Last Updated 19th April 2006

 

USEFUL TIPS FOR STRETCHING OILS ON CANVAS
(1) Oils are usually painted to fit standard stretcher bars. These are available to buy at most art shops.

(2) If the size is non-standard, you can make your own stretcher frame from 2” X 3/4” baton available from most D.I.Y. shops.

(3) Ensure that the frame is truly square, by first measuring both dimensions and then checking that the diagonal dimensions are identical.

(4) Use a staple gun to position the canvas.

(5) Do not over stretch the canvas, it may tear.

(6) Use ‘hospital corners’ at the corners of the canvas.

(7) Make sure that the triangle corner pieces are in the correct slots provided,NOT between the canvas and the stretcher bar.

(8) Put the bottom corner in first.

(9) Make sure that the picture frame is made, with enough allowance so that the oil fits easily, so that you do not have to force it.

How the canvas should look when properly stretched