Stretching a paint by number canvas involves mounting it onto a wooden frame called stretcher bars to give it tension and a professional look for display.
Stretching your paint by number canvas on a frame allows you to hang it directly or prepare it for further framing. The basic process, as outlined in the reference, involves assembling the frame, securing its corners, and then wrapping the canvas around it.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies:
- Paint by Number Canvas: Your completed or ready-to-paint canvas.
- Stretcher Bars: A set of wooden bars specifically designed for stretching canvas. These often come grooved or shaped to fit together. Ensure they match the size of your canvas.
- Staple Gun and Staples: Used to secure the canvas to the back of the stretcher bars.
- Hammer (Optional but helpful): To gently tap the stretcher bar joints together if they are tight.
- Pliers (Optional): For pulling the canvas taut, though using your hands is usually sufficient for smaller canvases.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stretching Your Canvas
Here's how to stretch your paint by number canvas using stretcher bars:
- Assemble the Stretcher Bars: The first step is to join the stretcher bars. Most bars have interlocking corners. Fit the corresponding ends together to form a rectangle or square frame matching the dimensions of your canvas.
- Secure the Frame: Once the bars are joined, staple the four corners of the stretcher bars together forming a rectangular frame. This reinforces the joints and prevents the frame from coming apart as you stretch the canvas. Use a staple gun to secure each corner with a few staples.
- Position the Canvas and Frame: Roll out your canvas, ensuring it is flat. Place the formed stretcher bars on top of it, centring the frame over your canvas. Make sure there is enough excess canvas around all sides to wrap around the bars.
- Initial Stapling (Sides): Begin stapling the canvas to the back of the frame. Start with the middle of one side, stapling the canvas to the back of the stretcher bar. Then move to the direct opposite side, pull the canvas taut, and staple its middle. Repeat this for the remaining two sides. This creates initial tension.
- Stapling Towards Corners: Work your way from the centre staples towards the corners on each side. As you move, pull the canvas firmly but evenly to ensure it is taut and smooth across the front. Staple about every 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), depending on the canvas size.
- Folding and Stapling Corners: The corners require careful folding. Fold the excess canvas at each corner neatly, tucking it in to create a clean edge. Staple the folded canvas securely to the back of the frame. Ensure there are no major creases or wrinkles visible on the front of the canvas.
- Check Tension: Once all sides and corners are stapled, inspect the front of your canvas. It should be tight and smooth, like a drum. If there are any loose areas or wrinkles, you may need to remove staples in that section, pull the canvas tighter, and re-staple.
By following these steps, you will successfully stretch your paint by number canvas, preparing it for display.
