How to Stretch Oil Paintings
Stretching a canvas is not difficult. It is cheaper than having a professional stretch the canvas for you. But before you attempt to stretch your oil painting, it would be prudent to practice on a plain canvas a few times to perfect your technique.
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Things You'll Need
- 4 Stretchers
- Hammer
- Right angle
- Staple gun
- Wood glue
- Canvas pliers (can be bought at an art store)
Instructions
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Connecting the Stretcher Bars
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1
Before you try to stretch your canvas painting, you will first need to connect your stretcher bars. Use your right angle to ensure that your stretcher bars create perfect 90 degree angles. Glue two stretcher bars together.
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2
Once you have glued the stretcher bars together, check to see if there are any gaps. If there are, gently hammer the edges together to remove any gaps. Then glue the remaining two bars together, to form a frame.
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3
Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours.
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4
Once the glue on the stretcher bars has dried, staple them. Place three staples on the front corners, and three on the back to create solid joints. Staple all four corners.
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5
After the stretcher bars have been completed, roll your canvas out, and place the stretcher bars on top.
Stretching Your Canvas
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Your canvas should be large enough to have at least 2 to 3 inches overlap on all sides.
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When you begin to staple your canvas to the stretcher bars, start in the middle, and work outwards. Place your first staple in the middle.
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Turn your canvas to the other side, and use your canvas pliers to pull the canvas taut. Make sure your canvas is centered, and place the second staple.
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9
When placing your staples on your stretcher boards, be sure to staple every 2 to 3 inches.
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10
When you get to your corners, fold the canvas much like a present (corners folded inwards), and staple firmly.
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Tips & Warnings
It might be helpful to have someone assist you in the stretching process. Once you've completed the stretching of your canvas, you can hide the staples on the backing with brown masking tape.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strainer_bar_corner_051907.jpg
