Canvas stretching: Framing your artwork on canvas
Canvas stretching, the process of tightly stretching art on canvas over a wooden frame, is a critical skill inthe world of art and framing. At Dandelion, we know how important this step is.
An expertly stretched canvas will showcase your art to its best advantage, while preserving it for the future. In this post, we open our workshop to you, and get into detail on our processes for canvas stretching. We explain the method, and the importance of this technique in preserving and showcasing art.
Understanding Canvas Stretching
Canvas stretching tightly stretches a canvas material over a wooden frame (stretcher bars), ensuring that the canvas remains tight and smooth. This technique protects the art as it prevents sagging, wrinkling, and warping of the canvas over time. Properly stretched canvases can last for decades, making it a worthwhile investment for artists and art owners alike. We have certified picture framers to stretch your canvas, taking the utmost care with your valuable art.
Materials we use for stretching canvas:
Canvas: We will carefully examine your canvas, and advise on any issues we might anticipate.
Stretcher Bars: Wooden stretcher bars are used to create the frame. We custom cut the size of the stretcher bars to match your art on canvas.
Staple Gun: A heavy-duty staple gun is used for securing the canvas to the stretcher bars.
Canvas Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed for gripping and stretching the canvas without damaging it.Staples: High-quality, corrosion-resistant staples are necessary for a long-lasting stretch.
Measuring Tape: We measure from corner to corner of the completed stretcher bar, to ensure it is perfectly squared once stretched.
Rubber Mallet: A rubber mallet is handy for gently tapping the stretcher bars into place, for keyed stretcher bars.
Our Method for stretching canvas for expert results:
Our Workspace
We always start with a good workspace. Our canvas stretching area is clean and well-lit, with enough room to lay out your canvas and stretcher bars. Tools are within reach, and the work surface is flat and level. You will see why this is so important as we get further along in the process!
Size, custom cut and assemble the stretcher bars.
Then we cut the stretcher bars to the size of your artwork. We square the corners by making sure the measurements from corner to corner are precisely equal. Our certified picture framers are highly skilled at this.
Begin Stretching
Your canvas is laid flat on the work surface, ensuring it's clean and free of wrinkles, and positioned correctly.
Stapling the Canvas
We begin in the center of one side, stapling the canvas to the stretcher bar. The process is repeated on the opposite side, pulling the canvas evenly to maintain tension.
Work on the Corners
Now it's time to tackle the corners. Start with one corner and fold the excess canvas over the stretcher bar. Use your canvas pliers to grip and pull the canvas tightly. Staple the folded canvas in place. Repeat this process for all four corners, making sure they are neatly folded and stretched.
Check Tension and Adjust
Once we have stapled all sides, the tension is checked, and if any areas feel loose, canvas pliers are used to carefully re-stretch and staple if needed. We do a final inspection of the canvas for uneven tension.
Your canvas is now securely stretched, smooth, and ready for display or further framing.
Canvas stretching is a skill that combines precision and care to ensure that works of art on canvas are presented in their best possible form. And that they are protected and preserved for years to come.
Contact us at Dandelion Art Framing & Gallery in Saskatoon.
With over 20 years of experience in framing and carpentry, we can expertly stretch your art on canvas, and advise on how to beautifully preserve your work for years to come.