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What Is Canvas Stretching, and What Are Its Benefits?

A stretched canvas is something that every painter is acquainted with. It’s a basic cotton duck construction stretched from the four corners into a taught epidermis. The canvas skin serves as the base for a painting and is the basis upon which everything is created. It is compatible with oil, paint, gesso, acrylic media, and optional varnish.

If you’re a great photographer or artist, you should understand the difference between unstretched and stretched canvas and how it impacts the quality of your work. Aside from price, one significant distinction is that canvas stretching is framed and set to hang, whereas unstretched canvas may be rolled, allowing you to arrange the framing and mounting.

Additionally, it is appealing to display your pictures or artworks in your gallery or home. It assures that your work is fully exposed, unlike any other standard frame that partially covers the image.

In this article, let’s discuss what canvas stretching is and its benefits.

What Exactly Does Canvas Stretching Mean?

Canvas stretching is a process that involves pulling the canvas tight over a wood frame (stretcher bars) to prepare it for presentation.

These instruments include, but are not limited to:

  • Stretching pliers
  • Hammer
  • Staple remover
  • Mallet
  • Industrial strength scissors
  • Staple gun
  • Measuring tape

A canvas stretching specialist uses these tools to pull the canvas softly but forcefully and evenly, then correctly line it with the stretcher bars. A canvas that has been poorly stretched may seem deformed and may have waves that will grow more obvious and unattractive with time.

Moreover, a canvas that has been correctly stretched is tight, with precisely folded and fastened corners. Stretching a canvas requires time and care, but the result is spectacular.

The Benefits of Canvas Stretching

You might not be aware that you paint almost exclusively on panels. Here are the benefits of considering canvas stretching.

  • No Loosening

The main benefit of a properly stretched canvas is that it does not get loose. You’ve probably heard from painters that they had to fix their canvas on their display after arriving at the event location. This occurs when your canvas needs to be correctly stretched and attached to the back. You must leave at least 45-50 mm of additional space between the canvas’ edge and your paintings’ edge to stretch the canvas all around the stretcher bar.

  • Easy To Use

Working on a stretched canvas is undeniably simpler. Many painters like to paint on a stretched canvas. The canvas stretching firms in Melbourne have made stretched canvases readily available. Furthermore, they come with a pre-built primer, which saves painters a significant amount of time in achieving the ideal surface.

  • Less Mounting Difficulty

Stretched canvas may be challenging to put properly on stretcher bars. It also needs considerable strength to stretch it firmly. Canvas panels are less difficult to create and are square as long as they are cut properly.

  • Keeps The Artwork’s Quality Intact

The canvas may lose its form over time, damaging the painted picture. Canvas stretching services may help with this. It offers your painting a defined structure, ensuring it does not slide or wrinkle over time and preserving its beauty. You may be sure your artwork will be protected for years with high-grade canvas stretching.

  • No Stretcher Bars Required

Stretching canvas needs a supply of stretcher bars in different lengths. Supporting crossbars are also required for huge paintings. Canvas panels need canvas and panels big enough to produce the necessary sizes and adhesive.

  • Less Surface Movement

The surface of stretched canvas may change in response to temperature and vibration changes. This may cause the paint to break and damage the layers of paint over time. A canvas panel’s surface is substantially more stable.

  • Portability

Painting En Plein air makes canvas panels more readily transportable than other surfaces. Additionally, during an outdoor painting activity, the light cannot pass through them from behind, as this can happen with canvas framing.

  • Easier Cropping

Compared to stretched canvas, a canvas panel allows for more straightforward cropping.

  • Ready To Hang

Another significant advantage of canvas stretching is that after your canvas is extended over a stretcher bar, you may hang it on the wall. You don’t have to place a photo frame around the canvas, but you may do so if you wish.

  •  Easier Storage

Panels made of canvas take up far less area than stretched canvases.

Conclusion

Though extending your canvas is typically more cost-effective, it is a type of art that should only be framed by experts. You may do it yourself if you have the necessary abilities, equipment, tools, and area to spread the canvas.

If you don’t want to risk compromising the quality of your canvas, it’s best to hire a professional canvas stretching service. Services are less costly and time-consuming than many people believe. Several businesses provide high-quality services at reasonable prices.