subject: Canvas Stretchers – An Overview [print this page] Canvas Stretchers An Overview Canvas Stretchers An Overview
A canvas stretcher is a rectangular or square frame made of heavy duty stretcher bars which can easily take the strain of a large canvas and strain it to smooth out any creases and present the artist with an even surface to work upon. Some canvas stretchers are available for sale in the market that can be used by an artist to stretch canvas without causing any mental or physical strain to the artist. These canvas stretchers can easily smooth out any creases and provide uniform, smooth and tight canvas in about 3 minutes or so.
Canvas stretcher, as the name suggests, is used to stretch a canvas so that it can be made wrinkle free and smooth and it becomes easy to paint upon it. Gessoed canvases ( canvas made smooth with traditional fiber) on stretchers are also available in a variety of weights: light-weight is about 4 oz. or 5 oz.; medium-weight is about 7 oz. or 8 oz.; heavy-weight is about 10 oz. or 12 oz. They are prepared with two or three coats of gesso( a traditional primer). Canvas stretchers are available in different depths. The timber has to be carefully selected and stored. Then the wood is kiln dried to 11% moisture content for stability. Many galleries also provide these services to artists. Generally, an artist prefers to stretch his own canvas. This leads to his becoming intimate with the canvas upon which he will be painting. Many artists value canvas stretching as an art. They do not expect the customers to stretch their canvasses. Neither do they enjoy the services offered by the professionals. Matte 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. This effectively prevents cracking and ensures 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 canvas stretchers.
