Stretching Canvas, large prints

Anyone have some tips/tricks for stretching larger canvas prints on stretcher bars?

I seem to struggle getting the tensions even and the canvas ends up not laying totally flat. The uneven tensions are really only noticeable from the sides, but I still don't like it.

Any help is greatly appreciated
Kevin

I start in the middle of the long side first and put 3-4 staples about 1" apart. Do this on the opposite side too. Then I move to the shot ends and do the same. Then I work my way down adding a few staples on either side of center (keeping the canvas tight--a helper is useful!), then do opposite side, then a few staples on the short end and its opposite side. In this way I work my way to the corners. Fold your corners so that the overlap part is on top and bottom of the finished canvas. You don't want them on the sides as they will be more visible on the sides. I've had good luck with this technique up to 24 x 36 (haven't gone any larger yet) but I have a second person (helper)--one staples and the other stretches. Hope this helps.

Thanks Phillip.

I'm thinking a helper is going to be a must. I stretched a 24x48 pano on my own and had some problems. Working from the center to the corners sounds like a good approach.

I usually frame my canvas, so the corners aren't too big of a deal for me.

Thanks for the tips
Kevin

Brad Hill (Fauna co-moderator) uses this technique for his prints - you may want to send him an e-mail

Canvas stretching pliers are a huge help as well. You can get them at a number of places...here is a link to the one I purchased at Dick Blick.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/canvas-stretching-pliers/

Canvas pliers are essential at this size. I start by aligning canvas over frame then putting one staple on each side making sure that i have the canvas tight on the frame. Then I move to one corner to get a gallery wrap in place - stapling the side that goes under the wrap all the way to the corner first then the side that goes over the wrap again from the middle to the corner. I then do the same for the opposite corner, with the other two corners in any order after that. The final tightening comes with a light tapping of wedges into the corners.

I have stretched many large canvases (over 60") without help and without a tension problem over the last few years - at anysize over 30", I would suggest the use of a cross brace and any size over 24" deep sectioned frames make a whole world of difference.

Best

Andrew Stagg

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I definitely have a few things to try for next time...

Cross braces...definitely.