Stretch a Canvas

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Stretching a canvas is pretty straightforward when you know how - watch our video to learn more.

Stretcher Bars are supplied in pairs. They slot together to form a frame - bars over 762mm/30” are slotted to allow you to add a brace bar, and brace bars over 762mm/30” are notched to cross, so you can brace both dimensions.

Stretcher Bars are supplied with wedges to tap into the corners - if the canvas starts to sag over time, tapping them in a little further will make it taught again.

You can buy stretcher bars in 3m lengths or order them cut to size on Chop Service, to join yourself.

Tip: Printed canvases can be finished with a varnish or texturing gel.

Tip: We all make mistakes - a Staple Remover is a very handy tool when stretching canvases.

How to stretch a canvas

Method 1) Precut slotted stretcher bars

  • Step one

    Precut slotted stretcher bars are assembled using just a hammer. You can retention the canvas if it sags over time with wedges.

  • Step two

    Measure the face of the canvas to workout what size bars to use. For example, an image that’s 561x358mm would use bars that are 559x356mm.

  • Step three

    You’ll need enough excess to allow for stretcher pliers to grip the canvas and pull it round to the back.

  • Step four

    Our image has an 80mm border allowing us to use bars in the 44mm deep profile.

  • Step five

    Assemble the slotted bars by tapping them together with a soft faced hammer. Making sure the frame is square.

  • Step six

    Bars of 762mm and longer have slots in the centre of the inner edge to take brace bars which keep larger canvases square and taut.

  • Step seven

    With the image face down, centre the stretcher frame over it.

  • Step eight

    Wrap the front edge over the bars and staple in the centre at a slight angle.

  • Step nine

    Grip the opposing border with stretcher pliers to apply a light tension and staple in the centre.

  • Step ten

    Repeat for the remaining two sides then work around the whole canvas to get an even tension.

  • Step eleven

    Leave a 60mm gap at each end for the corner fold. Fold and staple the corners.

  • Step twelve

    Tap the tensioning wedges into each corner.

  • Step thirteen

    For a neat finish, tape the back then add CWH Square Sawtooth Hangers and bumpers.

Method 2) Stretcher profile in lengths

These are cut and joined on normal framing equipment. This allows you to make a frame to fit a canvas of any size and is quicker and more economical than using slotted bars.

  • Step one

    To cut to the outside size of the stretcher frame on a Morso set the stop beam to zero.

  • Step two

    If ordering on our Chop Service we will always cut to the outside size.

  • Step three

    Join the pieces on your underpinner then following the steps outlined above.