Charvin uses only select kiln dried wood stretcher bars and cross bar supports depending on the size. The frame in all instances is consistent with the size of the canvas. The larger the size the more bracing is used to insure that the frame is stable for the larger sizes.

All Charvin canvases are stretched by hand in France by skilled artisans, trained classically in the art. The use of copper nails (tacks) instead of staples give much more stability to the hold deployed at each stretching point. Charvin canvases are very taught and are keyed with traditional wood pegs so you can tighten the canvas if needed.

Linen used by Charvin has long fibers that is elastic and extremely strong. These linens are characterized by their tight weave which offer exceptional stability now and over time. Charvin does not use cotton in the production of their canvases.

Finally we come to the priming. The Charvin oil priming is near perfect. Oil priming should be very opaque and non absorbent. The Charvin's are quite expert in this knowledge and prime to the exact standards to achieve the finest results with your oil colors. Three weaves are available based on your composition: fine, medium and rough. All are tight weaves to be extremely strong and take priming without compromising the linen structure.

The sizing on the Gummed, Glue Sized Linen & Jute canvases is ideal particularly for oil painting. Charvin offers a lovely fine weave linen and a coarse and most irregular jute which was favored by the artist Cezanne. This coarse linen is intended to be so to give the canvas an identity and adds a unique character to the painting. The sizing may be painted on directly or primed over as desired to make your own special finished canvas.