How to Mount Canvas or Linen to Wood Panels (and Why It Matters)

Mounting canvas or linen to wood panels is one of the best ways to give your artwork the long-term protection and surface feel it deserves. It's a method I use regularly in my own work, and it's the approach I recommend for artists who care about archival quality, surface precision, and the ability to preserve their artwork even if something goes wrong with the panel.

Here's how and why to do it right.

Why prepare a Panel with Canvas or Linen Instead of Painting on Stretched Canvas or primed wood?

• A solid surface = better control – No bounce, sagging, or shifting under your brush.

• Protected from environmental damage – The canvas won’t flex with humidity or vibrations, or be exposed to the elements and changes in environmental conditions.

• Longevity – Properly mounted canvas can last generations with fewer risks of cracking or distortion.

  
  

But there’s an even bigger reason I use this method:

If the wood panel ever delaminates, gets damaged, or fails structurally, a mounted canvas or linen can be removed and re-mounted to a new panel.

You can’t do that with a painting done directly on wood—once that wood fails, the painting is usually lost without a lot of work.

Avoid Wet Glues

Traditional wet adhesives (like PVA or white glue) are a common choice, but they come with some serious downsides:

• They introduce moisture into the canvas and panel,

• This causes warping of both the canvas and the panel, and shrinking of the fabric.

• Drying time is long, and there’s risk of bubbles or tension problems and wrinkling of the fabric on the edges.

  
  

What I Recommend Instead

To eliminate moisture problems and make mounting more predictable and reliable, I recommend:

1. Spray Adhesives

• Choose a high-quality archival spray glue (check for acid-free and permanent bond).

• Apply evenly across the panel surface and fabric.

• For a flat panel where the edges are not going to be wrapped. Carefully lay down your canvas or linen onto the panel and flatten it with your hands then a rubber roller. make sure you cut the fabric a little big to ensure the whole panel is covered.

• If you are going to wrap the edges, what I do is draw a pencil outline of where the panel goes on the fabric first so I know where to position the panel after the glue is applied. Lay the fabric on the table to position the panel on it, then flip it. Use your hands then a roller to methodically flatten and bond the painting surface. I usually let this dry for a while then do 45 degree cuts into the corners. I use an iron and parchment paper to run over the edges for a sharp clean edges. Then glue and later trim.

  
  

2. Heat-Activated Adhesive Films

• These can be ironed on with a heated press or a dry iron.

• No moisture = no warping.

• Archival and consistent.

  
  

Both options allow for clean, even adhesion with minimal mess—and most importantly, without warping your panel or canvas.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure your panel is completely sealed before mounting to avoid moisture absorption.

• Trim canvas edges after mounting with a razor blade, once it’s fully adhered.

• Use a rubber roller to press the fabric down evenly.

  
  
  
  

  

  
  

Mounting canvas or linen to a panel isn’t just about how it feels to paint on—it’s about ensuring your art has a strong, flexible future. If anything ever happens to the panel, your work can live on.

Looking for panels made specifically for canvas or linen mounting?Explore Sierra Art Panels here »