ACF Canvas | Innovation, Sustainability & Artist-Approved Materials

Who We Are

ACF Canvas started with a single mission — to fix the issues artists face with traditional stretched canvases. What began as a small workshop is now a global movement. We're here to challenge the norms and push the boundaries of what artist surfaces can be.

What We Stand For:

Materials that don’t warp, sag or quit on you mid-stroke
Canvases made from 100% PET — not for the trend, but because it works better
Sustainability at every step: zero cotton, zero waste, all performance
Real feedback from real artists, not just marketing spin

Key Moments in Our Evolution

Back in 2013, our founder Graham Sanderson started experimenting with stretcher bars and canvas combinations. One frame led to another. What followed was a complete rethinking of how an artist’s surface should behave.

Today, ACF Canvas is proud to support artists around the world — from full-time professionals to first-time painters — with canvases that just work. No fluff. No fails.

Still Curious?
Scroll through our timeline to see how ACF has evolved — from stretchers to full-blown canvas systems. Each milestone has one goal in mind: helping you paint with confidence.

The Birth of a perfect Stretcher Bar!

Graham Sanderson, designer and entrepreneur, began manufacturing canvas frames (Stretcher bars) for a canvas franchise, redesigning and upgrading the original frames regularly.

Challenges and Growth

After burglaries led to focusing solely on canvas frames, Graham moved operations to a small factory, starting production with a dedicated team.

Mastering Canvas Stretching

We perfected the art of stretching canvas, ensuring each piece met the highest standards of quality and durability.

Expansion

Demand for frames grew, prompting a move to larger premises. We started training more staff.

Innovation

Graham explored making artist canvases, receiving positive feedback from artists on the quality and versatility of the canvas.

Rapid Expansion

We quickly outgrew our new small factory and had to relocate again to accommodate the growing demand for our high-quality artist canvas.

Market Entry

Participation in HobbyX 2018 led to significant interest and a contract with Stretcher Frames, further solidifying ACF’s reputation for quality.

More Firsts

Our Stretch Canvas with a 20mm depth was born, designed as a super canvas aimed directly at the budget market. One of our best sellers! This was version 1.

All Shapes Of Canvas

With extensive CNC knowledge, Graham incorporated his expertise into creating beautiful yet strong shaped canvases.

The Year That Keeps Giving

Our Box Board Frame, also known as the Panel Board, was developed. These items are extremely strong and sturdy.

Brainstorming

Our 20mm Stretch Canvas expanded into our Colouring In Canvas, a huge hit with art teachers, as we can apply any design.

International Collaborations

Engagements with international artists and companies, including the International Watercolor Festival, showcased the canvas’s versatility and quality.

IWS

Our watercolor canvas journey began. Amit Kapoor used our canvas in a live demo, showcasing his amazing skills and praising our watercolor canvas.

Strategic Partnerships

Discussions with Faber Castell SA and other industry leaders highlighted ACF’s potential for global reach. Despite the pandemic, online marketing kept the business afloat.

Pandemic Online Support

Prior to the pandemic, Graham had been undertaking numerous online marketing courses. His belief in online sales and the amazing support from our customers kept ACF alive during lockdown.

New Dawn

We started the process of developing our own canvas, manufactured in South Africa. Achieving this would ensure quality and progress.

Multi-Purpose Coating

Along with world-renowned oil artist Joe Joubert, once our fabric was identified, we started searching for the perfect gesso.

Bulk Pack Birth

We took our 20mm Stretch Canvas and started offering it as a 10-pack for art teachers and schools. It quickly became our fastest mover.

Innovation Continues

Our Outer Oak Floating Frame was officially launched, manufactured to perfectly coexist with our 40mm canvas range.

Gesso Progress

Our coating for our oil canvas made great strides. Joe Joubert undertook rigorous testing of the coatings and canvas.

rPet

Tests started on our own recycled canvas. We have been testing 40%, 60%, and 100% recycled variants. Amazing progress has been achieved so far!

Water Colour Canvas

We have entered the final stages of developing our upgraded watercolor canvas. Our fourth attempt at perfecting the canvas is showing great results.

UK Launch

ACF Canvasses UK was established, marking a new chapter in our international expansion.

The Story Still Finding Its Colors

Thank you for being part of this amazing story!

Dee McAdam at ACF HQ

Brushes with Greatness

Welcome to "Brushes with Greatness," where I humbly share some of my most memorable moments with the incredible artists I've had the pleasure of meeting over the past decade.

From inspiring chats to unforgettable collaborations, these snapshots capture not just the fame, but the genuine camaraderie and creative sparks that flew.

Join me in celebrating these amazing talents and the joy of connecting with fellow art enthusiasts.