Instructions for How to Stretch Canvas
- 1). Assemble your stretcher bars. Check that your corners form 90-degree angles by holding against perpendicular surfaces, such as a door frame. Tack the stretcher bars in place by stapling them a few times at the joints on the back.
- 2). Place your canvas or linen piece on a table or other clean surface. Cotton duck and linen are two standard options available in a variety of weights and weave textures, which can be purchased at art supply stores. Arrange the stretcher on the fabric, allowing approximately four inches of fabric on all sides. Trim excess canvas with a pair of scissors.
- 3). Pull the canvas up around one of the long sides of the stretcher. Place your first staple in the center of the stretcher bar. Staple the opposite side in the center, pulling fabric taut. Secure the short sides with staples in the center as well, stretching as tightly as possible. Use canvas pliers for ease.
- 4). Return to the first side and place another staple on both sides of the first staple, approximately two inches away. Continue this process on the other long side and then the shorter sides. Stretch and staple two points on each side before proceeding to the opposite side until the short sides are completely stapled. Continue stapling the longer sides until the sides are done, leaving excess flaps of canvas at each corner.
- 5). Fold the extra canvas to make corners with 45-degree angles, locating them on the sides where they will be less obvious. For a vertical or tall painting, the folds will be on the short sides of the stretcher. If you will be painting a landscape or long painting, place the folds on the long sides of the stretcher. Staple the folded canvas on the back of the stretcher, using a few staples at each spot.
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