| There are several options for an artist today. | | | | right angle (such as a block of wood) to assist you |
| Pre-stretched canvases are available in many sizes in | | | | while you join it. Proceed with the other corners, and |
| most art supply stores. But there are times when an | | | | give a final check for right angles. |
| artist may wish to stretch their own canvases. | | | | You are now ready to stretch the canvas over your |
| Begin with the frame. Some artists like to use precut | | | | frame. You will need a light weight staple gun or |
| frame lengths that have a fitting tongue on each end. | | | | tacks and a hammer, and artist grade canvas. Cut |
| You will need two pairs of wood (four pieces) per | | | | your canvas in a rectangle with an extra 2" or more |
| frame. For a 16 x 20 frame, for example, you will | | | | on all sides of the frame, enough to pull the canvass |
| need two 16" lengths and two 20" lengths. Fit one | | | | around to the back of the frame. Place the canvas |
| corner together of a long and short length and tap | | | | on the floor or table face down with the frame |
| together with a mallet. Proceed with the other pieces | | | | centered on it. Pull up one side of the canvas and |
| alternating long and short. Use a T-square or a | | | | attach with one staple or tack only, in the middle of |
| Right-angle triangle to make sure you have | | | | that side on the back. Now gently pull the opposite |
| hammered together a rectangle and not a trapezoid. | | | | side, and pulling so that there is no slack but it is not |
| If your frame is not in alignment, gently squeeze the | | | | stretched tight, attach that canvas to the middle of |
| two corners furthest away from each other until | | | | the back. |
| they are square. | | | | Now go to the sides that are not yet done. Take |
| To make a frame using uncut wood lengths you will | | | | one side and gently pull it to the middle of the back |
| need a wood saw and a miter box, or a chop miter | | | | and attach. Avoid puckering the canvas. Take the |
| saw. You will also want a heavy duty staple gun or V | | | | middle of the fourth side and pull so that the canvas |
| type nails made specifically for joining together two | | | | is like the top of a drum. You want neither too tight |
| pieces of wood. You will be cutting two pairs of | | | | nor too loose. After this side is attached, start adding |
| wood lengths. All eight ends will be cut at a 45 | | | | one staple or tack to each side, about 1 - 2 inches |
| degree angle with the miter equipment. The longest | | | | apart, continuing in a circle around the sides. Work |
| edge of each piece will form the outer dimensions of | | | | your way towards the corners from the middles of |
| your frame. After you have cut your pieces, put | | | | each side. When you get close to the corners, neatly |
| together a long and a short length and join with one | | | | fold the corner. This is done much like "a hospital |
| staple or joining nail. Check that you have a right | | | | corner" on a bed sheet. Secure corners and your |
| angle. If desired, you can clamp the wood pieces to a | | | | canvas is now ready for priming and painting. |