HOW TO STRETCH CANVAS - Learn how to stretch canvas or linen on a frame or stretcher., by Askari Art on YouTube. 16 min 9 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 9 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Measure the size of painting you want and buy four stretcher bars to match. Slot the bars together by hand to check the joints fit before you start.
Join the bars into a rectangle and press the mitred ends together. Measure both diagonals with a tape; if the numbers match, the frame is square. Tap gently with a hammer if needed.
Lay the frame face down on your canvas or linen and cut the fabric with about 5 cm extra on every side. For larger frames, leave 7 to 10 cm.
Fold one edge over the back of the bar and staple once in the middle. Do the same on the opposite edge, pulling the fabric firmly by hand as you staple.
Add more staples along those two edges, about every 5 to 8 cm, working out from the middle. Use canvas pliers to keep the weave straight and the tension even.
Repeat on the two remaining edges, always working from the centre outwards and alternating sides. The surface should feel tight and springy, not rock hard.
At each corner, fold the fabric into a neat pleat, tuck the bulk underneath and staple it flat on the back of the frame. Check the front corner looks clean.
Tap wedge keys into the slots at the back corners if the canvas looks slack. Lightly mist the back of linen with water and let it dry overnight to shrink it tight.
Prime the stretched surface with one or two coats of gesso if you plan to paint on it. Let each coat dry before adding the next.
Tips and common mistakes
Measure the diagonals before you staple anything, because a frame that starts off square stays square once the fabric is tight.
Pull firmly but stop if the weave starts to twist, since over-stretching makes the surface hard to paint on.
Keep staples on the back and sides of the bars, never on the front face where they would show.
Wear eye protection and keep your fingers clear of the staple gun's nose when loading and firing.
Questions
How much extra canvas do I need around the frame?
Leave about 5 cm on each side for a small frame and 7 to 10 cm for larger ones. The extra gives you enough fabric to grip, pull and fold over the back.
Can I stretch cotton canvas the same way?
Yes. The process is the same for cotton canvas, linen or any similar fabric. Linen usually needs a firmer pull and may need a light misting to shrink tight.
Do I have to prime the canvas after stretching?
If you are painting with oil or acrylic, yes. Apply one or two thin coats of gesso and let each one dry, so the paint sits on a sealed surface instead of soaking in.
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.
