How to Stretch a Canvas

Stretching your own canvas for paintings is quick, simple, and cheaper than purchasing pre-stretched canvases. When you stretch your own canvas, you have ultimate flexibility in the size and shape you can achieve as well as the satisfaction of participating in this time-honored tradition. Follow these steps to learn how to stretch your own canvas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 4 stretcher bars
• Staple gun
• Heavy duty staples
• Canvas
• Canvas pliers

Prepare the Frame

1. Choose the size you want your finished canvas to be and purchase stretcher bars accordingly. Get four pre-made stretcher bars: top, bottom and sides.
2. Slide the mitered edges of the stretcher bars together until they are flush.
3. Check the corners to be sure that they are all right angles by measuring diagonally from corner to corner to ensure that both measurements are equal.
4. Secure the stretcher bars together with 2 to 3 staples where the mitered edges meet.

Stretch the Canvas

5. Purchase a sheet of unprimed linen or cotton duck canvas that is at least six inches taller and wider than your desired final measurement.
6. Spread the sheet of canvas across a clean, flat surface and lay the frame on top of it, allowing three inches of extra canvas on each side.
7. Trim any excess canvas if necessary.
8. Fold one side of the canvas over onto the bar and staple in the center.
9. Pull the canvas tightly with your hand or canvas pliers and staple the opposite side. Continue with the two remaining sides.
10. Continue stapling the canvas to the frame, placing one staple to the left and right of each center staple.
11. Fold the edges of the canvas neatly at each corner and staple to the frame through the fold.

Tips & Warnings

• Stretcher bars are available in a variety of styles that affect the look of the finished canvas. Standard or economy stretcher bars work well for paintings that will be framed. Choose the thicker "gallery" style stretchers for a professional look that can stand alone without a frame.
• When using gallery style stretchers, you will need more than three inches of extra canvas on each side to accommodate the extra width.
• If you plan to frame the painting, make sure your final canvas size is a standard size to fit pre-made frames. Otherwise, you will have to have a frame custom-made.
• Use unprimed canvas. It’s much easier to stretch than pre-primed canvas and will tighten further around the frame after priming.
• Pull the canvas as tightly as possible when stapling for a smooth result. Canvas pliers help to maintain a strong grip.
• If your canvas is wrinkled after stapling, remove the staples and try again. You may need to staple the canvas in more places than stated in the instructions until you get the hang of it.
• For a more traditional look, use brass upholstery tacks instead of staples to secure the canvas to the frame.

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