How to Stretch Canvas - Part 1

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Stretching your own canvas is fairly easy once you know the procedure and have the proper tools and materials. Note that the canvas referred to below is pre-primed; but you could also use the following procedure with raw canvas and, after it has been stretched, prime it with two coats of acrylic gesso. Please read through all of the instructions first, since certain steps must be prepared for in advance.



First you will need to gather a few tools and materials: canvas pliers, stapler/staples or hammer and tacks, stretcher strips, and canvas. In addition, a T-square is convenient to help you insure that the stretchers are square. Then follow these steps to stretch your canvas:







Select the appropriate-sized stretchers for the canvas you want to build. Your art supply store has a variety of pre-cut wooden frame rails (or stretcher bars) that have interlocking mitered edges.



Once your stretcher frame is assembled on a flat surface, you should verify that it is square. Do this by taking a tape measure and checking that the diagonal distances from both opposing corners are equidistant. (They almost always will be.) If you encounter an offset, you can correct it by attaching a small metal right-angle brace on the inner frame corner. A small plywood right-angle triangle attached to the rear frame corner will also help correct any shift.



For frame rails longer than 36 inches, an interior brace should be inserted between these rails to support them from bowing inward after the canvas has been attached. This will also protect against frame distortion during periods of fluctuating humidity. If this type of support rail did not already come with your pre-cut frame, you should cut a piece of similar wood and attach it with the type of braces detailed in step 2.



Take the canvas and lay the primed side down on a clean, flat surface. Place the frame atop the canvas and then cut away any excess material so that there are two inches of excess canvas bordering the frame on all sides. It is important that you leave this border material because this is what you will use to grip, stretch, and attach the canvas to the frame.



Part 2 of how to stretch canvas to follow shortly.

How to Upload your own photos

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Here is a quick tutorial on how to upload your own personal images to us so we can convert onto canvas for you:

1: Create an account with us by clicking on ‘My Account’ at the top of our homepage. Fill in all the fields that are required.

2. Once you have created an account you are then able to upload you photo to us. To do this please click on ‘Personal Photo’s’ under our categories menu on the left hand side.

3. Scroll down & select the shape & size of canvas print you require. Select the lyson print guard or gift wrap service if you require either of these additions. Then where is says ‘Photo Upload’ please click on ‘Browse’.

4. Navigate to the location of the image on your computer & click open.

5. Click ‘Add to Cart’

6. Proceed to complete checkout.

Please click this link to go direct to our upload page:

http://www.choosecanvas.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=46

Mothers Day at Choose Canvas

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Mothers Day is fast appoaching & what better way is there to show your love than a canvas print?


Whether it be your own personal photo or a print from one of our categories a canvas print is a perfect gift. Perhaps you have a family photo, or a photo of the family pet or maybe a holiday photo. You can upload them to us via our website & have them on canvas for life.







Why not combine your print with our added option of Lyson Print Guard. Giving your canvas print 2 light coatings with Lyson Print Guard ensures that your canvas will be protected against natural elements such as sunlight, dust & heat.