How to stretch a LARGE CANVAS - the easy way with perfect technique!
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- Опубліковано 8 жов 2024
- Let me show you how to stretch a large piece of artists canvas over a very large frame ready for painting.
Here I talk about folding the corners, staple guns, canvas pliers, where to start, staples and timber frames.
Lots of close up camera angles, full explanation of what's going on and why and plenty of insight into tackling a large canvas painting.
This is the older video here: • How to STRETCH A CANVA...
If you found this video helpful, inspiring or entertaining, and you would like to buy us a coffee, you can donate using the Super Thanks button (the heart icon). It'll go towards paying for the next camera (as I seem to break them with alarming frequency!!!). Thanks for all your support - Ed an Ady
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So much of good art is fine CRAFTSMANSHIP-and they do NOT teach this in art school-at least in my experience. Seriously, art needs to be taught as a CRAFT, just like back in the day. And it's SO IMPORTANT! Thanks to UA-cam and videos like yours, I learn more about the craft part of painting every day. That being said (after I just finished stretching two 20 inch x 36 inch linen canvases), you do very fine work Sir! Much Love from New Mexico USA!
Thanks very much! Most kind of you!
Bravo and thank you. I am a framer in Detroit, MI USA and have regular requests for large custom canvases. Your simple, insightful instruction and explanation has made this component of my business a much easier and quick service to offer. I LOVE the angled staple trick, and I never studied physics. Thank you again.
You are so welcome Stephen and I am delighted to have helped a little! Have a great day!
hey, what's the name of your shop and what is your pricing like for say, a 5x6 foot canvas 2" thick? I am also in detroit and may end up going through you if it makes more sense that way LOL
Thank you for sharing. The electric stapler will make this so much easier. I’m super excited to make my largest ever. You rocked it.
Thank you very much Rebecca!
How big did you make yours? How did it turn out?
Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing
My pleasure!
Thanks! Great info when I’m ready for my masterpieces!
Any time!
Thank you so much for that, planning to create some large frames and your videos are truly welcome - Fabulous of you to be so generous with your information : ) Thank you again
You are so welcome! Good luck with them!
This is a great tutorial for stretching canvases!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
Great Video ! I frame my canvasses too and discovered I do the corners just like you. Love your Videos and above all love your Art!👌🏻👌🏻
Excellent! Glad you found the video useful!
Swarez Art absolutely
Stapling starts at 6:05
Folding corners at 12:35
Finished product at 14:25 (minus corner wedges)
Erin M thank you for that! I must remember to do that in future - put in the critical
Points.
Valuable demo. Thank you.
You’re welcome
I stretch canvases the same way, but have never stretched a pre-primed canvas. You've inspired me to try!
Also, I'm interested in your metal stands. I can't see how they work. Please, please post a video about them.
Thanks!
They’re actually clothes rails I got from Amazon! Nothing more than that. I then use some S hooks to go over the rail and sit the cross bar into. Easy! Thanks for your kind words 👍
Thank you so much! I got 2 large rolls of canvas for $20 each and have been saving them. This is such a great help!
From one large scale artist to another. I should probably add. I love your work. Thank you for all the videos nd advice!
Thank you Pamela - and you are most welcome!
May i ask where you purchased your stretched canvas, Please
@@daciasdiy1861 I don't have stretched canvas? That's why I show you how to stretch loose canvas over a frame.... do you mean where do I get my actual canvas from?
Thank you so much for the tutorial.
Even I wanted to know where from you got that large canvas.
SPECTACULAR video my friend, cheers 💪🏻✌🏻
Thank you 👍
This is really great done! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 👌
Tobias Waaentz thank you very much for the that! Much appreciated
Great video. Clear and informative.
I have a large canvas to stretch but am struggling to find suitable stretcher bars. Would you mind providing details of your supplier?
Siemerink Houtwaren BV - a company in the Netherlands
Excellent presentation 🌹❤️👌
Thank you! Cheers!
My favourite channel
Thanks you very much!
Excellent !
Thank you! Cheers!
I'm just starting out and have been wondering how to do this. A most excellent video demonstration. Thank you.
My pleasure Ruth!
Thanks for sharing your method and insights with us, you’ve inspired me to work on large scale projects for the first time in many years 👍🏻
Great to hear! That's a great step forward - good for you!
This is a SUPER helpful video! I used your corner method and it worked flawlessly! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Good advice! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very much! Very helpful.
Glad it helped!
Hey thanks, great content!! What weight of canvas do you like for larger pieces?
I prefer 420gsm or thereabouts
Thanks for sharing! very useful! I just watched, and I am wondering where is the part II you promised about the fixing on it of your large (and heavy) painting? Is there a link to it?! Have you successfully managed to fix it? what is the proceeding you have chosen? I am particularly interested as I do have an unfortunately damaged painting on canvas that I need to figure out how to put it on the frame. Thanks a lot in advance.
Hi Anna. Unfortunately we never got around to it, sorry about that. Medium depending, grab a heat gun and soften the canvas - that's always a big help for problematic canvases
Tip: use wrinkle release spray for any wrinkles after you're done stretching the canvas!
Tack väldigt bra och jag kommer att göra precis alka,steg som visas i videon 👍
Excellent!
I really like the jeans and shoes!
Thank you!
Hi I'm Alex. I really liked the video, as well as the style of the painting you are using.
Thank you so much 😀
Gran contenido, como siempre! You rock!
Art gracias amigo!!!
Very informative. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thanks 4 the demo. The fold you make @ the corners, we call a lunch wrap fold or most commonly know as a dog ear fold. But im sure there are many others that would call it something else. 🤣 depends on the country you from. 😎👍
That's very interesting! I shall call it a dog ear fold from now on! Awesome! Much appreciated!
Many thanks!
You're welcome!
Thank you for an excellent tutorial. I'm new to your channel. Hoping you have videos of your painting creations on these large boards.
Thank you so much!
Did you video placing the green canvas on top? I would love to see that process.
Sadly not Kelly - that was a tricky one because it had crushed stone set in resin on it. Unfortunately we didn't capture that on film.
Nice tutorial Sir
Thank you
Glad you liked it; thanks for your kind feedback!
Thanks!
Thank you so much Brendan - very kind of you
I watched your video because I was going to stretch a large canvas that was given to our church. But I was advised against it since I have no experience. So I brought it to a framing store in Tampa. They do not use stretcher bars. They use raw pine boards to construct their own frame. Since the canvas will be mounted in an outdoor courtyard, they offered to add a varnish to seal the wood. Do you think that sounds like a good idea?
You can but try - As long as its sealed I don't see why that shouldn't work? But I would want ot make sure the artwork was capable of being out in the elements too.
@@SwarezArt Thank you!!!
Nice tutorial - do you have any tips for getting any small sections (3-4 inches) of wrinkled canvas out? Even with using your method sometimes I get very small wrinkles occasionally on large canvases, even after taking staples out and reevaluating tension.
Try brushing water on the back of the canvas then use a hairdryer to dry. If that doesn’t work try mixing some PVA with water and repeat. That should tighten the weave as it dries. Hope that helps. Ed.
@@SwarezArt thanks! I found that using a steamer and massaging the wrinkles out from the back is working well too
amazing!
Thanks!
Hi there! In your video about "How to Stretch a Large Canvas", you mentioned that you would be posting another video showing how to mount a large painting onto the canvas without causing any damage. I tried looking for the video, but I couldn't find it. Did you actually make that video? Thanks, Aurelio.
Thanks for sharing, can you please post details of the stretcher bars you use please? Many thanks :-)
Sure. They are a 44mm profile softwood. Available from www.pegasusart.co.uk/
Great
Thanks
Thank you for sharing this! The only question- why would you stretch one canvas on the top of another?
I had another canvas to over the top and this naked canvas was necessary to give the heavy one some support. That’s all. Not a normal practice for me but needed on this occasion
Your artwork is epic and thank you for sharing so unselfishly!!! I am new to abstracts using acrylics but I love doing them and being 65 it soothes my soul. I was wondering how you finish the backs of your paintings to hide staples and do you frame your work? Thank you and warm greetings from Canada!
Thank you so much! I staple round the back of the frames and leave them as they are. No, I never frame my work - too risky as client's may want something different. Besides, it's a lot of money to tie up with big paintings!
@@SwarezArt that make a lot of sense. But do you sell them with staples in the back of your finished product?
IAM saw your many panting your work is very very osam realy
Thank you so much 😀
Thank you
@@SwarezArt can you give me your number sir I am student and I am ask you about my self what's app number give me I know you are big person I hope you reply me pray for me God bless you more IAM Christian and also evenglist
Me encanta!!! 🌷
Soy Amor gracias!!
Thanks for the great video! At what size canvas would you start including a second “support” canvas for your painting?
Thank you! I wouldn't ever do that to be fair but it's just because this painting was so heavy that I thought it needed it. Never done it since actually!
Once you get all 4 sides tacked in the center, do you start using the canvas pliers on the original side, or do you just fold like you did on the first staple
Yes, I go back to the first side and begin tensioning with the pliers and work my way out.
@@SwarezArt thanks for the reply! That’s how I figured it should be
Nice video with good information ;-)
Thanks Michael!
Very interesting video thanks.
Can I ask, what size are the main stretcher outside battons for a piece that size?
Thanks Lee! The profile is 45mm. On this one I think the dimensions are 275cm x 200cm
Omg I want to meet you!!that place is FN AMAZING!!
Let me know when you want to come over!
@Carolyn Van Hosen Bless you - thank you so much for that! Wow!
This is so great! Thank you for sharing the video. Do you have a video on how to build the frame, what materials to order, and use?
Thanks! No, I don't have a video on that frame itself. I buy the components at the sizes I need and they simply push fit together. No doubt this will be a similar process whoever you buy stretcher bars from where you are. Hope that helps.
Swarez Art Thank you so much for your reply. That’s very helpful to know...I didn’t know that was option to buy all the pieces and I just put it together. I’ve never stretched canvas before so I’ll will look for that it my area. Thank you again!
Thanks for the great video!
Where did you get those display racks?
You're welcome! I just searched Amazon for mobile clothes rails! Simple :)
@@SwarezArt I have searched and searched amazon, ebay and walmart. I cannot find any display racks like yours which are perfect and probably do not tip. I even ordered one rack from amazon and had to return it. Do you remember where you got yours and possibly the item number? Hope I am not asking too much. Thanks.
Thank you
You're welcome
Great tutorial, thank you for sharing. What size staples are you using?
Thank you! I use 6mm ones. Hope that helps
Hello sir your work is nice
Thanks and welcome
Thanks for the video, very helpful as I have a canvas the exact same size I'm trying to stretch and this video really helped. One question: After the four initial spots where you staple, when you work around the sides a quarter at a time and staple, do you only stretch horizontally or vertically directly across from the opposite edge, or do you also pull away from the center (a bit diagonally) too? Hope that makes sense.
Not sure get what you mean Brett but I simply work from the centre by doing the left and right side then moving to the opposite side of the canvas and stapling from the center to the left and right. So I do a side then swap to the opposing side - does that help? Thanks for your generous feedback too
@@SwarezArt What I mean is, as you stretch the canvas from the opposite side, how much do you also pull away from the centers towards the corners? The first 4 staplings on the sides are only pulling on directly opposite side, but the subsequent staples also include some amount of "pulling" left/right away from the stapled side and towards the corners right? Sorry if confusing!
Hi! Awesome video and art - where do you get your stretcher bars? I am painting large scale as well
Thank you! I use a company called Siemerink Houtwaren BV in Holland..
i like to get my raw cotton duck canvas slightly damp. it like to shrink a tad and adds to the drum-tight goal
An excellent observation Kelli - thank you!
Thankyou
You’re welcome 😊
Amazing video, is there a website for the stretcher bars?
Thanks Lynn. Sadly no website for the bars to order from as I am aware. I have a trade contact in the Netherlands who brokers the bars for me.
Hi, your videos are amazing! Quick question - can one paint on large canvases and then frame this way? Or is that not advisable?
Yes, absolutely! That’s how we do everything. Paint flat then stretch round the frame. Thanks for the kind words.
its my dream to have like this galery
Hi there. Total newbie here! I've never stretched canvas before but need to, to paint on then add other elements. What type of material would be good to paint onto then have elements glue-gunned on top of that, please? Excellent, informative and inspiring video and I LOVE your extra-neat gallery wrap corners! Well done!
Welcome and thank you! Personally I would go for a heavy wright like 16oz or above (360gsm approx). It will be more difficult to stretch but will hold the extra weight better.
Thank you for an excellent tutorial. I learnt a great deal. Have you made a video of the attachment of the top painted canvas? I thought that I saw the finished product in the background of an other video - your first live stream. Secondly with paintings that had a lot of paint on the surface, will carpet protect the painting surface sufficiently?
Not sure I know what you mean bout the 'attachment of the top painted canvas' John - sorry - would you rephrase that for me please? Thanks for the feedback too - yes carpet protects my paintings very well though take care to lift if you move it rather than slide it back and forth!
Love your generous sharing. Having trouble finding non-warping tulipwood/American Ash stretcher bars in US & would like to look into UK & ship. Wondered your source? It’s very humid in Florida!
I get mine from Holland - company called Siemerink BV. Hope that helps?
Swarez Art Thank you!
Thank you for the video but where can I buy that huge long canvas roll?
I have to get mine made for me as it's quite tricky to get rolls of this length as a normal retail item. I searched for a supplier via AliBaba and have it made bespoke. Depending on where you are in the world it may be an idea to search for oversized canvas rolls and see what happens. Hope that helps...
Awesome Thankyou
No problem 👍
Very instructive video! Thank you so much! AND what is the name to the song at 13:43 it sounds amazing!
Thanks! I’m not sure what that track is I’m afraid. I think it may have been a UA-cam free song available from their library. I tried to Shazam it but that didn’t give any results.
I am a painter and have been making my own stretched canvases for 30 years but as I have gotten older I have found it increasingly difficult to do the hobbling and crouching on the ground that the work requires without later suffering from lower back pain that lasts weeks. I have the same issue when wrapping large paintings up for shipping. Is this an issue you have dealt with and if so what if any suggestions might you have to mitigate it.
Hi John. I haven’t ever had the problem but I do sympathise with you. I mostly get aching legs that does last for a good few days. But then I’m not as young as I was!! No tips to offer unfortunately - I just grin and bear it.
2:57 ahhhhhhh thanks for showing the frame construction…..
No problem
I can't find the next video of mounting the blue green painting upon the stretched under canvas. Did you post it? I need to also stretch a laden painting and need advice. Please? And thank you!
Hi Kaci. We didn’t shoot that video because it would be the exact same one as this one! All we do with that kind of painting is what you see - a Blanca canvas first before the main one is done. But the process is exactly the same
Thanks for the vid. I’m having a bit of struggle with cross bracing. Do you always paint off a stretcher? The only time I tried that was in the mountains of Mexico when I had no easel. I put holes in the top and wrapped a rope around a pvc pipe and through the holes, then gessoed and painted. Reminded me of cave art.
Thank you! Not sure what you mean by 'painting off a stretcher' so I am assuming you mean using pre-stretcehd canvas yes? If so then no, almost always paint flat on the floor then stretch afterwards.
Swarez Art, Hi, yes that’s what I meant. Thx
LOVE THE ARTWORK! i wonder if i can afford it hehehe
Thanks Seph! Well, there's big and small - so go see for yourself: www.swarez.co.uk/
Could could you or someone reading post the name of the Stretcher board company please?
Is the procedure for linen any different?
No I believe its the same. Company is Siemerink BV in Holland.
Hi ! I'm just stumbling on your video right now. Great tutorial I must say. I didn't catch the name of the company for the canvas bars, unfortunately. Would you mind letting me know where you get them from? I'm also in the UK and I would like to do big canvases but I don't know where to get canvas bars I don't have to cut myself (I don't have the tools and I have a joints condition). And I love the idea that these bars are resistant to humidity! Thank you.
Awesome! Thank you! Glad you found this helpful. I use Siemerink in Holland. Hope that helps. Great company to deal with
@@SwarezArt Wow that was the fastest answer I ever got on youtube. Thank you! I assume I'll have to email them to get the right information and pricing. It might be well above my means for now as it seems to be excellent quality! Thank you so much for the reply and the info ;)
No worries! You just caught me at the PC! Yes, mail them for pricing. Tell them I sent you and ask for Jeanette de Bogt
ME GUSTO TU TRABAJO.YO TAMBIEN SOY PUNTOR DE ECUADOR
muchas gracias
QUE CLASECDE PINTURA USAS.ATT.ELIO GONZALEZ
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! I've just stretched a big 180cm x 140cm canvas and there are ripples along a couple of the edges😭 would you recommend any methods to get them out of shall I unstaple the whole canvas and go again? 🤔 😭 Thanks in advance ❤️
Tricky but it happens sometimes. Try gentle heat first then tap the corner wedges. You may need to massage the ripples a little also. Hopefully a quick tension of the wedges will sort it. If not you could try removing a few staples and retensioing the area but that may also lead to other ripples so be careful. Hope that helps.
Hi, please can you tell me where you buy the gigantic canvas fabric from? I’m in Australia but finding it hard to know where to look? Thanks in advance 😊
Hi! I use Alibaba.com as there are hundreds of canvas manufacturers there. I'm sure you can easily find one to work with to get what you want. Hope that helps
Ty
You're welcome!!!
Could you give measurements in feet as well. From N. America.
1 inch is 25.4mm , 12 inches to the foot.
Great video! Can I ask, what are the racks you're using to hang your other paintings? Do you use those to also paint?
I have a small home but I do large commissions so I have to lean the painting against my living room wall -- not a bad option but can get a bit messy / in the family's way. I like that they are on wheels. Thank you!!!
Thanks! I use clothes rails that I got from Amazon - there are loads of variations available. I only paint flat on the floor so no racks used in painting. Hope that helps.
@@SwarezArt very helpful - thanks!
@@SwarezArt thank you ! I was going to ask you the same question :D. Really good idea.
🙃 how do you attach them to the racks though ? Do you use hooks ? Thanks for your video ! I already shared it a few times :)
@@marcalexandremaurice that's very kind Marc - thank you! I use a simple 'S' hook that's all and attach the painting via the centre crossbar
8:03 how can i get my hands on that orange and black piece that looks like a black hole kind of? (I know it appeared multiple times throughout the video, but thats beside the point)
Well that one - 'Requiem' - is not available as it was sold (swarezart.com/modern-art-paintings-for-sale/requiem/) but I do have one the same size and very similar that's called Flamefront and it's available right here: swarezart.com/modern-art-paintings-for-sale/flamefront/ happy to help if you have more questions etc. Cheers, Ed
@@SwarezArt not gonna lie, the first one is better. If you were to make more, how much would it be in us dollars?
I've seen pictures of how famous artist's like Van Gogh made there frames online, have you ever made some in the old style?
No Chris. I have used tulip wood in the past but they warped so I stick with these which i have used for over 12 years now
I never thought of stretching a canvas for the support of another canvas...Could that cause any moisture issues between the two canvases or is there anything one would do to mitigate that?
No there wouldn't be moisture issues as the canvas is very dry anyway. Theoretically speaking a damp or humid environment may allow for the trapping of spores but I doubt that would cause long term problems. Nothing that a good fungicide spray couldn't cure on the back.
Hi. This video is something I watched to understand tips on tightening a painting that is still a bit wobbly. The problem in my case is I had my frame made and I did not have the slots for the wedges included. Any tips? The painting is halfway finished and is 5ft x 5ft. Once it is completed, should I remove from frame and have it Re-stretched? Heeeelp! Hehe
Jess
Hi Jess. Re-stretching may help yes, but use it as a last resort. I would try dabbing water on the reverse using a paintbrush then applying some gentle heat with a hairdryer. If that doesn't work try the same thing but add PVA glue to the water (approx 25%). See how that goes, hope it helps!!
@@SwarezArt Thank you so much! I shall try it out!!! And I love your work and wonderful videos!!!
@@jessicadiezbarroso3654 Thank you!!
@@jessicadiezbarroso3654 Thank you so much!!!
Hi Ed, did you ever show the video of that blue piece in the background when you mounted it over this canvas?
Hi Debs - do you mean the giant one around the 5:50 mark? If so then I'm afraid that wasn't filmed. It was a client commission that now lives in London buy sadly not one that was captured on film.
@@SwarezArt oh, okay, that’s understandable. I really enjoy your video style and you’re very informative! Thanks so much, Ed, and all the best to you!
Ed, I must ask, how did that turn out? I recall you mentioning being concerned about how it would go.
What type of canvas is that first layer and where could that be purchased?
It's a medium weave cotton canvas. Unfortunately I have mine made for me by a German canvas specialist as I cannot get anything suitable in the UK. I would suggest you do an internet search for heavy weight artist canvas on a roll and see what you can find! Hope that helps.
Where do you purchase your canvas roll from? How much does it cost? Doe it come in larger length
I buy from suppliers from AliBaba.com. Prices vary depending on roll length and number of rolls. Most suppliers will do whatever you want so probably a good idea to have a search and find someone and send them a mail. That's what I do each time :)
What size roll did you use for this portrait
In your opinion is it better to use stretcher bars as opposed to strainer bars? I heard that stretcher bars allow for Re-tightening of a canvas later on incase it gets loose, but I also heard that strainer bars allow the artist to make whatever dimensions they want to, because stretcher bars come in particular specific lengths. Please advise.
No idea what strainer bars were until you just mentioned them! So unfortunately, my answer is going to be extremely one sided!
Probably better to use stretcher bars. 🙂
the amazing paintings in the background make it hard to focus on the stapling.
haha! Thanks very much Tom!
Could you share the company name from where you buy your stretcher bars, please? TIA
Siemerink Houtwaren BV. Hope that helps.
@@SwarezArt awesome, thanks so much!!!!
Hi i am interested to know about your canvas holders or the stands where to find those.
Hi Soheila - try Amazon and search for clothing rails. That should help!
Where do you buy your large frames from?
I buy all my stretcher bars in component form from Siemerink Houtwaren BV in Holland.
Hello my friend I wanted to ask you about my white problem. It does not open the colors to me when using it. Why?
Hi can I ask where do you get canvas size 2m x 3m from?
I hand make everything so I buy the canvas and stretcher bars from different places then make to the size I need. Hope that helps
When i stretched my linen canvas it was nice and tight like a drum but overnight it became loose again. I sprayed the back with water and it became tight but once dried it is loose. Any tips?
Used to stretching cotton canvas where you can pull at all angles but 1st time using linen and finding the material difficult with only one stretchy side
Could be the canvas. If it’s unprimed you may find it still wrinkles. Try PVA and water 50/50. That may help stiffen it up
Got a video on how you made/cut the wood for the frame itself? Or maybe there's a 'pre-fab' frame kit out there that I might purchase? I see that dickblick.com makes a pre-fab at 84x120, but don't know their quality.
Your canvas stapling to frame tutorial is a keeper.
Where do you buy these low moisture content strecher bars?
Direct from the Netherlands from Siemerink Houtwaren BV. Hope that helps