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How to Assemble Stretcher Bars

Stretching your own canvas allows for customization of the final size. For very large paintings, having a custom stretched canvas is often an artist's only option. Some artists also believe that stretching their own canvas ensures a better quality canvas. The thinking behind this is that pre-stretched canvases are often mass produced and assembled using poor quality wood, canvas and gesso.



With this in mind, most art supply stores now carry stretcher bars, canvas and gesso for artists to create their own canvasses. Stretcher bars can also be made by hand for those more industrious artists out there.

Things You'll Need

  • Stretcher bars
  • Rubber mallet
  • Framing wedges
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the size or thickness of your stretcher bars. Stretcher bars come in different lengths and widths. There are also cross bars, which should be used with really large, heavy canvasses to add additional support. The width you choose will depend on whether you plan to frame the piece and what type of frame you will use.

    • 2

      Align two corners of your stretcher bars at a 90 degree angle.

    • 3

      Using a rubber mallet, tap the corners together until they are flush. A rubber mallet is better to use than a hammer as the hammer could damage the wood.

    • 4

      Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the remaining two stretcher bars.

    • 5

      Insert framing wedges in each corner with your fingers. These come with adjustable stretcher bars and allow for adjustments as the frame warps over time.

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