How to Use a Canvas Stretcher

Serious art collectors and artists are familiar with canvas stretching methods for display purposes. There are several manual methods for stretching a canvas, each varying in its degree of efficiency. The most reliable way to stretch a finished canvas portrait or painting for showing is to utilize one of the mechanical devices marketed today for this purpose. Mechanical canvas stretchers seem expensive to the average consumer, but tend to be purchased primarily by art institutions (schools and museums), photography studios, or established professionals in these industries, and by serious artists or connoisseurs who can justify their cost.
Among commercial canvas stretchers, the EZ Stretcher is one of the easiest to operate. This brand produces a professional-looking result that almost anyone can duplicate. The apparatus itself is sturdy and also comes with everything you need. All you need to supply is the finished art canvas and a few minutes of your time.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench (included with the EZ Stretch kit)
• Large craft stapler
• Utility or craft knife

Instructions

1. Use the Allen wrench to release the bolts securing both handles on either side of the canvas stretcher. You will find the wrench fastened to the top of the stretcher when you remove it from its packaging.

2. 

   Move both of the handles until they are vertical, and replace the bolts, tightening them again with the wrench. Turn the handles toward the rear of the canvas stretcher in order to position the grip bar forward. Pick up the picture that you wish to stretch. Find the side of the image that is closest to the edge of the canvas, and fold it slightly by creasing it as you would a sheet of paper.

3. 

   Lay the canvas over the bar on the same side, making sure that you position the edge so that the first side is secure. Use your stapler to fasten one side to the stretcher. Slip the opposite edge of the canvas into the slot of the corresponding stretcher bar on the other side. Tilt the image away from you slightly.
   Grasp the picture with one of your hands while you turn the handle of the canvas stretcher away from you at the same time. You will feel the tug of resistance if you are doing this correctly. Secure the canvas. Check to be sure that the picture's edges are still well-centered. If adjustment is needed, slide the stretcher's bar either left or right until you are satisfied with the result.

4. 

   Turn the canvas so that the image is horizontal and the picture is facing the ceiling with one hand while pulling the canvas toward you with the other hand. This will force the canvas against the stretcher bar. Staple the second side of the canvas to the bar. Move the handle of the canvas stretcher back to the vertical position until the canvas is released. Position your canvas face down, folding the corners firmly. Staple each fold. Use the utility knife to cut the excess canvas at the stapled vertical sides. The sides should now be the same height as the stretcher bars.

5. 

   Put the third edge of the picture into the canvas stretcher slot. Adjust the angle and fasten the canvas by turning the handle away from your body. Tilt the canvas forward until it is lying horizontally. Tug on the picture toward your body to tighten it against the canvas. Staple to the stretcher bar. Do the same with the final side of the canvas.

6. 

   Staple the canvas to the stretcher bar.

7. 

   Repeat Steps 3 through 5 with the final side of the canvas. Trim the picture with your utility knife to complete your project.

Tips & Warnings

• You will be able to control the degree of stretching by controlling the angle of your canvases once they are placed in the canvas stretcher. If your picture is positioned at an extreme vertical angle, the more tension you will feel when you stretch it. Minimize the angle to minimize the stretch. With practice, you will be able to know the requirements of different canvas weights when you need to stretch your pictures.

• Be careful not to over-tighten and tear your canvas. It won't take long for you to be able to sense just how much pressure will be needed to effectively stretch your canvases.

Resources

• Order the EZ Stretch canvas stretcher online.