How to Make a Canvas Tight
Canvases often become loose or wavy over time for a variety of reasons, compromising a clean, taut surface ideal for painting and displaying. Even shrink-wrapped, store-bought canvases can loosen and sag, depending on how they are stored, shipped and handled. Larger canvases are more likely than small ones to become stretched and worn, due to the additional space between the wooden stretcher bars and the middle support bars. Additionally, when doing detail work on a larger canvas, an artist may rest his hand on the surface and leave small indentations and uneven areas on the canvas. Whatever the reason a canvas becomes loose or uneven, warm water can be used on the exposed cotton side of the canvas to re-stretch it.
- Spray bottle
- Warm water
- Paper towels
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Instructions
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1
Fill a small spray bottle with warm water.
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2
Stand the canvas up on a table so that the un-coated back side is facing you.
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3
Hold the canvas securely with your free hand and spray a small amount of water onto the back of the canvas. Spray in between the crevices where the wooden stretcher bars meet the back of the canvas as well. Use paper towels to wipe up any excess water, especially from the wooden stretcher bars, which can grow mold when damp.
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4
Place the canvas in a safe location and allow it to fully dry for approximately one hour.
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5
Gently press your hand on the surface of the canvas to test your results. The canvas should have a slight spring to it.