What to Do with the Edges of a Canvas? Paint Them or Not?
- key bullet points:
- No single “right” way
- History of canvas edges painting
- The golden rule
The edges of a canvas… One of the biggest dilemmas, especially for beginner artists working on canvas, is the question of what to do with the edges of the canvas and why?
To put it simply and straightforwardly:
Yes, you should paint the edges of the canvas or simply continue your artwork onto this part of the canvas. There is no one and only correct way of doing it.
If, however, you’d like to know why, what for, and where this practice comes from, I invite you to keep reading.
Let’s Start with a Historical Perspective:
In traditional European painting, especially from the Renaissance until the 19th century, paintings were typically framed in ornate frames that completely covered the edges of the canvas. In this context, there was no need to paint the edges since they remained invisible anyway.
However, with the development of modern art and the move away from heavy, decorative frames, artists began paying more attention to the edges of their paintings.
In modernism (e.g., in abstract painting), the canvas started to be treated as an integral whole. This led to greater emphasis on the visible edges of the canvas outside the frame.
As art evolved, the edges of the canvas became an important compositional element. Artists began painting the edges to emphasize the unity of the artwork. The painting was no longer just an illusion of space but a physical object that should form a cohesive whole, no matter from which angle it was viewed.
A Practical Perspective:
Does this mean you absolutely *have* to paint the edges and there’s no other option?
Well, no—there’s no strict rule forcing you to cover the edges of the canvas, but doing so has clear benefits (as well as some drawbacks).
Summary:
When it comes to painting the edges of a canvas, there’s no one universal answer—it all depends on your style, intentions, and how you want your work to be perceived.
When is it worth painting the edges?
✔ When you care about cohesiveness – If you’re creating abstract or contemporary compositions, or simply want your painting to look polished from every angle.
✔ When you plan to sell – Many collectors and galleries prefer painted edges, as it looks more professional.
âś” When you’re not using a frame – If the painting will hang “raw” without a frame, painted edges will add elegance.
When can you leave them unpainted?
✔ When the painting will be framed – If you’re using a traditional frame, the edges will be hidden anyway.
✔ When you intentionally want a raw look – Some styles (e.g., sketches, impressionism) look great with natural canvas edges.
✔ When you’re short on time or motivation – If painting the edges feels too time-consuming and the effect isn’t crucial, you can skip it.
The most important rule?
It’s your decision!
Art is about freedom—there are no rigid rules. Some artists deliberately paint the edges in a contrasting color, others leave them untouched, and some treat them as an extra space for experimentation.
What’s your choice? Painted edges for a flawless finish, or natural ones for authentic charm? Or maybe you have your own unique approach to edges? Share in the comments! 🎨
One Response
Thank you for this article. The topic you covered has been on my mind for a long time, but it was hard to find clear answers. Now I know why. I’m looking forward to more interesting facts from the world of art.