While folding a finished canvas painting with dried paint is generally not recommended due to the risk of damage (like cracking the paint or creasing the canvas), there is a standard technique for folding the corners of canvas, often used when stretching or preparing canvas onto a frame. This technique ensures neat and secure corners.
Standard Method for Folding Canvas Corners
This method is commonly used to create professional-looking corners when attaching canvas to stretcher bars. The goal is to manage the excess fabric neatly so it doesn't bulk up under the frame.
Based on standard techniques, including methods shown in references like the Fredrix Canvas guide, the process involves these key steps for each corner:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Fold at 45° | At the corner of the stretcher bar, fold the canvas at a 45-degree angle away from the edge you are working on. |
| Secure with Thumb | Hold the folded corner securely against the stretcher bar with your thumb to keep the diagonal fold in place. |
| Lift and Over | Take the excess canvas flap and lift it up and over the stretcher bar edge, covering the previously secured edge. |
The reference describes this process concisely: "fold your canvas 45 degrees at the corner. And hold the corner with your thumb as shown lift the canvas up and over the stretcher bar."
After completing these steps for a corner, the excess flap is typically pulled taut and secured to the back or side of the stretcher bar, often using staples. This process is repeated for all four corners when stretching a canvas onto a wooden frame.
Why Folding a Finished Painting is Problematic
Attempting to fold a finished canvas painting, especially one with acrylic or oil paints, can cause irreversible damage:
- Paint Cracking: Dried paint, particularly oils, can become brittle over time. Folding puts stress on the paint layer, leading to unsightly cracks along the fold lines.
- Canvas Creasing: The canvas itself can develop permanent creases when folded, which are difficult, if not impossible, to remove without damaging the artwork.
- Surface Abrasion: The painted surfaces can rub against each other when folded, potentially causing smudges, scratches, or loss of paint.
For storage or transport of finished paintings, rolling the canvas (face out, around a large tube) or packing it flat in a secure box are generally safer alternatives than folding.
