Stretching a very large canvas (3m x 2m)

jontysewell · Post by **jontysewell** » Thu 17 Jun, 2021 11:25 am

Hi all,

We've been approached for a quote to stretch (and frame, but that should be fine) a very large painting on canvas for a local hall, and we are scratching our heads a bit trying to find an appropriate price to charge; for smaller canvases a flat fee has always been fine but 3 metres by 2 metres is a different beast!

I wondered if anyone here had experience with such sizes and could give an idea of what they would charge for labour? We've already got stretcher bar prices but just wanted opinions on how long it would take etc.

Justintime · Post by **Justintime** » Thu 17 Jun, 2021 11:44 am

My software says 85 mins. Hope that helps!

JFeig · Post by **JFeig** » Thu 17 Jun, 2021 12:29 pm

I wouldn't charge less than 2 hours per person. Murphy always shows up when you least expect it.
That includes: consult time, setup and tear down time of the work area, assembly of the support bars, and the actual stretching time.

YPF · Post by **YPF** » Thu 17 Jun, 2021 3:09 pm

I would be charging at least 2 hours labour just for the stretching - assuming bench is clear, stretchers/braces assembled etc.

Steve N · Post by **Steve N** » Fri 18 Jun, 2021 10:53 am

At leaste 2 hours, do you have space, and can you get out of the door when done

Not your average framer · Fri 18 Jun, 2021 7:56 pm

I was quite impressed that people were talking about at least 2 hours. I think that is really good going! I would definitely need more time that than, including fitting the stretchers together that for me is a half days job!

jontysewell · Post by **jontysewell** » Sat 19 Jun, 2021 10:45 am

Thanks for your opinions - yes, we have measured the door!!

We were thinking of 2 hours, but for 2 framers to help hold/staple/straighten and all that. Plus the admin time taken for preparing the workshop, wouldn't be able to do any other work at the same time, etc...so it all adds up!

JFeig · Post by **JFeig** » Sat 19 Jun, 2021 2:52 pm

exactly, you are thinking like a businessman.

fusionframer · Post by **fusionframer** » Sun 20 Jun, 2021 9:17 am

Sometimes with jobs that can potentially take a bit longer than you think, i will give a maximum price to the customer giving myself a bit of wiggle room in case it takes a bit longer. But I will say (and I do stick to it), if it takes less time, i will charge less.

If you quote 2 hours for 2 framers for this job and it then takes 3 hours, you will have to pay the other framer for 3 hours, giving you 1 hours pay for all that work.

It is not often i do this, but when a bit unsure, it is better to quote say 3 hours and it does take 2, then the customer is generally very impressed if you do just charge the 2 hours.

Nick

Jo · Post by Jo » Mon 21 Jun, 2021 11:29 am

Steve N wrote: ↑Fri 18 Jun, 2021 10:53 am At leaste 2 hours, do you have space, and can you get out of the door when done

I have just stretched a 1.9m square canvas and have standard doors - I'm putting a small edging frame around it but had to check t wasn't too big to get it out of the shop!! I had to stand on my bench to reach the edges while stretching. Fun and games, wouldn't want to do too many like that but the customer is happy to pay a proper price for the job.

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Stretching a very large canvas (3m x 2m)

Stretching a very large canvas (3m x 2m)

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