Stretched Canvas

Advantages of Using Stretched Canvas: Canvas is available to the artist in many forms. Stretched canvas is the choice of many. Stretched canvas can be used almost immediately. Other canvas must be stretched which can be a tricky task for some. Some artists feel that stretching their own canvas is part of their art. They feel as if the art is not completely their own unless they have performed all the necessary steps in the creation.

Decorative and Miniature		Deep Profile Cotton		Deep Profile Linen		Traditional Profile Cotton
Traditional Profile Linen

This Week's Featured Products in Stretched Canvas

	Fredrix Oval Stretched Canvases Acrylic primed, pure white cotton duck, attached to pressed-wood frames without the use of staples. If you paint the edge, there is no need for a picture frame. Ideal for portraits and decorative painting. Canvases have a 5/8" profile. Acid-free sizing. Note — Suitable for oil and acrylic. Not suitable for water-based media because of the glued edges.
	Blick Studio 1-1/2" Profile Acrylic Primed Linen Canvas For quality, dependability, and affordability, there is no better choice than Blick Studio Linen Canvas. Economically priced for students and professionals, it's the perfect high-quality substrate for ensuring the greatest longevity, or for those who prefer linen's unique texture. The medium-texture , 6 oz linen is coated with three coats of acid-free acrylic Titanium gesso to reach a finished weight of 9 oz, then hand-stretched and back-stapled around 1½" solid pine stretcher bars. Blick Studio Linen Canvas — the perfect balance of quality and economy.
	Utrecht Renaissance Stretched Linen Canvas

For stretching canvas you will need the following:

• Stretcher bars are crafted slats made of wood that fit each other. There is a bar for each side of the canvas.
• Fasteners are needed to secure the canvas to the frame. These are usually staples or thumbtacks. Most staples are coated to prevent any corrosion. Brass tacks deter corrosion as well. Staples are popular as they are easy to remove.
• Canvas is the final necessity. Cotton and linen are thought to be some of the best due to their strength. The material must endure a great deal of tension in stretching.

Stretching requires a certain amount of practice to perfect. You may find it easier if you have someone to help you hold the canvas. This is beneficial for holding and securing the canvas to the frame. Canvas pliers are a great deal of help as well. When you stretch canvas, always start in the middle and work your way outward. Upon finishing, if you are not satisfied with the canvas’ appearance, you can remove the canvas and start over. Always check to see if your canvas appears to be warped. This often occurs in stretching. A warped canvas is never suitable for artwork.