How to Make Stretchers for Art Canvas

Even the novice painter or artist knows how expensive art supplies can be, especially when it comes to canvas. In fact, many artists will opt to paint on other surfaces as the cost of canvas board or other types of pre-stretched canvas can really start to add up. The good news is that canvas, when purchased on its own, is much cheaper than canvas that has already been stretched for art, and can be purchased by the roll. The process of stretching your own canvas for art is simple and easy, and it also has the added benefit of allowing the artist to choose exactly what size and shape the canvas should be.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood
• Hammer
• 1-inch Nails
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Canvas
• Stapler

1. Determine the size of canvas that is going to be used for art and record these dimensions. Next add 2 inches to each of these dimensions. Measure and mark the canvas again with the new dimensions, and cut it accordingly. Adding two inches to the size prior to cutting the canvas section is important because it will ensure that the canvas can successfully be attached to the stretching frame while leaving the original dimensions that will be used for art exposed.

2. Use the original dimensions for the canvas to construct a wooden frame. Measure and mark the wood before you cut accordingly. Bring the edges of the wood together to form the corners of the frame, and then use your hammer to drive a nail into the corner to secure both edges. Repeat this until all of the corners have been fitted together. If you are unfamiliar with basic building or carpentry, just make sure that as you work your way around the frame, the tips of two nails never point directly toward each other on one edge.

3. Bring the canvas up over the top of your completed frame to stretch the canvas for art. the edges of the canvas should overlap the frame slightly; make sure the edges of the canvas overlap as evenly as possible on all sides. Next, use the stapler to secure the edges of the canvas to the frame, along the edges where it is overlapping. It will be helpful to use the stapler in an open position, to make quick hard staples into the wood. Stretch the canvas for art by moving in one direction around the edge of the frame; do not skip to the edge across from one you have just finished because this will interfere with the stretching process. As you begin to staple the last edge, pull the canvas tight against the frame as you staple. When you finish, there should be enough tension to create a flat surface of canvas that is now stretched across the frame for art. The excess canvas can be removed from below the stapling points, if desired.

[cica]

on 5/6/2009 Simple but excellent pointers for beginner "canvasers"