What is Canvas Stretching?
Art is a powerful means of communication. It is a timeless expression of a person’s creativity. Artwork evokes emotion and tells stories that transcend generations and are cherished by families. Protecting the integrity of the work is important to both artists and collectors. This is especially key for canvas art.
Canvas works well with different mediums like oil, acrylic, or mixed media. It takes more than just a few brush strokes to stand out as unique and communicate its message effectively. Before custom framing, canvas stretching is a critical part of preserving the piece.
Key Takeaways
- Canvas stretching prevents sagging, warping, and long-term damage to artwork.
- A properly stretched canvas enhances visual appeal and supports professional framing.
- Professional stretching ensures precision, longevity, and preservation of artistic value.
What is Canvas Stretching?
Canvas stretching secures the artwork in a wooden stretcher frame that creates a tight, flat surface to paint on. Skipping this step increases the chance that the canvas will warp, sag, or become distorted or damaged over time. Stretching canvas also enhances the visual presentation and gives the artwork a professional finish. Let’s take some time to look at the process and why it is so important for preserving and elevating artwork.
Benefits of Canvas Stretching
Prevents Sagging and Warping
Canvas is a flexible material, which makes it prone to sagging over time if it’s not stretched properly. When canvas begins to sag, it can cause paint to crack, ultimately ruining the artwork. Stretching canvas ensures it stays taut, so that the integrity of the painting is preserved.
Enhanced Visual Presentation
Stretched canvas looks professional and polished, elevating the work’s visual appeal. It makes the surface clean and smooth, enhancing the display. This is perfect for pieces, whether they are hung on a gallery wall or showcased in a private collection.
Versatile Custom Framing Options
Once a canvas is stretched, it’s ready to be custom-framed. It’s more versatile and offers more options. You may also choose to hang the canvas artwork without framing it, if you are going for a minimalist or contemporary aesthetic look.
Preserves Longevity
Keeping the canvas taut protects it. When a canvas is stretched, it ensures the artwork will last for decades without deteriorating.
Real Risks of Not Stretching Canvas
Damage the Artwork
An unstretched canvas is more susceptible to physical damage. The canvas can wrinkle, tear, or crack with very little pressure. The integrity of the piece is compromised without stretching.
Loss of Artistic Value
When a canvas isn’t stretched, it can lose the intended proportions. This makes it look different from the artist’s intention. This can diminish the artwork’s value both financially and aesthetically.
Display Challenges
An unstretched canvas is more difficult to hang, which limits the ways it can be displayed. In the long run, this detracts from the overall impact of the artwork.
Increased Costs of Restoration
Making repairs to unstretched canvas usually requires professional help. This can be time-consuming and costly. When you stretch canvas before turning it into a work of art, you minimize risks.
When Should You Stretch Canvas?
After the Artwork is Completed
If you are using a custom canvas to work on, stretch it after the painting is finished. The paint needs to be completely dry. This will prevent distortion during the stretching process.
Before Custom Framing
Stretching has to be done before framing. A well-stretched canvas will ensure the painting fits securely in the frame. It will eliminate gaps and creases.
For the Purpose of Restoring
Sometimes, older artwork may need to be re-stretched to repair damage or sagging. Professional canvas stretching helps restore the canvas to its original condition.
DIY or Professional Canvas Stretching?
There are DIY stretching options available, including stretching kits. However, there are some distinct advantages to choosing professional stretching.
- Precision and Expertise. When you choose a professional custom framer, you’ll get the benefit of their specialized stretching tools and techniques. This ensures the canvas is stretched evenly without causing any damage to the artwork.
- Customized Solutions. Professional stretching accommodates different shapes and sizes of canvas. This is true for irregular shapes, too.
- Save Time. Canvas stretching can be a difficult, time-consuming task. Larger and delicate artwork can be even more difficult to stretch. Hiring a professional can save time and ensure you get the best results.
Custom Framing for Canvas at Suburban Frames in Atlanta
Canvas stretching is more than a technical procedure. It is a step that helps preserve and showcase your valuable artwork. It is a single step that prevents damage and enhances its aesthetic appeal. Whether you are an artist creating a masterpiece or a collector curating a gallery, invest in canvas stretching if you want to care for your art properly.
Contact Suburban Frames to get your canvas artwork custom-framed by a professional.