Installing canvas clips is a straightforward process used to securely fasten a stretched canvas or canvas panel within a picture frame. This ensures your artwork stays in place and prevents shifting.
Canvas clips, often called offset clips or Z-clips, bridge the gap between the back of the canvas stretcher bar and the inside edge of the frame, allowing the canvas to sit flush or slightly recessed within the frame.
Understanding Canvas Clips
Canvas clips are small metal brackets designed specifically for joining a canvas to a frame. They vary in size to accommodate different distances between the canvas and the frame's rabbet (the recessed edge).
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Based on the provided information from the Cheap Joe's 2 Minute Art Tip video segment, the installation involves fitting the clip and then engaging its teeth.
- Position the Clip: Begin by placing the canvas artwork face down into the frame. Select the appropriate size clip that bridges the gap between the back edge of the canvas stretcher bar and the inside edge of the frame. Fit the clip into this space. As the reference notes, "It fits right in there."
- Engage and Secure: Once the clip is positioned, the next step is to push it firmly into place. Push the clip "Forward all of it." As you push, "Run the teeth down in here." These teeth are designed to bite slightly into the wood of the stretcher bar, helping to grip the canvas. The reference indicates that the clip "really only catches when you put the second one in" – interpreting this as the second part of the process after placement, where the action of pushing forward and engaging the teeth is what makes the clip grip and secure the canvas.
- Fasten with Screws: (Standard Practice) While not explicitly detailed in the brief video snippet, canvas clips typically have a hole through which a screw is driven into the frame. This screw provides the primary securement, holding the clip (and thus the canvas) tightly against the frame. Use appropriately sized screws that will not go through the front of your frame.
- Repeat for All Clips: Use multiple clips around the perimeter of the canvas. Space them relatively evenly for balanced pressure, typically using at least four clips for smaller pieces and more for larger ones.
Key Actions During Installation
- Fitting: Placing the clip in the gap between canvas and frame.
- Pushing Forward: Applying pressure to slide the clip into its final position.
- Engaging Teeth: Allowing the clip's teeth to grip the canvas stretcher bar.
Tips for Success
- Always place your artwork face down on a clean, soft surface to protect it during installation.
- Use a drill or screwdriver suitable for the small screws used with canvas clips.
- Ensure clips are tight enough to prevent the canvas from moving but not so tight that they damage the frame or artwork.
By following these steps, you can effectively use canvas clips to secure your artwork within its frame, giving it a professional finish.
