top of page

01

Can I Hang Up My Stretched Canvas Without A Frame?

​

​Yes, we can attach hardware and wire to the back of the stretcher bars directly. Deeper canvases, called Gallery Wraps are, very often, painted on the sides of the stretchers and are intended to be viewed or hung without a frame.

02

How Much of A Spare Edge Do You Need For Stretching And Stapling?

​

We prefer to have at least 1" beyond the amount of canvas it takes to cover the edge of the stretcher bar. That way, we have something to grab with the canvas pliers so that we can stretch the canvas tightly with a minimum of wrinkles. This means we prefer 2-3" from the edge of the painting.

03

Is It Expensive To Stretch A Canvas?

​

No, it is not expensive, relative to what it will cost to frame it. We charge for the stretcher bar it is going to be attached to and the amount of labour it takes to staple it onto the stretcher. It is somewhat labour intensive, but the canvas looks great once it is attached, all smooth and taut. Like frames, bigger canvases take more time to stretch and cost more than smaller ones. The main point here, though, is that it must be stretched before it can be framed. 

04

Why can't I just build my own stretchers out of 2 x 4's?

​

You can, but the problem is that stretcher bars are shaped especially, so that the canvas only rests on the rounded outer edge, with the main, flat portion falling away and tapering in thickness so that the stretcher doesn't touch the back of the canvas. Over time, if it does touch it, a line begins to appear in the painting. So, unless you are handy with a lumber milling machine or an electric router to make your own stretcher bar from scratch, we recommend you let us do that for you. 

Once You Stretch It, What Sort Of Frame Should I Use?



You have at least 3 really good options to start.

  1. One is to frame it in what is called a Floater Frame.  This is an "L" shaped frame profile that does not have a lip to cover the edge of the frame. The canvas is attached with screws to the bottom face of the "L" in the floater. It can be attached with a gap of 1/4" to 1/2", giving the appearance of the canvas "floating" in the middle of the frame, or the canvas can be snug, up against the edge of the floater. Either way, the edge of the canvas is never covered up by the frame.

  2.  A second option is to frame it with a standard wood frame that is deep enough for the stretcher bar used. Here, the lip of the frame will cover the canvas a little bit, usually no more than 1/4". We will seal the inner surface of the frame where it comes in contact with the canvas, to prevent acid from seeping into the canvas from the wood of the frame.

  3. The third good option is to use the second option, but add a fabric covered "liner" in between the frame and the canvas. The Liner acts like a mat does in a regular matted frame job. It creates a visual separation between the art and the frame. It costs more to use a frame and a liner than just a frame but,if done right, is very effective in enhancing the overall design of the framing.



 

05

Area Serviced: Picture Framing Tauranga

bottom of page