Stretching Canvas
The preparation for a painting is as vital as its final image. The quality of an artwork depends upon the quality of materials used for it. Canvas is can integral part of any artwork; it can make or break any artwork affecting its characteristics and durability.
There are different methods adapted in stretching canvas according to artist’s requirements and preferences. Here is the most common method of stretching canvas for artwork.
We need a custom-built or ready-made stretcher, canvas pliers, a staple gun and some non-corrosive staples for stretching canvas. The stretcher bars that angle inward and away from the stretching canvas prevents the impact of bar imprints into painted canvas. Inclusion of cross bars will stabilize the large stretchers.
Next step is fixing the canvas on the stretcher. Linen and cotton are the most commonly used stretching canvas materials by many artists. Generally, linen is very strong where as cotton is soft which makes stretching easier. If one prefers only cotton, but a stronger canvas, he needs to select a heavier grade of cotton. However, the weight of the fabric should match the painting technique. If the application of painting is a thick one, then the heaver fabric is most suitable.
Cut the fabric leaving enough room for stretching in all the sides. Keep the stretcher on a flat surface and position the fabric on it. Cut a fabric piece allowing ample margin to stretch and extend over the edges to the back of the stretcher. On a flat surface, position the assembled stretcher on the fabric. The fabrics weave parallels should be aligned to the edges of the stretcher and threads should be kept straight during stretching. Now tack the canvas on each corner temporarily.
Start stretching and attaching the fabric from the middle point of each stretcher side. Rotate the fabric evenly attaching it to the stretcher at close intervals. Staple both the ends like the narrow side and the verso side of the stretcher. Continue this process until you have three inches from each corner. Now the unattached corners are to be folded, tucked and stapled back of the stretcher. Avoid over stretching, which may tighten up with sizing and gesso. Finally, insert the wedges, now your stretching canvas is ready. Stretching canvas is as simple as that.
After completion of painting you may have to re-stretch the canvas due to distortion or ripple. Some times artwork might be removed from its stretcher for transportation or storage purposes. But one has to take care that the cracks are not created on the artwork either while removing or re-stretching it again.