Linen Canvas:  Linen fabric, woven of flax fiber, is preferred over other textiles because of its durability, because it acceptsÿ sizing and priming films very well, and because it becomes brittle less rapidly than other fabrics. 

In respect to expansion and contraction as a result of moisture, linen is less troublesome.  It may be obtained in a great variety of weights, from light to heavy, and in many weaves, running from rough to smooth. In comparison, cotton canvas is much weaker than linen and doesn't resist bacterial growth as well. The finest quality linen is still produced in Belgium. Traditonal artists, who tend to be more concerned with the quality and durability of their works, respecting the trust invested by their patrons, tend to favor Belgian linen.

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