Canvas Framing - A question

[Moosh]

Hi everyone,

I've just finished framing a 16" x 20" canvas which I have stretched myself. Is it the norm to seal up the back with backboard and tape in the usual manner or do you leave it open?

Moosh

[Bill Henry]

The general rule of thumb is that if the piece has glazing, seal the back; if not, it doesn’t matter since dust and critters can crawl in from either direction.

But, if you choose to seal the back, it won’t hurt and might even cover up any boo-boos you might have made.

[Spit]

For myself, it depends on the canvas. If the back is neat as with most mass produced canvases, leave it open. If it's full of staples or panhead nails, has loose or uneven trailing edges, cover it.

[Framer Dave]

Considering what a controversial subject this is, I am hesitant to jump in, but here goes...

Using a backboard and sealing up the back with licky sticky or a paper dust cover will cause no harm, and can provide much benefit. A solid backing will provide protection against damage such as punctures, tears and dents. Many conservators have put their kids through university repairing torn canvases. The backing will also provide something of a buffer, sort of sealing in a cushion of air behind the canvas. It will help prevent the canvas from flexing back and forth quite as much as it would otherwise.

Sealing the back will cover up all the fixings, making everything look nicer, and keep bugs and dust out. Have you ever looked at the back of a stretched canvas and considered all the little places dust can collect and bugs can set up house?

And no, there is no evidence that a canvas needs to "breathe" or benefits from air circulation.