The Framers Forum

A customer has asked me to stretch a big canvas - over 2m x 1m - which is more than twice the size of any I've done before.

Any advice?

Hi Jon.

Get a good strong stretcher frame with keyed corners and maybe one or two cross braces.

Harris-Moore do good stuff and will cut them to the exact size you need.

https://www.harrismoorecanvases.co.uk/2 ... ar-cm.html

Take time putting the frame together to make sure it's dead square. The rest of the procedure is the same as
for a small canvas.

My software says that stretching this size would take 53 minutes, make sure you charge enough.
If you don't have pneumatic, I can recommend the Arrow cordless stapler T50DCD. Large/wide stretching pliers make it a lot easier too.
Take your time!

Agree with prospero that good frame is key and decent with cross braces important.

The only difference with stretching a bigger canvas is that it is considerably more awkward manoeuvring the stretchers to do the opposite side. Other than that, it is the same process.

I did a 3.5m by 2.25m one a few months back and that was a pain! I got someone to help me with that though.

This is a BIG stretched painting job... including making the strainer frame.

That's a fair size!

FYI,
size 10 ft x 20 ft
date 1998 (approx.)
constructed and dry fit assembly in shop, then disassembled for transport.
assembled and stretched on site.
crew of 3... plus the artist supervising (a real hinderance)
fee: $1,400 (he wouldn't pay the original quote of $2,000)
unforeseen cost: a windscreen for the van. (he assisted in loading the van for trip back to the shop.) The carpet roll tube was not placed properly into the van and when he slammed the rear door closed, WELL He refused to pay for the damage.

If I had to do the job again, today, I would quote $4,500.

Thanks everyone - I feel a bit more confident now.