple Primed Canvas Paper Pads Cover
U.S. Art Supply 8" x 10" 10-Sheet 8-Ounce Triple Primed Acid-Free Canvas Paper Pad (Pack of 2 Pads), Canvas Paper for Acrylic Painting

The U.S. Art Supply Canvas Paper offers a surface that closely resembles traditional canvas, giving your artwork a professional feel while being more portable and convenient. Each sheet measures 8 by 10 inches, providing a perfect size that’s easy to handle and transport, so you can create detailed pieces wherever you like. The paper is triple primed, which means your acrylic, oil, or mixed media paints will stick well and produce smooth, vibrant results. Plus, it’s made with acid-free materials to prevent yellowing or damage over time, helping your creations stay bright and fresh for years.

What We Like
High quality canvas texture
Works with oil and acrylic
Versatile for different projects
Good value for price
Easy to frame
What We Don't Like
Absorbent textured side confusing
#TOP 7

Arteza Canvas Pad for Acrylics and Oil Paints, 9 x 12 Inches, 10 Sheets

ARTZ-2386
White
1 pack
Arteza Canvas Pad for Acrylics and Oil Paints, 9 x 12 Inches, 10 Sheets Cover
ARTEZA Canvas Pad 9x12 Inches Pack of 1 – 10 Glue-Bound Sheets of Pre-Primed Canvas Paper for Acrylic, Oil and Mixed Media Painting

Arteza Canvas Pad is a premium canvas paper pad designed for acrylics and oil paints. The paper is pre-primed with acid-free acrylic gesso, ready-to-use and easily tearable for convenience. The pad is glue-bound, which makes it easy to display your finished painting. Arteza is passionate about creating products that inspire, and this canvas pad is accessible to all people.

What We Like
Good value for money
Works with acrylic and oil
Great for practice and studies
Easy to detach and cut
Thick, real canvas texture
What We Don't Like
Occasional shrinkage or wrinkling
#TOP 8

Canson Foundation Series Canvas Paper Pad 12x16

C100510842
White
12" x 16"
Canson Foundation Series Canvas Paper Pad 12x16 Cover
Canson Foundation Series Canva-Paper Pad, 12" x 16", Fold-over Cover, 10 Sheets (100510842)

The Canson Canvas Paper Pad is designed to work beautifully with oil and acrylic paints right out of the pack, so you don’t need to spend time priming or prepping it. Its surface mimics the texture of linen canvas, giving your artwork a professional feel and look. The paper is treated with a special barrier that helps absorb oils, bonding agents, and water evenly, which means your paint will stay where you want it and dry properly. At 136 lb (290 gsm), this acid-free pad offers sturdy, high-quality paper that supports your creative projects without worrying about damage or fading.

What We Like
Thick, sturdy surface
Great texture for painting
Versatile for various media
Easy to cut and frame
Affordable and reusable
What We Don't Like
Minor warping with heavy paint
Uneven absorption with turpentine
#TOP 9

Artist's Loft 16" x 20" Canvas Pad

E5500-16X20
White
16 x 20
Artist's Loft 16" x 20" Canvas Pad Cover
Artist's Loft 16" x 20" Canvas Pad Necessities - Archival Quality and Acid Free Cotton Canvas for Acrylic and Oil Paints - 1 Pack

The Artist's Loft Canvas Pad is a great choice for students and artists who want a lightweight and easy-to-use surface for practice or studies. It includes ten sheets of medium-weight cotton canvas, so you can create multiple paintings without needing a full stretched canvas. Each sheet is primed with titanium acrylic gesso, making it ready to use with both acrylic and oil paints right away. Plus, the canvas is acid-free and archival quality, which means your artwork will stay vibrant and protected over time. This pad is a convenient and reliable option for your painting projects.

What We Like
Non-absorbent surface
Very smooth texture
Good weight
Comparable to oil primed canvas
Preferred over leading brand
#TOP 10

Fredrix Canvas Pads

FRIX 3500
White Canvas
9" x 12"
Fredrix Canvas Pads Cover
Fredrix Creative Series White Canvas Pad, 9" x 12"

Fredrix Canvas Pads are an affordable alternative to stretched canvas that come in a 9-x-12-inch size. The pads contain 10 sheets of medium texture canvas that are triple-primed with acrylic gesso, making them suitable for oil and acrylic painting, as well as pastels and most mixed media. The pads are also bound into an easily portable pad, perfect for artists on-the-go.

What We Like
Real canvas texture
Suitable for acrylics and oils
Easy to scan and frame
Pre-gessoed and ready to use
Good for studies and finished works
What We Don't Like
Slight glue edge fraying
Prone to bending if mishandled
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is canvas pad used for?

Canvas pads are used as a work surface for various artistic media, including oil paint, caseins, alkyds, egg tempera, and acrylic paint. They come in flat sheets that are bound like a drawing or bristol board pad, providing an ideal surface for artists to develop their skills with acrylic paint.

2. What is the difference between canvas pad and paper?

Canvas pads are similar to other artist pads but instead of paper, they contain primed canvas sheets. On the other hand, canvas paper is created with a texture that mimics canvas, but it is not made of actual canvas material.

3. What is canvas pad made of?

Canvas pads are made of either cotton canvas that has been primed and cut into sheets or primed paper that has a texture resembling fabric. These materials provide a durable and textured surface for painting with various mediums.

4. Is canvas pad good for acrylic painting?

Yes, canvas pads are excellent for acrylic painting. They are made with premium quality canvas material, offering a durable and textured surface that is perfect for painting with oils, acrylics, and other mediums. The pad binding ensures that each sheet stays securely in place, making it convenient to work on multiple projects.

5. Do canvas pads need gesso?

Gesso can be used to protect and enhance surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, and board. If you plan to use oil or acrylic paints on an absorbent surface like canvas, it is recommended to apply gesso before painting to make the surface less absorbent and smoother.

6. Why use canvas instead of paper?

Canvas is preferred over paper for certain artistic techniques because it is more resilient. Watercolor canvas, for example, can endure harsh treatment like blotting, scraping, or scratching without easily getting damaged. This makes it easier for artists to work energetically and confidently. Additionally, canvas provides a different texture and feel compared to paper, offering unique artistic possibilities.

7. Can you paint acrylic directly on canvas?

Yes, acrylic paints can be painted directly on canvas. They are versatile and suitable for various creative projects. Acrylic paints dry quickly and can be used on different surfaces, including paper, canvas, fabric, and more. They are even suitable for outdoor painting as a temporary fix.

Editor's Notes

During our canvas pad research, we found 24 canvas pad products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,061 customer reviews through our big data system to write the canvas pads list. We found that most customers choose canvas pads with an average price of $14.57.

The canvas pads are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of canvas pads, including Strathmore, ARTEZA, U.S. Art Supply, Canson, Artist's Loft. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.

Canvas Pads Comparison Table

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Brand Strathmore Strathmore ARTEZA Strathmore U.S. Art Supply U.S. Art Supply ARTEZA Canson Artist's Loft Fredrix
Item Weight 8 Ounces 0.5 Pounds 1.83 pounds 8 Ounces 1.4 Pounds 0.44 Pounds 13.8 ounces 1.2 Pounds 2.57 pounds 0.7 Pounds
Color White White White White White White White White - White Canvas
Material Cotton Paper Cotton Cotton Paper Paper Cotton Paper - Canvas
Sheet Size 9 x 12 9x12 - 12 x 16 inches 9-x-12-inch Inches 8-x-10-inch Inches - 12" x 16" - 9" x 12"
Paper Finish Texture Laid Coated - Texture Laid Smooth Smooth - Coated - Watercolor
Recommended Uses For Product Painting Painting - Painting Drawing, Painting Painting - Painting - Painting
Sheet Count 10 10 - 10 20 10 - 10 - 10
Paper Dimensions 9x12 inches 9x12 inches - 12 x 16 inches 9 x 12 inches 8 x 10 inches - 12 inches x 16 inches - 9 x 12 inches
Unit Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count - 1.0 Count 2 Count 20 Count - 1.0 Count - 1.0 Count
Global Trade Identification Number 00012017315091 00012017398094 - 00012017315121 00848849007879 00848849007862 - 03148955723623 - 00081702035002
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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