| Stretching Canvas |
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Basic article on how to assemble a stretcher and to place canvas prints on it.
Assembling the frameClear a flat surface on the floor or table large enough to assemble the size of frame you are working with. Every joint in stretcher frames sold at Phocaccia.com are numbered. Begin by assembling joint number 1 and continue in numerical order 2,3,4… etc. until completed.   Use a rubber mallet to tap the friction joints together. If you do not have a mallet, use a large block of wood as a mallet or tap gently with a hammer. Hold down one side of the joint while tapping the other side into place. If there are any cross-braces, inserted into the mortice on the bar. Cross-braces are only necessary in very big frames. Stretching the Canvas. Get ready to stretch the canvas on it. On a flat
surface, lay down the canvas FACE DOWN. Remember that Giclée prints are
fragile and that you can mar the finish with this procedure. It is
recomended that you place the canvas on a large towel or similarly soft
fabric to avoid damaging the print. Lay stretcher on the canvas. Be sure to leave just enough canvas to stretch onto frame (around 2-3 inches on all sides). Start by stapling the canvas in the centre of each bar (steps 1, 2, 3, 4). Pull canvas tight using canvas pliers, or by hand and staple in place. Working again on all four sides as above (steps 1, 2, 3, 4), drive 3 more staples about 1.5 inches apart on each side of the first staple, applying tension to the canvas while stapling. Continue in this fashion, working from the centre out, driving 3 staples at a time. Leave about 4 inches from the end unstapled on one side to allow for the corner fold.
Staple the other side right to the end and pull the corner of the canvas in and staple. Pull the remaining canvas tight and staple. |
