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 How to mount/stretch your canvas print
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You
can obtain pre-cut stretcher bars in 1-in. increments from most arts or craft
supply stores. Anything under 18 x 24-in. is fairly easy to manage. In the
example shown here, we used 18 x 22-in. bars. The process for stretching
larger prints is generally the same, but requires heavier duty stretcher bars
and cross braces or corner gussets to prevent the frame from twisting.
Practicing on unprinted or waste media is always a good idea. The most common
mistake made by first-timers is to stretch the canvas too tight. You want to
stretch it, but only enough to eliminate sagging or waves. Pliers can be
found at most art supply stores and range in price from £5 to
£25. I have only seen one basic design in a couple of different widths.
Most are about 3.25” wide.
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Step 1
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 Un-roll your canvas
print and prepare for mounting/stretching.
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Step 2
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 Assemble the stretcher
bars. Sand off sharp corners and be sure the stretcher frame is square.
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Step 3
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 Position the print over
the stretcher frame and gently press down at the corners. This will help to
see where the frame is in relation to the image. If the final stretched
canvas is getting a frame around it you can size the image to match the
stretcher dimensions. If there is no frame, create enough bleeds to cover the
thickness of the stretcher frame.
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Step 4
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 Use canvas-stretching
pliers and a stapler to attach the print to the stretcher frame. Begin in the
centre of the frame and work your way out to the corners. Attach a small
segment of canvas then stretch and attach the opposing side. Work in segments
equal to the width of the pliers. If you are using a pneumatic stapler,
adjust the air pressure so the staples don’t cut through the canvas.
For a guide to stapling canvas prints click here.
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Step 5
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 If you fasten extra
material to the back of the stretcher frame, the print can be removed and
mounted on a different frame in the future. These photos show how the
stretched print should look from the back and the front. Adhesive tape could
be used to hide the staples if required.
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Step 6
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 Attach mirror hangers
and wire and the printed and framed canvas is ready to hang. It looks great!
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