Gallery wrapped canvas prints are in vogue nowadays. These are the canvas prints without any frames and simply stretched on a stretcher. A stretcher is a frame made up of stretcher bars on which the canvas was stretched originally. It serves as an internal frame around which the canvas is wrapped to generate a three dimensional effect. Gallery wrap stretcher bars are available which are designed especially to cater to gallery wrapped canvas prints segment. Affordable and cheap stretcher bars are available to be used as an internal frame on which a canvas print can be hung and stretched. It fetches good price for the print and eliminates any expenses on frame and other frills.
Using the canvas with stretcher bars
While creating gallery wrapped canvas prints it should be ensured that the canvas used for print must be of good quality that may assure a good print. Mate canvas is considered better than gloss or semi-gloss canvas as it is finer. The canvas to be used must not crack at the borders. Before stretching a canvas a good sealer should be applied evenly on the surface of the canvas to prevent cracking and ensure smooth stretching. Care should be taken while stretching so that the canvas is not pressed against the bars as it will cause a line to emerge on the print and cause what is generally known as a ghosting effect. Cedar wood or Pinewood is ideal for making good quality gallery wrapped stretcher bars.
Gessoed canvases on stretchers are also available in a variety of weights: lightweight is about 4 oz. or 5 oz.; medium-weight is about 7 oz. or 8 oz.; heavyweight is about 10 oz. or 12 oz. They are prepared with two or three coats of gesso (a traditional primer). Even cheap stretchers bars provide a host of options and are are available in different depths and sizes. The timber has to be carefully selected and stored. Then the wood is kiln dried to 11% moisture content for stability. A lot of galleries and other service providers also provide these services to artists.