Stretched canvas that has been professionally stretched can be quite expensive. Fortunately, stretching canvas in the studio is relatively simple, especially with the help of an assistant. It may take a few tries to figure out how to stretch a canvas properly, but once an artist is comfortable doing so, it will seem well worth the effort. Artists will be able to have better control over canvas sizes, allowing them to create custom pieces, in addition to saving money by stretching canvas themselves.
Several tools are required to stretch canvas. Begin with the stretcher bars or frame that will be used to stretch the canvas. Supporting cross braces will be required if the canvas is going to be large. The canvas itself is the next essential component. Many art supply stores sell unprimed canvas rolls, which should be stretched. A hammer with carpet tacks or a staple gun will be needed to secure the canvas. Finally, although they are not strictly necessary, a set of canvas pliers greatly aids in the stretching of canvas.
Begin by assembling the stretcher bars once all of the tools for stretching canvas have been assembled in a clean, dry location. Before nailing or stapling them together, make sure they’re snugly connected and square. To make sure the stretchers are square, use a grid or a t-square, or measure across the canvas’s diagonals to see if the distances are the same. Roll out the canvas and cut out a square that is larger than the stretcher bars once you’re sure the stretchers are square. Be generous with your cuts because the canvas will have to wrap partway around the stretchers.
When stretching canvas, begin in the middle and work your way inward, always on opposite sides. Staple or nail the canvas to the middle of one of the supports, then stretch the canvas as taut as possible on the opposite side. Canvas pliers will help you grip the canvas without hurting your hands, and an assistant can help you stretch the canvas tightly across the frame by holding the stretcher bars and canvas. To stretch the canvas, move to the middle of one of the sides and repeat the process. Then begin working your way around the supports’ edges. Fold the corners neatly and tack them down when you get to them.
After stretching the canvas, you can either prime it or leave it unprimed, depending on your preference. You can stretch canvas one at a time for each piece, or you can dedicate a day to stretching canvas so that you have a variety of canvases to work with. In any case, keep the materials cool and dry, and avoid exposing them to moisture or excessive heat. Warping can be avoided by storing the canvas flat.