Why do you tighten or re-stretch a canvas?
A canvas is tightened for various reasons, e.g.:
- High application of paint and weight on the canvas surface, e.g. through pouring techniques or mixed media
- Warping of the frame due to transport damage
- Unfavourable storage, e.g. high humidity
- Improper hanging, especially with heavy frames
What do you need to tighten a loose canvas?
You need:
- hammer
- 8 wood wedges
- Our stretched canvases are supplied with a bag of pine wedges from size 40x50.
- You can buy a bag of 100 pinewood wedges here.
- We also offer hardwood wedges made of beech, which are super stable and durable.
How do you tighten the stretcher frame?
Step-by-step instructions
- Preparation: Place the dry canvas on a soft surface.
- Inserting wedges: Carefully insert the wedges into the grooves provided in the corners of the frame. There are two methods for this and everyone has their own opinions and preferences - so we'll show you both.
Method #1 : The wedges are inserted with their diagonal side into the respective groove along the inside of the frame.
Method #2 : The wedges are inserted with the long side along the inside of the frame into the respective groove and together form a rectangular shape.
- Knock out the wedges evenly: Drive in the wedges evenly, one by one. You will see a gap forming between the adjacent stretcher bars. This means your canvas is slowly tightening up!
- Continuously check the tension: When driving in the wedges, check the surface tension again and again until you are satisfied with the result.
Make sure the canvas is dry before you begin.
Further information
Find out more about the correct storage and hanging of stretcher frames in our other instructions .
Conclusion
Tightening a canvas is easy if you follow the right steps. Using a hammer and wedges, you can get your canvas tight again in minutes and ensure your artwork looks its best.