In order to make a full-fledged artistic canvas, it is necessary to give it a certain shape - that is, to stretch a canvas with an image applied to it on a stretcher. If the stretching procedure was carried out correctly and efficiently, then such a painting on canvas will serve you for many years, please the eye with its beauty, and will also become a harmonious detail in the design.
Most professional artists and talented amateurs have known for a long time how important the quality of stretching a canvas on a stretcher is. And if earlier each painter often had to solve such a problem on his own, today there are special workshops in which experienced specialists will give the canvas a complete look by pulling it onto a frame of the right size.
Thus, it became possible to implement the most interesting and unexpected solutions in the design of artistic canvases, which later can become a real highlight of both living rooms and office space.
Types of canvas stretch
To date, there are three main types of canvas stretching on a stretcher, among which are the following:
- Standard stretch
- studio stretch
- gallery stretch
Among the above types, standard and studio stretching are characterized by greater simplicity of technology, while gallery stretching is done in a slightly different way, and it looks different.
The technology of stretching canvas on a stretcher
Each type of technology for stretching a canvas on a stretcher has its own characteristics, which are fully owned by the specialists of the gallery workshop. First, the canvas is carefully stretched onto a stretcher, and at the same time, the surface of the canvas is carefully stretched and leveled. Next, the stretched workpiece is framed in a pre-selected frame.
In the process of simple stretching, the canvas is fixed from all sides with metal brackets from the end of the stretcher - this is standard type of tension. After that, the picture must be framed in the right size - because the staples will be visible on the sides from all sides.
If the features of the artistic solution imply its demonstration without a frame, then the side parts of the canvas can be additionally painted in any color or shade, or, at the request of the customer, the side parts can be left unpainted. Thus carried out studio stretch canvas on a stretcher.
Technology gallery stretch somewhat different from the previous ones. The ends of the canvas are fixed on the back side of the stretcher, and the image is continued on the side parts of the frame. This type of stretching allows you to create unique works of art that are of high artistic value. In addition, the gallery method of stretching does not require further framing of the picture.
Master class by Natalia Derevianko with NM
Recently, with the development of technology, new materials and the speed of life, I took a fresh look at printing, and especially printing on canvas, because my originals are all made in oil on canvas. I really like the texture of the canvas, the volume of the stretcher, and a new plus, the picture on the stretcher can be hung on the wall without a frame. Today it is very popular. At one time she lived in Italy, as you know, their frames are excellent, but the prices are not small, so all modern works are hung in houses without frames - the so-called gallery stretch.
I want to tell and show the print on canvas and its design.
First of all, preparing a digital file for printing. I scan my work for the highest quality, sometimes even at 800 dpi. If it is a big work, I scan it in parts and assemble it into a single whole. After that, it is imperative to add, namely to finish (not stretch) the fields of 3 cm on each side, which will be an organic continuation of the picture. For what? These fields will go to the ends of the stretcher and at the same time, the picture itself will not be distorted - the cat's tail or the girl's hat will not be bent to the ends. Yes, it's tedious, but necessary. The best way to do this is in Photoshop with the Clone tool.
In my store at YM, I sell digital images already with margins and the size you need. Since they weigh a lot, I send them through a file sharing service. This is very convenient for sending to Russia, because delivery services have restrictions on the size of paintings, and they will insure themselves by requiring permission to send it, and once you receive the digital file, you can safely go to the print studio.
With the finished digital file on a flash drive (resolution 300 dpi, RGB palette, natural size) I go to the print studio. In principle, if we have a good wide-format inkjet printer, we can print it at home :) But there was none, so I go to the studio and not to the nearest one, but the one that specializes in printing on canvas. Why? Because the price of those who do not specialize in this is five times higher, and secondly, they take the cheapest artificial canvas, well, they just don’t have enough experience ... I order a print on German cotton canvas, this is the same canvas that is used for painting oil and acrylic. Such a canvas can be of different widths: 61 cm, 91 cm, 107 cm, 127 cm, 152 cm. Therefore, of course, it is more profitable to order printing of several works at once. Here is the result after printing
After that, we cut, but do not cut off the extra fields, they will be needed to grab the canvas with your fingers and bend to the ends and the back side. We buy stretchers or order in a framing workshop. Today, in any hobby or art store, you can buy a ready-made stretcher or blanks for it, the range of sizes is huge.
We take a stapler and begin to pull. If a regular canvas is wetted before stretching, a printed canvas cannot be wetted. damage the image. We always pull starting from the middle, driving in the staples opposite each other
We reach the corners and carefully wrap the corners. This is how it is wrong to "overlap" the corners. So they look messy and resemble a candy box.
That's right. "Overlap" hides in the middle and clear corners are obtained
After that, with a soft brush, open with damar varnish for finishing work. There are other varnishes, the main thing is that they are for finishing, and not for painting.
Several works look very good, and it is not necessary to hang them in one line, you can experiment yourself :)
To stretch the canvas on a stretcher, you will need: a clean, flat surface, a pencil,
a long ruler and / or tape measure, mallet, hammer and furniture stapler.
Before ordering a frame and stretcher for your painting, it must be properly measured.
To measure the canvas, lay it on a flat surface with the image up and measure the width
and the height of that part of it that you want to see the front.
The rest of the canvas will go to the ends of the stretcher and to the back bends. This remainder must be
at least 3 cm wide on each side. If the remainder is less, then you will have to stretch the canvas
with fixation of brackets in the end of the subframe, which will negatively affect the quality of the tension.
As an alternative, it is worth considering reducing the size of the front of the picture with partial
image entry on the ends.
The resulting size of the front of the picture will also be the internal size of the frame and its
will need to be stated when ordering.
Next, we move on to assembling the modular subframe.
Its kit includes perimeter strips, transverse strips (if necessary, increase the ribs
rigidity for large paintings) and wedges for fixing the corners of the stretcher.
For assembly, you will also need a tape measure and a mallet.
Connect the corners of the side rails of the subframe by carefully inserting the spikes into the grooves. Make sure that
the side of the stretcher for all the slats was on one side.
If the subframe kit contains transverse or longitudinal strips (serving to increase
stiffening ribs for large paintings), they should be installed before the final fixation
the last plank of the perimeter.
Seal all joints as much as possible with a mallet. Make sure the planks line up
strictly perpendicular. Don't hit too hard with the mallet so you don't split the planks.
To check the correct assembly, measure the diagonal of the subframe with a tape measure. With the right
assembly, they must be equal. If the diagonals are different, align them with a mallet.
We remind you that when assembling and leveling the subframe, avoid strong impacts and do not use
with a hard hammer so as not to break the perimeter strips.
We proceed to stretch the canvas on the stretcher.
Lay the canvas face down on a clean, flat surface.
Using a simple pencil, mark on the back of the canvas where the corners are.
the front of the picture.
Lay the stretcher on the canvas side down. In this case, the corners of the subframe must match
with pencil marks.
Lightly stretching the canvas, fold it in the center of the side rail of the stretcher and nail it with furniture
stapler. First on one side, then on the opposite.
Check that the canvas has not moved out, if necessary, slightly tighten it and fix it with a stapler
centered on the other two sides of the subframe.
Staple the canvas to the stretcher from the center to the corners around the entire perimeter. At the end carefully
wrap and fix the corners.
Insert the wedges into the slots in the corners of the inside of the sub-frame and achieve an acceptable tension.
canvas, carefully hammering the wedges in a circle with a hammer. If the subframe has longitudinal slats,
under them, too, it is necessary to hammer wedges.
In the center of the upper bar of the subframe, fasten the toothed suspension plate with self-tapping screws.
The picture on the stretcher is ready, now you can frame it in a baguette.
ART-RAMA specialists will stretch the canvas on a stretcher in a short time. Our company has extensive experience in providing such services. We guarantee timely execution of the order.
The stretcher is the base on which the canvas is stretched. The quality of the whole work, the durability of the picture directly depends on its quality. There are two types of subframes: modular and solid. The former are sold unassembled and consist of rails with grooves for connecting at the corners, the latter are produced immediately in one piece.
Stretching canvas onto a modular stretcher is a fairly simple process. But such products can diverge and deform over time, so they are not so reliable. Installing the canvas on a solid stretcher is associated with a number of difficulties, such work can only be entrusted to a professional, but its quality and durability, if done correctly, is much higher.
The price of stretching depends on the type of stretcher chosen. We have a wide range of these products at the best prices. Also, the cost of the service depends on the size of the picture.
When choosing a subframe on your own, it is important to pay attention to the absence of defects. There are many different problems to face:
- blind connection of corners, the inability to adjust the tension force of the canvas;
- the absence of a crossbar or cross for large-area canvases;
- no bevels on the inner sides of the product;
- low strength, poor materials of manufacture;
- low quality of production;
- the presence of grinder beetles or mold.
The specialists of our company will stretch the canvas on a stretcher of any quality, but the consequences of purchasing a product with the above defects lies with the customer. We can offer quality products from our range or inspect the product brought by the client for problems.
Where to stretch the canvas on a stretcher in Moscow?
Our company offers convenient terms of cooperation for each client:
- optimal prices for all services;
- specialists are able to stretch the canvas on a stretcher in a short time;
- a wide range of subframes;
- convenient location of workshops in Moscow;
- high quality of work;
- individual approach to each client, consulting on all issues of interest.
Buying a canvas in a roll is a good opportunity to save on the cost of the product itself and on its shipment. You can purchase paintings from us both in a roll and on a stretcher. In the first case, even the shipment itself is much cheaper.
But the canvas just like that, without a stretcher, cannot be hung on the wall. It is the stretcher that holds the canvas in a well-taut state. In order for the canvas not to sag and the picture to retain its attractive appearance, we suggest using the following instructions.
How to stretch the canvas on the stretcher.
You will need the following materials:
- rail stretcher;
- crosses needed to eliminate distortions and deflections of the main bars, as well as increase the strength of the structure;
- stapler set.
You will also need the following tools:
- ordinary roulette;
- hammer (especially if you plan to use nails);
- wood stapler
- special tool for tensioning.
In general, there are two types of stretch and it depends on you which one you have to give preference to: gallery or classic. The first implies a frameless design, when the canvas is stretched so that the image still continues on the sides. I must say that if it is fixed on the back of the 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. Such a design can be found quite often.
There is also a classic type of stretching, when the ends remain white, and the picture itself is being prepared for a baguette frame. Like everything classical, 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 the timber is dry, free of cracks and knots. The fibers must be guided along.
Size matters
In modular varieties of the subframe, the slats are moved apart with the help of wedges, which are made from dry hardwood. There are main rails that have external chamfers, and their internal bevel is approximately five degrees, which protects the image from damage.
The stretchers are reinforced with crosses, and then, so that the canvas does not come into contact with them, the picture is fastened to the main rails at a distance of 5 mm from the plane of the canvas. The ratio of the thickness and width of the stretcher rails 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 a “marina”, a rectangle that approaches a square is called a “figure”, and a “landscape” is an average view of the format.
There are also markings that depend on the length of the larger side. For example, sizes 16x54 are called 15F, sizes 65x50 are called 15P, and 65x46 are format numbered 15M. In total, there are 50 international sizes that belong to the listed standards. The standard row of paintings also corresponds to the standard dimensions of the stretchers.
Steps to success
The step-by-step instructions depend on which subframe is being used. If it is modular, then you will need to follow several steps described below.
- Measure the diagonals of the subframe. If they are the same, then you can fix the corners with a stapler, 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 be that the staple is not driven in - then you need to turn the round knob on top and thus adjust the stapler. Nails can be used instead of staples. Only they can not be hammered to the end. It is necessary to beat on the oblique to bend the hat to the side, and then the canvas will not fly off the nails in the future. To make everything symmetrical, 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.
- Position the drawing evenly on the stretcher so that the threads of the canvas are parallel to the edges of the stretcher.
- Using a special tool, secure the canvas with a stapler from all sides. There is also a faster option: wrap the stretcher with canvas and, pulling it quite hard, drive in the bracket in the center.
- Secure the canvas with a stapler every two to three centimeters, moving from the center to the edge. It is necessary that at the same time the tool is pulled with the same force. After that, continue to stretch the canvas, gently tucking at the corners and shooting with a stapler.
- Pull out the brackets that hold the corners of the subframe together. Fold and staple the remaining excess canvas.
- Insert two wooden wedges into the slots at the corners of the subframe and knock them out with a hammer, but carefully.
If you are stretching the canvas on a blank stretcher, then you need to do everything as indicated in the first paragraphs for the modular stretcher. It is important that the canvas is stretched by the tool with the same force and quite strong. This is necessary, because if the canvas sags, you will have to drag it again. At the corners, they also tuck the canvas and shoot the stapler. Then the extra canvas, which you still need, is folded and fixed.
The subframe can be fixed in the frame with metal brackets 13 mm wide and 10 mm high. Corners can be mounted on a subframe or on a frame (depending on whose height is greater - a subframe or a frame). If the subframe protrudes above the level of the baguette, then D-shaped plates can be used to secure it. You can also use Z-shaped brackets (for example, for fastening double frames), which are attached to the baguette with screws.
You can watch the process of stretching a canvas on a stretcher in a gallery way in the following video:
Primary requirements
- Uniformity. The main requirement is not to warp the picture, so as not to distort its position. It is also necessary to distribute as evenly as possible in width and height;
- Baguette frame should not sit tight on the stretcher. 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 ugly.
Related video:
