Canvas stretching is the process of attaching a canvas to a wooden frame, known as a stretcher, to create a taut and smooth surface for painting or printing. Canvas stretching has many benefits for artists and art lovers, such as:
It enhances the appearance and quality of the art gallery work, by preventing sagging, wrinkling and distortion of the canvas.
It protects the canvas from damage, by providing support and stability to the fabric and preventing it from tearing or fraying.
It allows for more creative options, by enabling the artist to paint or print on any size and shape of canvas they desire.
It saves money, by allowing the artist to buy canvas rolls or sheets instead of pre-stretched canvases, which are usually more expensive.
If you want to enjoy these benefits, you can stretch your own canvas at home with some basic tools and materials. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Get the right tools and materials
To stretch a canvas, you will need:
1. Stretcher bars: These are wooden pieces that form the custom frames of the canvas. You can buy them pre-cut and pre-assembled from art supply stores, or you can make your own from wooden planks. The size and shape of the stretcher bars depend on your preference and the dimensions of your canvas.
2. Canvas: This is the fabric that you will attach to the stretcher bars. You can buy it pre-primed or unprimed from art supply stores, or you can use any other fabric that is suitable for painting or printing. The size of the canvas should be larger than the stretcher bars by at least 15 cm (6 inches) on each side.
3. Staple gun: This is a tool that shoots staples into wood and fabric. You will need it to secure the canvas to the stretcher bars. You will also need carpentry staples that are strong enough to grip into the wood.
4. Canvas pliers: These are special pliers that have flat surfaces that can be used to pull and stretch the canvas without damaging it. You will need them to create tension and smoothness on the canvas surface.
5. Scissors: These are used to cut the excess canvas framing after stretching it.
6. Spray bottle: This is filled with plain water. You will use it to dampen the back of the stretched canvas. As it dries, it will shrink and tighten the canvas even more.
Step 2: Prepare a stretcher
Lay out two pairs of stretcher bars on a flat work surface covered with a plastic sheet. If they are not pre-assembled, use a rubber mallet to knock them into place. Make sure they form a perfect rectangle or square by measuring and comparing the diagonals. If they are not equal, adjust them until they are.
Step 3: Lay out your canvas
Lay out your canvas roll or sheet on top of the plastic sheet. If the canvas is pre-primed, make sure the primed side is facing down. Align the weave of the fabric with the edges of the stretcher bars.
Step 4: Measure and cut your canvas
Measure a distance of 15 cm (6 inches) away from both sides of each corner of the stretcher bars and mark with a pencil. Use a long ruler to draw lines between the pencil marks to form a rectangle or square around the stretcher frame. Cut along these lines with scissors to trim off the excess canvas.
Step 5: Staple one side of the canvas
Fold one side of the canvas back over the frame. Using your canvas pliers, grip the center of that same side of canvas and pull it tightly over the edge of the frame. Secure it with a staple in the center of that side.
Step 6: Staple another side of the canvas
Rotate the canvas and frame 180 degrees so that you are facing the opposite side. Repeat step 5 by folding, pulling and stapling that side of canvas in its center.
Step 7: Staple two more sides of the canvas
Rotate the canvas and frame 90 degrees so that you are facing one of the remaining sides. Repeat step 5 by folding, pulling and stapling that side of canvas in its center. Rotate another 180 degrees and do the same for the last side.
Step 8: Staple all sides from center to corners
Now you have secured all four sides of canvas in their centers with staples. Next, you need to work your way from the center to the corners on each side, adding more staples as you go. Start with one side and pull the canvas with your pliers about 5 cm (2 inches) away from the center staple. Staple it in place. Repeat this until you reach the corner. Do the same for the other three sides.
Step 9: Fold and staple the corners
The last step is to fold and staple the corners of the canvas neatly. There are different ways to do this, but one of the simplest is to fold one flap of canvas over the other, like wrapping a gift, and staple it in place. Trim off any excess canvas with scissors.
Step 10: Dampen and prime your canvas
To make your canvas even tighter and smoother, you can spray some water on the back of it and let it dry. This will cause the canvas to shrink and create more tension. You can also prime your canvas with gesso, a white paint mixture that prepares the surface for painting or printing. Apply one or more coats of gesso with a brush or a roller, letting each coat dry before applying the next.
Conclusion
You have successfully stretched your own canvas! Now you can enjoy painting or printing on it, or hang it on your wall as a blank canvas art. Canvas stretching is a rewarding skill that can enhance your artistic practice and save you money. With some practice and patience, you can master it and create your own custom canvases.
