How to Select a Stretcher for Canvas Prints
By: Charmaine Joy Caro | Posted: 09th November 2006
The frame has an essential role to portray in the overall makeup of the canvas print. A canvas print is considered of high quality when it's framed. A quality stretcher can make a difference on the print. If the stretcher is a substandard type, it can spoil the total appearance of the artwork. Also, a stretcher that is not strong enough can cause the canvas print to crack or twist. For this reason, it is of the essence to select the right stretcher for framing the canvas.
What is meant by canvas stretching? Why is it very important? Canvas stretching is the process wherein the canvas material is firmly stretched and fastened to a wooden frame. It is the one responsible for making the canvas print look perfect. Once a canvas print is stretched, it is now ready for hanging. A quality stretcher is necessary when you want to add impact to the look and feel of the art on canvas. Good thing about a quality stretcher is that it has no effect on the length of the yarns and in the dimension of the canvas fabric. Hence a stretcher is indeed necessary in order to add support to the fine-looking canvas print.
But there are some things that you should take into account when choosing the suitable stretcher. Here are some pointers that can be of help in your quest.
Right profile. When you choose the appropriate profile, you need to look into certain elements such as the dimension of the frame as well as the kind of canvas to be stretched - if it is hand painted, primed, pre-primed or gessoed.
Cross bracing. Cross bracing is needed to serve as prop for the longer bars. It is essential to prevent the stretcher bars from twisting, thereby keeping the stretched canvas in evenly plane surface. In addition, it also reduces the pressure on the thin edges of the frame. Thus, good cross bracing is indeed of high importance.
Priming. Priming involves the use of ground or gesso. It pertains to the permeable finish that is used to give the canvas a spongy, weighty surface to stick on. Proper priming of canvas is necessary. It is usually done prior to stretching the canvas. You have to remember that the primer should stay flexible.
To sum it up, stretching the canvas should be given careful consideration. It's not as simple as doing ABC's. It requires thorough planning especially on the materials to be used. By reflecting on the pointers that were given above, you can end up with the suitable stretcher that will spice up the prints on canvas.
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Tags: high quality, appearance, elements, pointers, fabric, artwork, makeup, wooden frame, yarns, priming, canvas material, canvas print, stretched canvas