Canvas hangings were basically cheaper imitations of woven tapestries. They covered whole walls of large, stately rooms from wainscot to ceiling in the new mansions erected by the rising merchant class in the late 18th century. They were hand-painted, with emphasis on using inexpensive, quick-drying oil paints and a premium on rapid execution. They were also printed, either by stencil or block-print methods, and then hand finished with the addition of a few details. A tapestry effect was achieved by using coarse grained canvas under coats of preferably dull paint. Chinese silk or paper hangings were imitated, as well as the so-called strewn flower wall hangings, where the whole canvas was first dyed and the flowers painted in by hand. These hangings are now dispersed and, for the most part, in bad condition. Paint has darkened or flaked off, worn-out edges have been cut off, pentimento is visible. Attempts at restoration by relining or gluing to rigid supports have had negative results. Coating with varnish robs these hangings of their essential character which is to imitate tapestries. Thus it is very important to be careful with the materials used in restoration.