Smoothest/ least textured canvas suggestions

[narikin]

As a hardcore rag-paper printer, never thought I'd be asking this, but: can someone suggest the smoothest/ least textured canvas or linen to try out?

Nothing slubby or with strongly visible weave/texture. I did see some coated white Belgian linen that looked a lot smoother, but maybe there's even better options?

Needs to come in 44" or larger rolls, (I use a P20000)

Thanks

[mcbroomf]

I use Breathing Color's Belgian Linen and like it a lot but I'm not selling and have only used a few other canvas makes.  It seems to have a tighter and more random weave though, and when coated the weave is dulled down (in fact I prefer to see the weave).

Although out of stock they offer a trial roll.   Also 44 and wider.

[narikin]

Thanks for the tip. Will take a look at what they have.

(always been a bit put off 'Breathing Color' by that silly name, but... must move beyond that!)

[MfAlab]

I use Breathing Color's Belgian Linen and like it a lot but I'm not selling and have only used a few other canvas makes.  It seems to have a tighter and more random weave though, and when coated the weave is dulled down (in fact I prefer to see the weave).

Although out of stock they offer a trial roll.   Also 44 and wider.

Agree with that. Breathing Color's Belgian Linen is the most beautiful canvas on the market. But it is extremely expensive, and it is about to discontinued. So, if you like it, you probably want to order for some stock..

[mcbroomf]

Agree with that. Breathing Color's Belgian Linen is the most beautiful canvas on the market. But it is extremely expensive, and it is about to discontinued. So, if you like it, you probably want to order for some stock..

Thanks.  Did not know that.

[mearussi]

If you don't mind satin or glossy the Breathing Color 17M is the smoothest I've seen that's still on the market.

https://www.breathingcolor.com/products/17m?variant=43512861819117

The absolute smoothest was Canson's Museum Procanvas, a 100% cotton 1:1 weave, but it has been discontinued for about a year, though you can still find rolls occasionally.

Another canvas I have a sample of but haven't tried yet is Lexjet Elements Fire Opal Bright White. It also has a very smooth surface and is matte:
https://www.lexjet.com/elements-fire-opal-bright-white-matte-canvas-24in-x-40ft

[dgberg]

But isn't the texture what gives it that special look. I want it to look like canvas.
Different strokes for different folks but I am at the complete other end of the spectrum.
Once the texture is gone you might as well just print on paper.

[narikin]

But isn't the texture what gives it that special look. I want it to look like canvas.
Different strokes for different folks but I am at the complete other end of the spectrum.
Once the texture is gone you might as well just print on paper.

Of course ymmv, but there are good reasons for wanting needing to use linen/canvas, like its strength, rollability, durability, artistic legacy, collectors preference, etc. Personally I can't stand it when photographs ape painting by canvas mounting. Its *photography* be proud of that! - imitating some other medium feels insecure.

That said, we're all different with other values, tastes, judgements. This is just my 2c worth.

(And likely next week I'll see some great work somewhere that will prove me wrong!)

[dgberg]

Anything we can do to keep glass off the top we do. We print and mount whatever sells and canvas is still the #1 seller.
(Metal is moving up) Varnished canvas printed large and mounted to gatorboard in a high end Larson-Juhl frame is just stunning.

[mearussi]

But isn't the texture what gives it that special look. I want it to look like canvas.
Different strokes for different folks but I am at the complete other end of the spectrum.
Once the texture is gone you might as well just print on paper.

You can't stretch paper and the larger the paper print is the heavier the frame + glass becomes. I dropped paper prints from two main reasons, I hate reflections and I got too old to lift the heavy frames and glass. Texture is an artistic choice. On some pictures it looks good on others it doesn't.

[Garnick]

  Hello Again Dan,

But isn't the texture what gives it that special look. I want it to look like canvas.
Different strokes for different folks but I am at the complete other end of the spectrum.
Once the texture is gone you might as well just print on paper.

I was hoping that you would get into this one and there you are. 

I cannot disagree.  For almost 20 years I've been using the Breathing Color's canvas, the one with the most texture.  I then use the Premier ECO Print SHIELD --  Satin and Gloss.  Mostly a combination of the SATIN and GLOSS 50/50.  The combination of the CANVAS and the SATIN @ GLOSS makes a beautiful print that will last for another 20 years and perhaps more.

GARY

[MfAlab]

Just some info.

Canson Infinity's canvas are not discontinued, they be charged high tax since the canvas were made in China. So Canson gave up US canvas market.
Breathing Color said Belgian Linen is discontinued. And the inventory is less than 20 rolls.