Oil Painting:
Varnishing:
Working with Canvas:
'CANVAS STRETCHING, 16x20 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 (not shown)
- Pre-Made Stretcher Bars
- Square Ruler
- Mallet
- Small Hammer
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Staple Gun
- 1/4" Staples
- Tape Measure
- Canvas Pliers
Step 2
Step 2 notes...
(Step 2 through 4 are optional)
We will use Elmer's Wood Glue to bond the stretcher bars ends together. Because we are using pre-made stretcher bars that come ready to assemble we may need to sand rough edges that have resulted from the cutting tools used during the manufacturing process.
(Step 2 through 4 are optional)
We will use Elmer's Wood Glue to bond the stretcher bars ends together. Because we are using pre-made stretcher bars that come ready to assemble we may need to sand rough edges that have resulted from the cutting tools used during the manufacturing process.
Step 3
Step 3 notes...
(Step 2 through 4 are optional)
Apply a small amount of glue to each end as shown. Repeat this for each of the stretcher bars before continuing to the next step.
(Step 2 through 4 are optional)
Apply a small amount of glue to each end as shown. Repeat this for each of the stretcher bars before continuing to the next step.
Step 4
Step 4 notes...
(Step 2 through 4 are optional)
Using your finger, spread the glue around the surface of each of the cut ends as shown. Repeat this for the remaining stretcher bars.
(Step 2 through 4 are optional)
Using your finger, spread the glue around the surface of each of the cut ends as shown. Repeat this for the remaining stretcher bars.
Step 5
Step 5 notes...
Begin mating the stretcher bars.
Begin mating the stretcher bars.
Step 6
Step 6 notes...
Make sure that you fully seat the stretcher bar ends. If you see a gap along the seam where the ends meet, then you have not fully mated the two bars.
Make sure that you fully seat the stretcher bar ends. If you see a gap along the seam where the ends meet, then you have not fully mated the two bars.
Step 7
Step 7 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 before the glue sets. (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 before the glue sets. (i.e. A, B, C, & D)
Step 8
Step 8 notes...
If you used glue (as shown is steps 2 through 4) wipe off any glue that has squeezed out during the mating of the stretcher bars.
If you used glue (as shown is steps 2 through 4) wipe off any glue that has squeezed out during the mating of the stretcher bars.
Step 9
Step 9 notes...
Measure the distance between corner A and corner B.
Measure the distance between corner A and corner B.
Step 10
Step 10 notes...
Measure the distance between corner C and corner D.
Compare the two distances against each other. If the distances AB and CD are equal... then you are square. If they are not equal... you are not square.
(In our example distance AB was .125 inch larger than distance CD. We now need to make an adjustment following steps 11 and 12.)
Measure the distance between corner C and corner D.
Compare the two distances against each other. If the distances AB and CD are equal... then you are square. If they are not equal... you are not square.
(In our example distance AB was .125 inch larger than distance CD. We now need to make an adjustment following steps 11 and 12.)
Step 11
Step 11 notes...
While firmly holding the stretcher bar assembly, tap the corner with a mallet that had the largest measurement.
(In our example we will tap corner A.)
While firmly holding the stretcher bar assembly, tap the corner with a mallet that had the largest measurement.
(In our example we will tap corner A.)
Step 12
Step 12 notes...
Recheck all corners to make sure they are square. We can use the tape measure method shown earlier or we can use a square ruler method as shown here. 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. Repeat this check on all the remaining corners. If your stretcher bar assembly is square then you are ready to start the canvas mounting process.
Recheck all corners to make sure they are square. We can use the tape measure method shown earlier or we can use a square ruler method as shown here. 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. Repeat this check on all the remaining corners. If your stretcher bar assembly is square then you are ready to start the canvas mounting process.
Step 13
Step 13 notes...
Using a light grade sandpaper, gently remove any jagged or broken wood from corners.
Using a light grade sandpaper, gently remove any jagged or broken wood from corners.
Step 14
Step 14 notes...
Ensure the corners are sanded thoroughly and no jagged edges are remaining.
Ensure the corners are sanded thoroughly and no jagged edges are remaining.
Step 15
Step 15 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.
Lay down your print (face up) and make a final close examination to ensure its not damaged from the print supplier.
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.
Lay down your print (face up) and make a final close examination to ensure its not damaged from the print supplier.
Step 16
Step 16 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 17
Step 17 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 18
Step 18 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 19
Step 19 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 20
Step 20 notes...
As we did in Step 18 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 18 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 21
Step 21 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 22
Step 22 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 23
Step 23 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 24
Step 24 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 25
Step 25 notes...
While firmly holding the canvas pliers, grip the canvas in the center of the bottom stretcher bar opposite from the first staple that was inserted in the center of the top stretcher bar.
While firmly holding the canvas pliers, grip the canvas in the center of the bottom stretcher bar opposite from the first staple that was inserted in the center of the top stretcher bar.
Step 26
Step 26 notes...
Using the stretcher bar as leverage, rock the canvas pliers forward (compare images from step 25 and 26) until canvas has stretched - notice the canvas tightly wrapped around the stretcher bar.
Using the stretcher bar as leverage, rock the canvas pliers forward (compare images from step 25 and 26) until canvas has stretched - notice the canvas tightly wrapped around the stretcher bar.
Step 27
Step 27 notes...
Before releasing the canvas pliers, press your thumb onto the canvas. Holding your thumb in this manner will maintain canvas tension during staple insertion.
Before releasing the canvas pliers, press your thumb onto the canvas. Holding your thumb in this manner will maintain canvas tension during staple insertion.
Step 28
Step 28 notes...
While maintaining tension by firmly pressing your thumb on the canvas, insert one staple. Hold the staple gun squarely on the canvas and stretcher bar and staple the canvas to the stretcher bar in the center of the bar as shown.
While maintaining tension by firmly pressing your thumb on the canvas, insert one staple. Hold the staple gun squarely on the canvas and stretcher bar and staple the canvas to the stretcher bar in the center of the bar as shown.
Step 29
Step 29 notes...
Check that your assembly looks like this - having one staple in the center of the bottom stretcher bar.
Check that your assembly looks like this - having one staple in the center of the bottom stretcher bar.
Step 30
Step 30 notes...
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.)
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 31
Step 31 notes...
Using the canvas pliers, stretch the canvas starting on the left side and hold tension using firm finger pressure. (...I am holding the pliers away from my body and this provides less stretching and leveraging control. Because I'm not applying strong tension for the first side staple, I chose to use the pliers in this way. However, when you are stretching opposing sides it is recommended to hold the pliers so that they are facing toward your body as shown in images 25 through 28)
Using the canvas pliers, stretch the canvas starting on the left side and hold tension using firm finger pressure. (...I am holding the pliers away from my body and this provides less stretching and leveraging control. Because I'm not applying strong tension for the first side staple, I chose to use the pliers in this way. However, when you are stretching opposing sides it is recommended to hold the pliers so that they are facing toward your body as shown in images 25 through 28)
Step 32
Step 32 notes...
Insert one staple in the center of the side stretcher bar.
Insert one staple in the center of the side stretcher bar.
Step 33
Step 33 notes...
Repeat stretching and stapling process as shown in steps 25 through 28. Be sure to firmly hold canvas with your thumb before removing the canvas pliers prior to inserting the right side staple.
Repeat stretching and stapling process as shown in steps 25 through 28. Be sure to firmly hold canvas with your thumb before removing the canvas pliers prior to inserting the right side staple.
Step 34
Step 34 notes...
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.
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 35
Step 35 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 36
Step 36 notes...
Beginning with the top stretcher bar (1), stretch canvas using canvas pliers and hold tension by applying pressure with thumb.
Beginning with the top stretcher bar (1), stretch canvas using canvas pliers and hold tension by applying pressure with thumb.
Step 37
Step 37 notes...
Insert staples starting from the center staple and moving left with each new staple until you reach the left stretcher bar as shown. Use canvas pliers as needed.
Insert staples starting from the center staple and moving left with each new staple until you reach the left stretcher bar as shown. Use canvas pliers as needed.
Step 38
Step 38 notes...
Moving to the bottom stretcher bar (2), stretch canvas using canvas pliers and hold tension by applying pressure with thumb.
Moving to the bottom stretcher bar (2), stretch canvas using canvas pliers and hold tension by applying pressure with thumb.
Step 39
Step 39 notes...
Insert staples starting from the center staple and moving right with each new staple until you reach the right stretcher bar as shown. Use canvas pliers as needed.
Insert staples starting from the center staple and moving right with each new staple until you reach the right stretcher bar as shown. Use canvas pliers as needed.
Step 40
Step 40 notes...
Repeat the previous step for the 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 two sides. Use canvas pliers as needed.
Repeat the previous step for the 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 two sides. Use canvas pliers as needed.
Step 41
Step 41 notes...
Now we begin applying more tension when stretching the canvas using the pliers. Always have the canvas pliers facing away from your body during the final stretching and stapling steps for maximum tension and leveraging control. Starting closest to the center staple on the bottom stretcher bar (1) stretch the canvas, hold tension with thumb, and insert two or three adjacent staples starting from the center staple moving left.
Now we begin applying more tension when stretching the canvas using the pliers. Always have the canvas pliers facing away from your body during the final stretching and stapling steps for maximum tension and leveraging control. Starting closest to the center staple on the bottom stretcher bar (1) stretch the canvas, hold tension with thumb, and insert two or three adjacent staples starting from the center staple moving left.
Step 42
Step 42 notes...
Move slightly to the left of the staples you just inserted in step 41, use the canvas pliers to pull the canvas tight, apply thumb pressure to maintain canvas tension, and insert two or three more adjacent staples moving in the left direction toward the left stretcher bar.
Move slightly to the left of the staples you just inserted in step 41, use the canvas pliers to pull the canvas tight, apply thumb pressure to maintain canvas tension, and insert two or three more adjacent staples moving in the left direction toward the left stretcher bar.
Step 43
Step 43 notes...
Reposition the canvas pliers closer to the left stretcher bar, pull canvas tight using canvas pliers, hold tension with thumb, and insert several adjacent staples.
Repeat this process until you reach the left stretcher bar.
Reposition the canvas pliers closer to the left stretcher bar, pull canvas tight using canvas pliers, hold tension with thumb, and insert several adjacent staples.
Repeat this process until you reach the left stretcher bar.
Step 44
Step 44 notes...
This is how your assembly should look after inserting staples along the bottom (1) stretcher bar.
This is how your assembly should look after inserting staples along the bottom (1) stretcher bar.
Step 45
Step 45 notes...
Repeat steps 41 through 44 for the top (2), left (3), and right (4) sides - in that order until your assembly looks like this.
Repeat steps 41 through 44 for the top (2), left (3), and right (4) sides - in that order until your assembly looks like this.
Step 46
Step 46 notes...
A good test to see if you stretched the canvas enough is to tap the center of the canvas with your finger and listen to hear a drum-like sound. If the canvas was improperly stretched and is to loose it will not have this sound and will flop around as you tap it. Also, if you see ripples in the canvas then you have an uneven tension problem - the canvas should be pulled tight throughout.
A good test to see if you stretched the canvas enough is to tap the center of the canvas with your finger and listen to hear a drum-like sound. If the canvas was improperly stretched and is to loose it will not have this sound and will flop around as you tap it. Also, if you see ripples in the canvas then you have an uneven tension problem - the canvas should be pulled tight throughout.
Step 47
Step 47 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 48
Step 48 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 49
Step 49 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 50
Step 50 notes...
While holding the corner in position, insert several staples as shown.
While holding the corner in position, insert several staples as shown.
Step 51
Step 51 notes...
Repeat steps 47 through 50 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 47 through 50 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 52
Step 52 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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