Oil Painting:
Varnishing:
Working with Canvas:
'CANVAS STRETCHING, 8x10 GICLEE' by John O'Keefe
Step 1
Step 1 notes...
Assemble all materials and tools before starting.
Assemble all materials and tools before starting.
- Cloth Work Surface
- Giclee Print
- Pre-Made Stretcher Bars
- Square Ruler
- Mallet
- Small Hammer (not shown)
- Flathead Screwdriver (not shown)
- Staple Gun
- 1/4" Staples
Step 2
Step 2 notes...
In this example we used pre-made stretcher bars that come ready to assemble. These stretcher bars come with cut grooves at each end for mating and interlocking to adjacent bars. You may need to sand rough edges on pre-made stretchers because the cutting tools used during the manufacturing process may leave wood burrs and rough edges.
In this example we used pre-made stretcher bars that come ready to assemble. These stretcher bars come with cut grooves at each end for mating and interlocking to adjacent bars. You may need to sand rough edges on pre-made stretchers because the cutting tools used during the manufacturing process may leave wood burrs and rough edges.
Step 3
Step 3 notes...
Make sure that you fully seat the two stretcher bar ends. If you see a gap along the seam where the two ends meet, then you have not fully mated the two bars.
Make sure that you fully seat the two stretcher bar ends. If you see a gap along the seam where the two ends meet, then you have not fully mated the two bars.
Step 4
Step 4 notes...
In this view all four stretcher bars are mated together. However, we need to ensure that all four corners of this assembly are square. (i.e. A, B, C, & D)
In this view all four stretcher bars are mated together. However, we need to ensure that all four corners of this assembly are square. (i.e. A, B, C, & D)
Step 5
Step 5 notes...
We will need to check each corner to make sure they are square using a square ruler. This is a very important step because if your final assembly is not square it may not fit into your frame.
We will need to check each corner to make sure they are square using a square ruler. This is a very important step because if your final assembly is not square it may not fit into your frame.
Step 6
Step 6 notes...
Hold the square ruler as shown and check that both inside edges of the ruler run flush along the surface of each stretcher bar. If the ruler lifts off one side (not running flush along one surface while being fully flush on the other) then your not square on that corner.
Hold the square ruler as shown and check that both inside edges of the ruler run flush along the surface of each stretcher bar. If the ruler lifts off one side (not running flush along one surface while being fully flush on the other) then your not square on that corner.
Step 7
Step 7 notes...
Using a mallet, you can gently tap the corner(s) to make adjustments.
Using a mallet, you can gently tap the corner(s) to make adjustments.
Step 8
Step 8 notes...
Recheck all corners until they are all square. Now you are ready to start the canvas mounting process.
Recheck all corners until they are all square. Now you are ready to start the canvas mounting process.
Step 9
Step 9 notes...
Before laying down your giclee canvas print make sure there is no debris or wood pieces (that may have fallen off during stretcher bar assembly) which could damage the printed surface. A soft cloth work surface is preferred which further minimizes the chances of causing small scratches to your giclee canvas print.
Before laying down your giclee canvas print make sure there is no debris or wood pieces (that may have fallen off during stretcher bar assembly) which could damage the printed surface. A soft cloth work surface is preferred which further minimizes the chances of causing small scratches to your giclee canvas print.
Step 10
Step 10 notes...
Lay down your print (face up) and make a final close examination to ensure its not damaged from the print supplier.
Lay down your print (face up) and make a final close examination to ensure its not damaged from the print supplier.
Step 11
Step 11 notes...
At this point turn over your giclee print so the image is face down. You are now ready to position your stretcher bar assembly.
At this point turn over your giclee print so the image is face down. You are now ready to position your stretcher bar assembly.
Step 12
Step 12 notes...
Place your stretcher bar assembly over your giclee canvas print as shown.
Place your stretcher bar assembly over your giclee canvas print as shown.
Step 13
Step 13 notes...
Starting with the right side, carefully lift up the canvas print and ensure that the image is wrapping around the front face of the stretcher bar. Repeat this on the opposite side, moving the stretcher assembly left or right as needed until you see the image wrapping equally around both side bars.
Starting with the right side, carefully lift up the canvas print and ensure that the image is wrapping around the front face of the stretcher bar. Repeat this on the opposite side, moving the stretcher assembly left or right as needed until you see the image wrapping equally around both side bars.
Step 14
Step 14 notes...
Once you are sure the stretcher bar is centered in relation to the printed image, draw a reference line along each side as shown. This reference line will come in handy later if the stretcher assembly moves out of position and you need to realign it.
Once you are sure the stretcher bar is centered in relation to the printed image, draw a reference line along each side as shown. This reference line will come in handy later if the stretcher assembly moves out of position and you need to realign it.
Step 15
Step 15 notes...
As we did in Step 13 for the side positioning, we now want to center the stretcher bar assembly along the top and bottom bars. Carefully lift up the canvas print and ensure that the image is wrapping around the front face of the bottom stretcher bar. Repeat this for the top stretcher bar, moving the stretcher assembly up or down as needed until you see the image wrapping equally around the top and bottom bars.
As we did in Step 13 for the side positioning, we now want to center the stretcher bar assembly along the top and bottom bars. Carefully lift up the canvas print and ensure that the image is wrapping around the front face of the bottom stretcher bar. Repeat this for the top stretcher bar, moving the stretcher assembly up or down as needed until you see the image wrapping equally around the top and bottom bars.
Step 16
Step 16 notes...
Once you are sure the stretcher bar is centered in relation to the printed image, draw a reference line along each side as shown. We have now centered the stretcher bar assembly in both the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the printed image. We are now ready to begin the canvas stretching, wrapping, and stapling processes.
Once you are sure the stretcher bar is centered in relation to the printed image, draw a reference line along each side as shown. We have now centered the stretcher bar assembly in both the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the printed image. We are now ready to begin the canvas stretching, wrapping, and stapling processes.
Step 17
Step 17 notes...
For this example we have selected 1/4" staples. Make sure your staple gun is loaded so that you do not run out of staples part way through the next steps.
For this example we have selected 1/4" staples. Make sure your staple gun is loaded so that you do not run out of staples part way through the next steps.
Step 18
Step 18 notes...
Starting with the top stretcher bar, wrap the giclee canvas print around the stretcher bar as shown. Be sure that the stretcher assembly has not moved out of the reference lines we drew earlier.
Starting with the top stretcher bar, wrap the giclee canvas print around the stretcher bar as shown. Be sure that the stretcher assembly has not moved out of the reference lines we drew earlier.
Step 19
Step 19 notes...
Holding the staple gun squarely on the canvas and stretcher bar, staple the canvas to the stretcher bar in the center of the bar as shown.
Holding the staple gun squarely on the canvas and stretcher bar, staple the canvas to the stretcher bar in the center of the bar as shown.
Step 20
Step 20 notes...
Check that your assembly looks like this - having one staple in the center of the top stretcher bar.
Check that your assembly looks like this - having one staple in the center of the top stretcher bar.
Step 21
Step 21 notes...
Sometimes the staple gun is not held square to the canvas and stretcher bar resulting in a staple that is not full inserted. Lightly tap the staple with a hammer until it is fully inserted.
Sometimes the staple gun is not held square to the canvas and stretcher bar resulting in a staple that is not full inserted. Lightly tap the staple with a hammer until it is fully inserted.
Step 22
Step 22 notes...
We are now ready to tightly pull and wrap the giclee canvas print around the bottom stretcher bar. Using just your hand strength, pull the canvas, wrap it around the bottom stretcher bar, and hold securely with thumb (as shown) in preparation for stapling.
We are now ready to tightly pull and wrap the giclee canvas print around the bottom stretcher bar. Using just your hand strength, pull the canvas, wrap it around the bottom stretcher bar, and hold securely with thumb (as shown) in preparation for stapling.
Step 23
Step 23 notes...
While still holding your thumb in place, insert one staple in the center of the bottom stretcher bar. Once you have inserted the first two staples into the top and bottom stretcher bars as shown you should notice a slight tension pull on the canvas between the two staple points (i.e. points A and B.)
While still holding your thumb in place, insert one staple in the center of the bottom stretcher bar. Once you have inserted the first two staples into the top and bottom stretcher bars as shown you should notice a slight tension pull on the canvas between the two staple points (i.e. points A and B.)
Step 24
Step 24 notes...
As we did in the previous steps for the top and bottom, now we must secure the left and right sides. Starting with the left side, stretch, wrap, and hold canvas securely in position in preparation for stapling. (Not shown: Insert one staple in the center of the left stretcher bar.)
As we did in the previous steps for the top and bottom, now we must secure the left and right sides. Starting with the left side, stretch, wrap, and hold canvas securely in position in preparation for stapling. (Not shown: Insert one staple in the center of the left stretcher bar.)
Step 25
Step 25 notes...
As we did in the previous steps, stretch, wrap, and staple the right side. Be sure that when stapling opposing sides you stretch the canvas so that it does not droop or sag. Our assembly should now have one staple placed directly in the center of each stretcher bar as shown.
As we did in the previous steps, stretch, wrap, and staple the right side. Be sure that when stapling opposing sides you stretch the canvas so that it does not droop or sag. Our assembly should now have one staple placed directly in the center of each stretcher bar as shown.
Step 26
Step 26 notes...
Flip over the assembly so that you are looking at the printed image on the front. Check that the image is centered both vertically and horizontally - you should see the image wrapping equally around all sides and no 'white' border should be visible along the front face. Check that the image has not rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise so that it is no longer square with the stretcher bars. Also, check that the printed image is not overly loose or sagging. In the next steps we will tighten the canvas as we stretch, wrap, and insert the remaining staples, but now is the time to remove the staples and make adjustments if the position of the image is off or the canvas is very loose and sagging.
Flip over the assembly so that you are looking at the printed image on the front. Check that the image is centered both vertically and horizontally - you should see the image wrapping equally around all sides and no 'white' border should be visible along the front face. Check that the image has not rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise so that it is no longer square with the stretcher bars. Also, check that the printed image is not overly loose or sagging. In the next steps we will tighten the canvas as we stretch, wrap, and insert the remaining staples, but now is the time to remove the staples and make adjustments if the position of the image is off or the canvas is very loose and sagging.
Step 27
Step 27 notes...
Beginning with the top stretcher bar (1), insert staples starting from the center staple and moving left with each new staple until you reach the left stretcher bar as shown.
Beginning with the top stretcher bar (1), insert staples starting from the center staple and moving left with each new staple until you reach the left stretcher bar as shown.
Step 28
Step 28 notes...
Repeat the previous step for the bottom (2), left (3), and right (4) stretcher bars... in that order. Remember to start from the center staple and move in the direction of the arrows (as shown) as you staple the remaining three sides.
Repeat the previous step for the bottom (2), left (3), and right (4) stretcher bars... in that order. Remember to start from the center staple and move in the direction of the arrows (as shown) as you staple the remaining three sides.
Step 29
Step 29 notes...
Now we are ready to pull and stretch the canvas for the remaining unsecured areas. Starting with the top (1) stretcher bar, PULL THE CANVAS SNUG, hold it with your thumb and staple from the center to the right stretcher bar as shown. Repeat this process for the bottom (2), left (3), and right (4) stretcher bars... in that order. IMPORTANT: You should notice that the canvas has more tension across the front face. It should not sag, droop, or have ripples along the surface. If any of these conditions exists then you did not apply enough tension during the pulling and stapling process. If you determine that your canvas was not stretched properly you may need to remove all the staples and repeat the stretching and stapling processes. One indication of good tension is hearing the sound of a drum when you tap your finger on the back of the canvas. On a small hand stretched canvas (as shown in this tutorial) it may sound more like a deep thud.
Now we are ready to pull and stretch the canvas for the remaining unsecured areas. Starting with the top (1) stretcher bar, PULL THE CANVAS SNUG, hold it with your thumb and staple from the center to the right stretcher bar as shown. Repeat this process for the bottom (2), left (3), and right (4) stretcher bars... in that order. IMPORTANT: You should notice that the canvas has more tension across the front face. It should not sag, droop, or have ripples along the surface. If any of these conditions exists then you did not apply enough tension during the pulling and stapling process. If you determine that your canvas was not stretched properly you may need to remove all the staples and repeat the stretching and stapling processes. One indication of good tension is hearing the sound of a drum when you tap your finger on the back of the canvas. On a small hand stretched canvas (as shown in this tutorial) it may sound more like a deep thud.
Step 30
Step 30 notes...
Now we must fold and secure the four corners. Hold the corner of the canvas material as shown.
Now we must fold and secure the four corners. Hold the corner of the canvas material as shown.
Step 31
Step 31 notes...
While applying tension, wrap the corner around the stretcher bar as show so that the fold is on the side of the assembly. The fold should run at a 45 degree angle as shown.
While applying tension, wrap the corner around the stretcher bar as show so that the fold is on the side of the assembly. The fold should run at a 45 degree angle as shown.
Step 32
Step 32 notes...
While continuing to apply tension on the canvas material, fold it around the back face and hold securely in the position shown in preparation for stapling.
While continuing to apply tension on the canvas material, fold it around the back face and hold securely in the position shown in preparation for stapling.
Step 33
Step 33 notes...
While holding the corner in position, insert several staples as shown.
While holding the corner in position, insert several staples as shown.
Step 34
Step 34 notes...
Repeat steps 30 through 33 on the remaining three corners. Be careful that your folded edges are always on along the side stretcher bars. Your finished assembly should look like this when viewed from the back. Now use your hammer to ensure that all staples are fully inserted.
Repeat steps 30 through 33 on the remaining three corners. Be careful that your folded edges are always on along the side stretcher bars. Your finished assembly should look like this when viewed from the back. Now use your hammer to ensure that all staples are fully inserted.
Step 35
Step 35 notes...
Finished!
Finished!
© Copyright 2009, O'Keefe Arts. All Rights Reserved
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Website (www.okeefe-arts.com) by: John O'Keefe
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Website (www.okeefe-arts.com) by: John O'Keefe
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