Canvas Stretcher
Canvas cloth is essentially a heavy cloth. In order to use the fabric to paint on the canvas it has to be evenly stretched, formed, and secured into place over a “stretcher.” A stretcher can be made to fit any size canvas. Also, a stretcher is a way to suspend the canvas in the air. The result is uniform brush strokes and no showing through of the underlying frame of the stretcher in the main area of work. The materials used to make a stretcher include such basic items as wood, nails and a hammer.
Instructions
1. Calculate the amount of wood needed to construct the stretcher. Length of each side is totaled together. Add wood for a bar across the middle when needed for larger (bigger than 3 feet by 3 feet) stretchers. Allow extra length for possible cutting errors and for mitering the corners (45-degree angles). If using rounded beading, to hold the canvas up and away from the stretcher, the extra length allows for additional cuts needed at the corners.
2. Set up you work area on a level, stable, surface that is large enough for the stretcher size you choose to make. You will be cutting wood so there will be dust. Use a vent or vacuum if available. A work shop area is good. If this is a large stretcher then a smooth level floor will do. Secure the vice onto the table work area.
3. Measure the 1 x 2 wood and place pencil marks for cutting. Measure the ¼-inch beading. If you are using quarter round then include extra length due to the need for extras cuts to line up the mitered corners (45-degree cuts). Place the 1 x 2 frame pieces together and measure to find the center of the long sides when using a cross support for a larger stretcher. Place the cross support in the middle and mark the main frame with a pencil showing the outside edges of the cross support. Measure and mark down 1 1/2-inch across the width of the board. Use the T-square to make sure you lines are straight. On the cross support, mark the ends to show the width of the frame and down 1/2-inch.
4. Cut the 1 x 2 inch wood. Two for the sides and two for the top and bottom. Since you are making a square or rectangle then the ends need to be cut at a 45-degree angle. Cut the quarter round using 45-degree angles. Make sure that the angle allows for the curved side of the wood to face the inside of the back of the frame. One flat side goes against the back of the stretcher and the other forms the outside edge. Sand smooth if rough. Use the saw and cut along the lines marked for the cross support on the stretchers outside frame and the cross piece. Place the wood in the vice and chisel out the grooves you’ve marked. This makes an overlapping joint.
5. Place the 1 x 2 inch wood together to form the shape you chose. Check each corner using the T-square for correct alignment. Hammer in the corrugated nails at the corners. These nails go down into the wood leaving a smooth surface. Place on the front and back. Place cross support into position if using one for a large canvas. Hammer in corrugated nails. Place the quarter round in place and use finishing nails every 3 to 4 inches.
