Canvas stretchers may be homemade or purchase, but either way, they require special care. Canvas stretching bars are not easy to build, and if you decide to purchase them, there are only limited kinds of them available. If you want to keep the quality of your oil painting intact, be sure that you also maintain your canvas stretch in perfect condition.
Care, Maintenance, and Storage Tips for Your Canvas Stretchers
Ask for help.
Stretching a canvas is not easy and it still wont be easy even if use a canvas stretcher. Thus, its always better to have someone around to help you as this will make the chances of an accident occurring, one that could even damage your stretcher, less likely.
Canvas stretchers, especially those custom-made to accommodate larger-sized paintings, are heavy. Again, its better to have someone with you when you need to carry it from one place or another and when youre in the process of assembling or disassembling it.
Store canvas stretchers with care.
Naturally, its best to store canvas stretchers away from the reach of children and in room condition. Try encasing it in safe covering, especially its corners as they have a significant impact on how your canvas will turn out after stretching. Having someone accidentally cause them to topple down is unacceptable because this could create uneven surfaces or edges which will also affect the quality of your finished product.
Wipe with non-abrasive cloth.
Do not use brushes or wet, abrasive fabrics when cleaning your canvas stretcher. Use dry and non-abrasive cloth instead and be sure to wipe every part clean at least every other day. This way, dust will not accumulate and you wont be consequently required to use water for cleaning your stretcher.
If, in the event, you feel the need of cleaning your canvas stretcher with water be sure to have it dried completely before using it to stretch a canvas.
Be careful when using electricity.
A few canvas stretchers do make the use of electricity. If yours does, be sure to follow proper instructions to avoid accidentally causing damage either to the canvas or the stretcher itself.
Provide clear and detailed instructions and other users.
If youre allowing other people to make use of your canvas stretcher, be sure to provide them with a list of clear and detailed instructions. Its better to be safe than sorry!
Consult a professional.
Lastly, if you do notice something wrong with your canvas stretcher, ask a professional for help instead of conducting your own trial-by-error experiment and which could turn out damaging in the end.
Care, Maintenance, and Storage Tips for Your Canvas Stretchers
Ask for help.
Stretching a canvas is not easy and it still wont be easy even if use a canvas stretcher. Thus, its always better to have someone around to help you as this will make the chances of an accident occurring, one that could even damage your stretcher, less likely.
Canvas stretchers, especially those custom-made to accommodate larger-sized paintings, are heavy. Again, its better to have someone with you when you need to carry it from one place or another and when youre in the process of assembling or disassembling it.
Store canvas stretchers with care.
Naturally, its best to store canvas stretchers away from the reach of children and in room condition. Try encasing it in safe covering, especially its corners as they have a significant impact on how your canvas will turn out after stretching. Having someone accidentally cause them to topple down is unacceptable because this could create uneven surfaces or edges which will also affect the quality of your finished product.
Wipe with non-abrasive cloth.
Do not use brushes or wet, abrasive fabrics when cleaning your canvas stretcher. Use dry and non-abrasive cloth instead and be sure to wipe every part clean at least every other day. This way, dust will not accumulate and you wont be consequently required to use water for cleaning your stretcher.
If, in the event, you feel the need of cleaning your canvas stretcher with water be sure to have it dried completely before using it to stretch a canvas.
Be careful when using electricity.
A few canvas stretchers do make the use of electricity. If yours does, be sure to follow proper instructions to avoid accidentally causing damage either to the canvas or the stretcher itself.
Provide clear and detailed instructions and other users.
If youre allowing other people to make use of your canvas stretcher, be sure to provide them with a list of clear and detailed instructions. Its better to be safe than sorry!
Consult a professional.
Lastly, if you do notice something wrong with your canvas stretcher, ask a professional for help instead of conducting your own trial-by-error experiment and which could turn out damaging in the end.