Aluminum composite material (ACM) is a three-layer sandwich panel 3mm in depth, consisting of two pre-painted aluminum sheets bonded to a polyethylene (PE) core. ACM metal panels are both durable and practical, with corrosion resistance, impact resistance, also very slow to react to environmental changes such as humidity. This material is strong, lightweight and rigid, with a high quality finish and an ideal support to use as a rigid backing for artwork.

The benefits of using a rigid support recommended by conservators, such as acm, are many;

• Stabilising the paint layer, no more expansions or contraction of the linen reducing the risk of cracking.

• Protection of the painting itself, against damage to the rear, improving the longevity of the artwork,

• More portable so ideal for plein air, also no light penetration through the canvas when working outdoors.

• Plus the ability to remove the linen from the acm panel if required at a later date further protecting the artwork.

The canvas we use for our linen panels is high quality, professional grade Claessens linen. In 1906, close to the River Leie and in the middle of the Flax District, Victor Claessens founded a company to produce top-quality artist’s canvas. To that end, he refined the tried and tested methods that had been passed down from generation to generation. This respect for tradition and experience has made Claessens a household name amongst artists, stretching far beyond the borders of Europe.

We also offer UART Premium Sanded Pastel paper on acm panel. Designed to provide pastel, colored pencil and charcoal artists with a consistent and reliable surface, UART Premium Sanded Pastel Paper accepts a wide variety of wet media for underpainting without compromising or damaging the tooth. You can add layer upon layer, correct and create without impairing the surface of your painting or drawing, and thanks to its unique sanded surface, you don't need to use fixatives. Available in three grades, 400, 600 and 800.

We are constantly looking to expand what surfaces we offer, including watercolour surfaces, so watch this space for future developments!

Beva® 371 Film is a heat activated adhesive, originally developed by Professor Gustav Berger and created specifically for conservation applications, such as repairing or relining old, damaged canvases.

Beva® 371 film is solvent-free and is a reversible conservation adhesive. Allowing the painting to be removed from the acm panel should a different backing be required in the future.

No, the paint will not adhere to the surface properly. Only oil paint can be used on an oil primed linen.

However we do also have universal primed linen, Claessens #166, which is suitable for either oils or acrylic.

No, Claessens always apply 2 layers of synthetic adhesive. After each layer the canvas is dryed in a wam-air oven.

We offer Claessens #166 which is a popular, medium fine, universal primed canvas. It originates from the finest Belgium Flax, from V.A Claessens. It is coated twice with an acrylic-based paint and is suitable for either oils or acrylic.

ACM panels are the better choice for an archival support for your artwork, because of its very slow response to environmental changes in temperature and humidity, unlike the well documented issues that can arise in other supports such as stretched canvas and wood. It is also rigid and lightweight, providing extra strength and protection for your artwork to stand the test of time.

It is a rigid, lightweight surface which is pH neutral, acid free and capable of handling any type of wet media without the risk of buckling, including watercolor, alcohol and oil washes. It is convenient to use if you’re a plein air painter and also makes framing easier.

Yes, UART paper mounted on acm is capable of handling any type of wet media including watercolor, alcohol and oil washes.

Yes, in the case of pastels you no longer need a backing board, plus the artwork is much sturdier and easier to frame.