Paper is manufactured from cellulose, a plant fiber found in wood. It is mixed with water and turned into a pulp, chemically treated, drained and then cut to size. Paper can be dyed different colors and its texture can vary from smooth to coarse. Paper is used primarily in transferring of information in books, newspapers, in schools by students and in the workforce. Paper can also be used to print or paint on and when combined with water and glue makes papier-mache.
Unlike paper, canvas is "a firm closely woven cloth usually of linen, hemp, or cotton" according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Traditionally canvas was the material used for sails and tents, though it has been replaced by synthetic materials. Some clothing and bags are still made from canvas. A sheet of canvas can also be stretched or backed and used as a painting surface or have images like photographs printed on it.
Deciding whether to paint on canvas or on paper is a choice most artists face at some point. Both materials have different strengths and weaknesses. The type of paint being used, the intended size of the piece and the quality of the canvas or paper have to be taken into consideration. Paper is better to use for pencil, charcoal, pastel and watercolor due to its smooth texture. Larger pieces or painting with oil and acrylic paint, which are heavier paints, are best done on canvas.
Another area where the differences between paper and canvas are drawn to attention is in the mounting of photographs. Pictures can be printed on glossy or matte finish photo paper, as well as on large canvases. The difference between paper and canvas is that photographs printed onto canvas can be much larger and also look like paintings. Photo paper requires framing and lacks the support of a canvas print. However, due to the coarser texture of canvas, highly detailed pictures are best printed on paper, as the weave which makes up canvas distracts and can interfere with the image.