Lerret

Lerret, in Norwegian and Danish usage, refers to a heavy woven fabric used as a painting surface. Traditionally produced from flax (linen) or hemp, lerret has also been made from cotton and remains common in contemporary practice.

It is prepared for painting by sizing and priming. Sizing reduces absorbency and helps bind the ground. The most common priming ground is gesso, often made from chalk or gypsum mixed with a binder such as rabbit-skin glue. The primed surface accepts oil or acrylic paints and can be stretched over a wooden frame or used unstretched as a panel. The choice between linen and cotton affects texture and longevity; linen provides greater dimensional stability, while cotton is lighter and less expensive.

Historically, linen lerret has deep roots in European painting, with extensive use during the Renaissance and later periods; cotton canvas became widely available in the 19th century through industrial production. In contemporary practice, both materials are common, with a range of priming systems, including acrylic-based primers and gesso. Canvas quality varies with weave, thread count, and preparation, influencing how paint sits and how the painting ages. Proper storage—stable humidity and temperature—helps prevent warping and degradation over time.