Canvas Prints

[rjhunter2380]

I've been considering having some canvas prints made. One of the printing companies I often work with is offering a special this month, so I'm thinking of biting the bullet.

They are only offering rolled canvases though, no stretched canvases. I wondered how folks are displaying rolled canvas prints. Is there a way to have them stretched and attached to a frame later? Do you frame them as is?

I'd like to be able to eventually offer this option to my customers for larger prints, but want to know what I'm getting into first.

Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks!

[Viper97]

I'd ask a few questions first. Since you stated they are doing no stretched canvases, are gallery wraps available? I know it's close to stretched but sometimes nomenclature is weird in business and stretched vs gallery wraps might help them better answer you question.

Next, stretching isn't that difficult. First thing you need to make sure of is that there is at least one inch of canvas that hasn't been printed on available for stretching. This one inch piece will wrap around the edge of the canvas frames. Much like a picture. Before you order, make sure they understand this.

What I use is a pair of canvas pliers available at any art store for about $30 US. Dick Blick has them cheaper as does Jerry's Artarama but if you're in a rush well, premium prices and all that.

Next the canvas frames, also available as per above, measure the length and width of the canvas minus margins. This is your frame size, take those measurements to the art mart of your choice and have them pick out the size closest to your needs. Today I'm stretching 16"X20" Canvas pics so I'm shooting for two 16" top frames and two 20" bottom frames. I generally find the cheaper ones to be of okay quality and up to the task. I can't remember the exact name of the product manufacturer I use but I know my total costs is around $10 or less.

You're going to have to assemble and square the frame so it is exactly rectangular or square, this is the hardest part. You'll get the hang of it however, it takes a few tries. I generally glue the joints with a good wood glue prior to assembly and then I piece the frame together.

I let the frame dry for a few hours or a half an hour at least if I'm rushed.

After that it's a matter of setting the canvas on the frame and getting it flush with all sides, I've developed this technique: With a flat edge steel ruler of adequate length, I'll position the edge of the print over the ruler and gently make a slight fold in the canvas pointing away from the picture. Probably more easily accomplished when the picture is face down, the flat edge on the back and moving the flat edge until the picture edge lines up evenly. Then I make the fold. I repeat this for all sides.

Now I have a canvas box that approximates the frame size and makes centering it on the frame easier. Place the frame inside the box so that it is on the back side of the print, flip it over and see how close you are to having the image square on the frame. Adjust if needed.

A good staple gun is next on the list of purchase items if you don't already have one. I have a Swingline that handles t-50 staples. These I use on the edges of the canvas to anchor that to the frame.

Fun part! (and probably the most tedious). Pick a side to staple, remember that when we stretch canvas we are going to be pulling to one or all sides so.. we need to make sure that there is a bit of bleed of image on one side. Generally I staple the canvas twice lightly on one side to anchor the canvas (width for me is best). Then taking the canvas pliers, I gently pull the other endin the middle of the frame and when happy, I staple on both sides of the pliers to anchor that end. I do the same for the sides, generally starting in the middle and temporarily stapling the canvas to the frame.

About that time I view the image and make sure I've got all of the wrinkles out in the center. If not I adjust as need be.

Finish by stretching the canvas edges and stapling in place. Pretty long explanation for a five minute job. However, I type faster than I stretch...

How to Stretch a Canvas (with video) - wikiHow

That should help a bit. Good luck!

[John at the Beach]

Becki....
If your going to use your prints as examples, mounting them yourself wouldn't be a problem...Go to you local craft store and buy the frames...They come sized and all you do is fold your canvas around the frame and staple it with a heavy duty stapler or nail small brad type nails to hold it...I don't do this myself because I like my examples to have the gallery wrap for display...So I just let the print place mount it for me...But you said this is a rolled canvas deal only so you have to do it yourself...Go for it, examples are examples...Just watch those greasy or sweaty fingers and hands...