subject: Hand Stretching Canvas Onto Stretcher Frames - How To Do It [print this page] Purchasing already stretched canvas can be costly. This is especially true if you need a large canvas. Anything over 40 inches can become very expensive nearing the price range of several hundred dollars. The best suggestion for this is hand stretching canvas onto stretcher frames. And, you can do this for much less than what a hobby store would charge for one already done. There are a few things to know before you get started. Make sure you know what size stretcher frame you need. Purchase the stretcher bars necessary for the desired size and a roll of canvas.
The wood of your stretcher bars is very important. When you're hand stretching canvas onto stretcher frames, you want to make sure the profile of the wood is rounded. This is so your canvas won't receive any imprints with wood that has edges. You'll want to purchase stretcher bars that have corner joints. These joints are made so that it's easier to glue or nail your corners together. If you use glue, make sure the glue sits for at least 24 hours. By properly attaching the corners will ensure that your frame will be even on all sides. The pressure from the canvas being pulled over the stretcher bars will be able to withstand it.
Set the profile side with the rounded edges face down on your canvas. Cut the excess canvas that surrounds your frame and leave about three inches of the canvas. This extra slack is necessary so you'll be able to stretch it over the frame. Staple one side of your canvas length wise securely. Once that side is firmly stapled, pull your canvas over the other side of your frame. Make sure the canvas is as tight as you want it before you set in the staples. Do the same method for the height, start with one side and pull hard to complete it. Hand stretching canvas onto stretcher frames takes a little bit of effort on your part. So, make sure you do it carefully so your canvas comes out correctly.
Don't cut off the extra canvas that will be left after your first stapling. Instead, fold the canvas back behind the frame to staple it. You can either staple it to the inside of the frame or to just to the back. If you simple staple it to the back, be sure to make the staples in the corners. Fold the excess once over the corner like you were wrapping a gift and staple. Then, fold any extra that remains and staple that down as well. The method for hand stretching canvas onto stretcher frames is now complete!
