Canvas Stretching in 5 Simple Steps

As printing photos on canvas keeps increasing in popularity, more and more online and brick and mortar canvas printing shops are popping up all over the world. If you are planning on getting photos or artwork printed on canvas, there are five simple steps you should follow to avoid disappointment or a bad quality product! 

1. Decide what image you would like on your canvas

There are a multitude of images that could be considered for printing on canvas. Popular photos are wedding photos, family photos, newborn, baby and children’s photos, photos of fur babies, holiday snaps, scenic shots and the like. Deciding on which image to use will depend on where in your house you would like to display it and your own personal style. Family photos look great in living rooms and bedrooms however single or couples with no children may prefer to print their travel photos or scenic shots to place in their living rooms or bedrooms. 

There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a photo however the one thing that is very important is to make sure your image is of high quality and it will not come out pixelated or blurry. A simply way to figure out if the image is ok, is to look at the file size, the larger the file size is, the better quality your photo will be. If you are using a canvas printing service, most places will make you aware if the file is of good quality or not. 

2. Decide what size you would like to print your canvas at, keeping in mind your budget

The next decision you need to make is what size canvas you would like. Again, canvas printing services usually have a range of standard photos sizes for you to choose from but it is important to choose the right shape for the wall you are intending on hanging your canvas on. A large, long wall would warrant a large landscape canvas so it becomes the feature of the wall. Alternatively, you could also use three or four portrait canvases to make a set and give the appearance of a landscape. A small narrow wall would look nice with a portrait canvas, or three or four small square canvases. 

The other thing to keep in mind when you are choosing a size to print your canvas at is your budget. The printing maybe within your budget but it is always smart to contact a local picture framer that completes canvas stretching and find out the canvas stretching perth cost before you have it printed. Make sure you advise them of the size of the canvas you want a quote on, as cost is based on the size of the canvas.  

3. Choose a local picture framer to stretch your canvas rather than a canvas printer

Some canvas printing businesses offer canvas stretching in addition to printing your canvas, however it is highly recommended that you choose a local picture framer that completes canvas stretching perth. The reason being is because a local picture framer will be trained in the art of stretching a canvas in the correct manner using the correct materials and correct stretcher bar. There are many methods that have been created to “stretch” a canvas cheaply, most of these are poor quality and will not last. For example, there are many places that offer stretched canvas that simply create a very cheap and flimsy frame out of poor-quality wood and simply glue the canvas on. This is not the correct method and it will likely warp or bow in time due to the poor-quality wood and it will also discolour over time with the acid found in the glue. If you choose a local picture framer, you can go into their showroom and ask to see an example of a finished product, inspect the stretcher bar and see how it is attached. 

4. Make sure the stretcher bar is of premium quality

The correct method of stretching a canvas is to choose a specially designed stretcher bar that is solid and large enough to take the strain of the canvas once it is stretched. There is a lot of tension if done correctly and you should be able to make a drum sound if you hit the canvas. A good quality stretcher bar will not require any type of bracing at the back as the stretcher bar should be strong enough to withstand the pressure and not bow or warp. The canvas should also be stapled into the stretcher bar and not glued. This is so if you ever wanted to take the canvas off the stretcher bar, you can do so easily. If you were to glue a canvas onto the stretcher bar, you would have to cut the canvas off the bar to remove it. 

5. Decide if you want a frame around your stretched canvas

The last decision you need to make when you are stretching a canvas is if you would like to add a frame around the canvas. Adding a frame around the canvas is purely for an added touch of elegance or to enhance a feature of the photo or painting, however it is certainly not a requirement. There are many frames on the market that suit a stretched canvas. The most popular one, and the one specifically designed for canvases is called an L-Bar or a floating frame. These sit on the outside of the canvas and wrap around the back, creating an “L” appearance. These give a very professional and elegant look to a stretched canvas, especially on the sides as it hides any unfinished edges and makes the canvas look complete.