Buying canvas in a roll is a good opportunity to save on the cost of the product itself and on its shipping. From us you can purchase paintings both in rolls and on a stretcher. In the first case, even the shipping itself is much cheaper.

But the canvas cannot be hung on the wall just like that, without a stretcher. It is the stretcher that holds the canvas in a well-stretched state. To ensure that the canvas does not sag and the painting retains its attractive appearance, we suggest using the following instructions.

How to stretch fabric onto a stretcher

The following materials will be required:

• subframe made of slats;
• crosses needed to eliminate distortions and deflections of the main bars, as well as increase the strength of the structure;
• set of staples for stapler.

You will also need the following tools:

• regular roulette;
• hammer (especially if you plan to use nails);
• wood stapler
• special tool for tensioning.

In general, there are two types of stretching and it depends on you which one you have to give preference to: gallery or classic. The first involves frameless design, when the canvas is stretched so that the image continues on the sides. It must be said that if it is fixed with reverse side stretcher and neatly wrapped in the corners, then everything looks great even without a frame. Therefore, today this method is considered very stylish and modern. This kind of design can be found quite often.

There is also a classic type of stretching, when the ends remain white, and the picture itself is prepared under baguette frame. Like everything classic, this method will always be popular. In any case, it is important that the frame is made exactly to the size of the canvas, and that the timber is dry, without cracks or knots. The fibers should be directed lengthwise.

Size matters

In modular versions of the subframe, the slats are moved apart using wedges made from dry wood hard rocks. There are main slats that have external chamfers, and their internal bevel is approximately five degrees, which protects the image from damage.

The stretchers are strengthened with crosses, and then, so that the canvas does not come into contact with them, the picture is fastened to the main slats at a distance of 5 mm from the plane of the canvas. The ratio of the thickness and width of the stretcher slats can be different - it depends on the size of the larger side of the picture.

Almost 200 years ago, standard sizes for paintings appeared, thanks to which they can be classified. All formats are divided into three groups. For example, the most elongated format is called “marina”, a rectangle that approaches a square is called a “figure”, and a “landscape” is medium view format.

There are also markings that depend on the length of the longer side. For example, sizes 16x54 are called 15F, sizes 65x50 are called 15P, and 65x46 is a format numbered 15M. There are a total of 50 international sizes that fall within the listed standards. The standard row of paintings also corresponds to the standard dimensions of the stretcher frames.

Steps to success

Step-by-step instructions depend on which subframe you are using. If it is modular, then you will need to follow several steps described below.

1. Measure the diagonals of the subframe. If they are the same, then you can staple the corners using two staples for each corner. In order for the staples to be driven in well, the stapler must be pressed well and then driven in. It may happen that the staple is not driven in - then you need to twist the round knob on top and thus adjust the stapler. Nails can be used instead of staples. Only they cannot be hammered in completely. You need to hit it on the bias to bend the head to one side, and then the canvas will not fly off the nails in the future. To make sure everything is done symmetrically, after the first staple or nail, turn the canvas upside down, pull it a little and hammer it right in the middle of the opposite side.
2. Place the design evenly on the stretcher so that the threads of the canvas are parallel to the edges of the stretcher.
3. Using a special tool, staple the canvas on all sides. There is also a faster option: wrap the stretcher in canvas and, stretching it quite tightly, drive a staple in the center.
4. Secure the canvas with a stapler every two to three centimeters, moving from the center to the edge. It is necessary that the tool is tensioned with the same force. After this, continue to stretch the canvas, carefully tucking it at the corners and shooting it with a stapler.
5. Pull out the brackets that hold the corners of the subframe together. Fold and staple the remaining excess canvas.
6. Insert two wooden wedges each into the slots at the corners of the subframe and tap them with a hammer, but carefully.

If you stretch the canvas onto a blind stretcher, then you need to do everything as indicated in the first paragraphs for a modular stretcher. It is important that the canvas is stretched by the tool with the same force and quite strongly. This is necessary, because if the canvas sags, you will have to re-tighten it again. The canvas is also folded at the corners and the stapler is adjusted. Then the excess canvas that you will still need is folded and secured.

The subframe can be secured to the frame using metal corners 13 mm wide and 10 mm high. The corners can be mounted on a subframe or on a frame (depending on whose height is greater - the subframe or the frame). If the subframe protrudes above the level of the baguette, then you can use D-shaped plates to secure it. You can also use Z-shaped brackets (for example, to fasten double frames), which are attached to the frame with screws.

You can watch the process of stretching canvas onto a stretcher using the gallery method in the following video:

Primary requirements

1. Uniformity. The main requirement is not to distort the picture, so as not to distort its position. You also need to distribute it as evenly as possible across width and height;
2. The frame frame should not sit tightly on the subframe. Otherwise, due to changes in temperature and humidity, the dimensions of the baguette will change, and it will begin to put pressure on the stretcher, which is why the canvas will then sag unsightly.

There is another way

The stretcher is a very important part of the painting, but stretching the canvas onto the stretcher yourself is an option for the handy and economical. If you don’t want to waste time or you doubt your abilities, then you can purchase the painting already on a stretcher. The masters will do it for you and the level of their professionalism will ensure the tension required quality, and you can immediately hang the purchased painting on the wall.

Methods for stretching canvas on a stretcher

Stretching canvas on a stretcher – from 1 hour no extra charge for urgency. Stretching of paintings or canvas onto a stretcher of any non-standard size occurs during the day. From 20x30 cm to 150 x 200 cm and more. If there are a lot of canvases, the production time is by agreement.

We stretch large-sized canvases onto a pine stretcher with jumpers inside the stretcher, or even with a lattice of jumpers, so that the stretcher does not tighten over time due to strong stretching.

We can frame the stretched canvas in a baguette frame in 1 hour. There are 250 options of wooden and plastic moldings for urgent frame production. And 3000 samples of baguette to order.

For gallery-stretched canvases from 80 x 120 cm and larger, we recommend stretching on a stretcher depth 3.5 cm (Eurosubframe).

Advantages of using a thick 35 mm stretcher for stretching large canvases:

Firstly, the likelihood that the subframe will “drive” decreases. Even the highest quality wooden subframe can change its geometry due to strong changes in humidity, which is not uncommon in St. Petersburg. The canvas, stretched on a 35 mm thick stretcher, is guaranteed to fit tightly to the wall, without bending when there is a strong change in humidity.

Secondly, large-sized canvases with gallery stretching from 80x120 cm look more harmonious with a thick stretcher.

Re-upholstering of antique canvases and paintings on a new stretcher.

Re-upholstering old paintings and canvases on a new stretcher is a very complex process that can only be entrusted to a very experienced framer. As a rule, the need for reupholstery arises when the canvas has completely sagged, or the old stretcher has become warped, or the stretcher has become dilapidated.

Our master framer carefully removes the fasteners of the old canvas to the stretcher, usually these are nails. Next, after the canvas is removed from the old stretcher, the master makes a new stretcher on which the antique canvas will be stretched. And here, when stretching a canvas, especially a dilapidated one, the experience of the master is more important than ever. It is necessary to stretch the canvas as tightly as possible, while being able to feel the limit, and not cause damage to the canvas. Particularly difficult cases are when the canvas is dilapidated and there are practically no fields for stretching. But our experienced specialists, having 8-15 years of experience in canvas stretching, can handle any task.

Gallery stretched canvas on a stretcher.

Gallery stretching is a method of decorating a canvas without a frame, in which the canvas is stretched onto a stretcher so that the image on the canvas continues to the sides of the stretcher itself. In gallery stretching, the canvas is carefully wrapped in the corners and secured to the back of the stretcher.

The advantage of gallery-stretched canvas is that you don’t have to think about which framing frame to frame the canvas. In addition, if you are decorating a canvas for a gift, then the person to whom you are giving the canvas can subsequently choose a suitable framing frame for the already stretched canvas, in accordance with their taste.

Stretching modular paintings onto a stretcher.

If you have ordered canvases for a modular painting from China online, and you are holding a bundle of canvases in your hands, not knowing what to do with it, contact us. Within one day we will stretch your modular picture with gallery stretch. Or order from your photo from us.

Characteristics of our wooden subframe:

– solid pine
– humidity 8+-2%
– knotless, spliced ​​onto a mini-tenon, does not deform over time
– Extra grade
– consistent geometry.

Stretcher- this is one of the integral parts of the picture in general. Its purpose is to hold the canvas taut so that the paint spreads evenly onto the fibers.

If the stretcher is made well, then the quality of the painting will be higher.

Imagine that the stretcher is not made firmly, then some problems may arise, for example, the painting being skewed. This can ruin the whole impression, even of a well-drawn picture; it will look, at a minimum, sloppy.

Let's figure out what the main mistakes are when making subframes.

First, connecting the corners. Many unscrupulous companies make the corner joints immovable. This is where the problem arises - it is impossible to regulate the tension of the canvas. Deformation and sagging occurs. This canvas looks ugly.

Secondly, the subframe may lack a cross. This also contributes to sagging and even tearing of the canvas. Therefore, a cross must be required!

Subframe with cross (diagram)

Thirdly, there are no bevels on internal sides strips, as a result of which the paint may crumble or “break.” Your painting will look old and worn out.

Types of subframes

You need to understand that there are two types of subframes: modular and ready-made.

Ready subframe you can purchase at any art salon or art store. But the modular one still needs to be assembled.

What is the difference?

Use a ready-made stretcher for small paintings measuring 30 by 40. But a modular one is better used for large masterpieces. The most important advantage of a modular subframe is that it can be tensioned and in case of sagging, wedges can be driven in to secure this structure. This operation is performed with large paintings.

All about the subframe

First you need to determine where the "face" or face of the subframe is.

In order to determine this side, you need to find a special notch. The side with the notch will be called the front side. It is very convenient because the fabric does not stick to it. Once you have the right side figured out, you can stretch the canvas properly. Then secure it with staples.

What you need to stretch canvas

But how can you determine whether the canvas is stretched well?

The canvas should be stretched fairly tightly, without wrinkles or sagging.

If there are wrinkles and sagging, then you should re-stretch the canvas

So, a few tips on stretching canvas onto a stretcher.

This figure shows the numbered points in which order the staples need to be secured.

First, we soften the corners of the subframe. Otherwise, the stretcher may tear through the corners of the canvas.

To prevent the stretcher from breaking through the canvas, we knock with the back of the hammer on all 4 corners of the stretcher

The second step is cutting out the canvas. You should cut a few centimeters more around the entire perimeter to bend the ends.

So, you need to start pinning the canvas from the longer side. Find the middle and lead to the corner. Then secure with staples.

Ask someone close to you to help you - hold the canvas.

The fabric should be stretched tightly, but at the same time do not overtighten it, it may tear

Further according to the plan, point 3 - pull it and hammer it with staples.

Move to the short side of the canvas. Score the 4th and 5th point. Stretch the canvas vertically.

But point 6 will not require any special effort from you. Pull gently and that's it.

Points 8 and 9 also do not require much effort; pull carefully while holding them with your fingers.

This is followed by 11 and 12.

Fasten the paper clips at a distance of 4-6 cm, secure the corners with an overlap, using two staples

Now your canvas is ready! You can start priming.

In order to stretch the canvas, it will take a lot of effort and patience, but in the end you will get a high-quality field for the flight of your imagination. Believe me, it's worth it.

Making a baguette frame with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

However, be prepared to work a little and be patient, and also find answers to all your questions in advance,

For example,what material is better to choose or how to do it correctlystretch the canvasetc. Otherwise, the result of your work is unlikely to please you.

If you decide to design a baguette frame, then everything necessary materials and it is better to prepare the tools in advance.

Take measurements in advance and calculate the required diameter of the frame, since you can only stretch the canvas by

stretcher of a certain size.

Tools and materials

Most often, a baguette frame is made from carved or painted planks.

The main materials can be selected: plastic, aluminum or wood. You will also need:

• stretcher;
• canvas of the required size;
• ruler;
• stapler;
• hammer;
• pencils or chalk for marking;
• stationery knives or scissors.

​

The frame is manufactured in several stages, including preparatory work.

A stretcher for a painting can be purchased at a specialized store or made independently.

You also need to buy a canvas of the required size, or slightly larger, in advance.

It is important that the canvas is 15-20 cm larger than the stretcher in size (depending on the width of the frame).

Otherwise you will not be able to tension it correctly.

Many beginners who have no experience in making such decorative products are interested in the question of how to stretch canvas onto a stretcher.

The best option would be to purchase untreated canvas and then apply gesso to it after it has been stretched onto a stretcher.

This will simplify the work and help you get everything done as quickly and efficiently as possible. The work ahead of you will include the following stages:

The work is completed.

Stretching canvas on a stretcher requires special skills and experience. It can be of two types: modular (wedge or prefabricated) and blind. A wide range of modules are sold in artist shops. They consist of two slats, the length step of which is 5 cm. But at the same time, their cost is slightly higher than that of deaf ones. The modules have a peculiarity: the corners are not rigidly fixed, and if the canvas sag, the defect can be easily eliminated independently by wedging. The main thing is to do this carefully, trying not to damage the painting with a hammer or deform it, distorting the image. We recommend that you order from our specialists at an affordable price and in a short time.

Preservation of the art object and subframe

Stretching the canvas onto a frame, if done incorrectly, will negatively affect the safety of the piece of art. However, not everyone pays due attention to this point. A defective stretcher will not allow the canvas to fully stretch, which will lead to cracks in the ground and pictorial layers of the image.

What you encounter when buying a low-quality subframe:

• Corners that are tightly fastened do not allow tension adjustment, and as a result, deforming sagging of the canvas.
• Plywood triangles can be nailed to blind corners, which will make the subframe inconvenient to use.
• Pictures of impressive scale must be stretched using a cross. This will prevent the subframe from warping and bending corners.
• If there are no bevels on the back side of the stretcher, the canvas will begin to break, and layers of paint may crumble.
• Stretching the canvas onto a stretcher is a technologically labor-intensive process, so it is better to use a design with rounded points in contact with the painting. They are located on the front of the subframes.
• Unstable subframes become warped when tensioned.
• A weak connection of the corner strips leads to deformation of the canvas, creases and shedding of layers of paint. There is no way to fully connect the canvas and frame.

Sometimes you can find manufacturing defects in stores. These are subframes assembled from damp wood or with knots. Because of this, the foundation will definitely weaken and will have to be changed. And sometimes together with a deformed frame. But the biggest problem is the infestation of the subframe with colonies of the borer beetle. Thanks to it, the wood crumbles and becomes dust. Mold, which can lead to the same result, cannot be ruled out.

How is canvas stretched onto stretchers?

To perform all the steps correctly, you will need a production stapler, an auxiliary tool for stretching woven materials, a hammer and a measuring tape. Do not pull the canvas clean of primer too much, since it will still sag under the weight of the coating. Therefore, after the paint layer has dried, be sure to tamp down the wedges. Blind stretchers involve the use of exclusively primed canvas, and are stretched to the state of a ringing membrane.

Methods for stretching canvases on a stretcher:

• For modular ones: diagonals are measured, they must be identical. The corners are secured with staples (one staple per corner on each side). The image is positioned clearly horizontally. The canvas without primer is laid so that the weft threads run parallel to the edges of the stretcher. The canvas is attached on all sides. The bracket is placed in increments of 3 cm on each side of the perimeter; you need to move from the edges to the central part.

The fabric needs to be tucked in at the corners and secured with staples. It is strictly forbidden to wet the canvas on the side where there is no primer, as this will lead to delamination of the primer. After all the manipulations, remove the staples that secured the subframe at the corners. Excess parts of the canvas are carefully folded and secured. 2 wooden wedges are inserted into the grooves, they are carefully tapped.

• Stretching the canvas onto a blind stretcher. If there is no choice, then, as in the first option, the diagonals are measured first. Trim the canvas and secure it with staples on 4 sides. Attach the canvas in 3 cm increments around the entire perimeter, moving from the central part to the edges.

All other actions are performed in the same sequence as when pulling the picture onto the module, but in this case you won’t have to knock out the wedges, and there’s no need to cut off the excess canvas; it may well come in handy if the picture has to be pulled over.

The corners of the blind stretcher are connected rigidly and if the canvas sag, it will have to be tensioned again. And this process can only be entrusted to a specialist. For medium-sized paintings, a stretcher with slats thickness of 2 cm is suitable; if gallery stretching is necessary, 3 cm.

If a painting is expensive and important, you need to entrust its design to professionals. Attempts to save on their services and do everything yourself often lead to damage to the canvas, after which restoration is required, and this service is much more expensive. For our part, we guarantee careful treatment of objects of art, loyal pricing policy and quality work done. If the client wishes, the full range of framing and design services can be provided.