Oil Paint

Which Canvas Did Bob Ross Use?

Bob Ross often painted on primed, stretched canvas around 18 × 24 inches, though his wet-on-wet method also works on other sizes and supports.

Published

Bob Ross used 18" X 24" stretched and double primed artistic grade 2 or 3 level canvas most of the time. 

https://youtu.be/lLWEXRAnQd0?t=60

In this article, I will explain the following:

  1. Which canvas will suit your artistic level (white & black canvas)?
  2. Which type of canvas should you choose?

Good canvas idea for Bob Ross's painting

A suitable canvas should be firmly stretched, properly primed, and strong enough for broad wet-on-wet brushwork, with size and texture chosen for the painting you plan to make.

GradePrime levelStructure Note
Artlicious Canvases for PaintingBeginner and student grade Lower level Back is not very good for support. You have to add shims behind the canvas.Cheap price. The quality is not great. However, by applying gesso as a primer you can increase the canvas level 1 or 2. Recommend those who just start learning canvas painting.
Level 1 Back Stapled Traditional Canvas by Artist's LoftBeginner and student grade Good than lower levelQuality almost the same as the first Artlicious canvas The prime level is good but not smooth. You have to add gesso primer to make the surface smooth. 
U.S. Art Supply 18 x 24 inch Black Stretched CanvasBlack canvas Beginner and student grade Good than lower levelQuality almost the same as the first Artlicious canvas Apply 2 coats of gesso as a primer. The canvas level will be increased to level 2. You also can make white canvas black using black gesso.
Level 2 Gallery Wrapped Traditional Canvas by Artist's LoftArtistic grade 3 coats and smoothly primedGood structure You should start from level 2 canvas. Because it has a very smooth finish and a good structure like Bob Ross. No need to apply the gesso layer. 
Level 3 Gallery Wrapped Heavy Duty Canvas by Artist's LoftArtistic grade and premium 3 coats and very well prime Heavy duty and strong structure This is an upper-level and premium artistic canvas. If you have a good budget go with it. You will love it.

Is a thick or thin canvas better?

Canvas weight alone does not determine quality; stability, stretcher construction, priming, tension, and surface texture matter more than simply choosing the thickest fabric.

Generally, there 3 standard canvas thickness types:

  1. .75 inch canvas: Universal standard canvas thickness worldwide.
  2. 1.5 inch canvas: No need for a canvas frame.
  3. 2 inches canvas: Use for serious and important pieces.

Explore more PaintZeal guides on paint choices, surface preparation, compatible coatings, and practical techniques for getting a durable, even finish.