How To Stretch a Painted Canvas #woodworking #woodworkingtutorial #artandcraft, by Woodcraft Wisdom on YouTube. 2 min 53 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 53 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Lay the painting face up on a clean table and check that the paint is fully dry. If the paint feels tacky or brittle, stop and let it cure before stretching.
Assemble four stretcher bars into a rectangle. Check the frame is square by measuring both diagonals; they should be equal. Tap in corner braces if your bars use them.
Turn the canvas face down and place the frame on top, centered on the artwork. Measure the border on all four sides and adjust until the margins are equal.
Fold one side over the back of the frame and staple it at the center. Pull the opposite side evenly with canvas pliers and staple it at the center.
Work outward from the center staples on both sides, then repeat on the top and bottom. Keep the weave straight and place staples every 2 to 3 inches.
Fold each corner like a gift, pulling the fabric tight and flat. Staple the folds on the back, then trim excess canvas about 1 inch from the staples.
Turn the canvas over and check for wrinkles or a distorted image. If the frame has slots, tap in stretcher keys to tighten it, then recheck the tension.
Tips and common mistakes
Never wet a painted canvas to stretch it; water can soften the ground and damage the paint.
Pull in small, even amounts so the painting does not crack or pull out of shape.
Keep fingers clear of the staple gun and wear eye protection when trimming or hammering.
If the painted image runs to the edge, you need extra fabric or a frame style that hides the sides.
Questions
Can you stretch a canvas after painting it?
Yes, if the paint is dry and still flexible. Work slowly and avoid overstretching, because old or thick paint can crack along the folds.
Should I wet the canvas before stapling?
No. Do not wet a painted canvas; moisture can damage the paint and sizing. Stretch it dry with even tension.
How tight should the finished canvas be?
It should feel firm and spring back slightly when tapped, with no wrinkles on the front. Do not make it drum-tight, or the image can distort.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
