DIY Canvas Stretching
I don't know how many of you are painters or have any interest what so ever about
stretching your own canvas, but, it's too good, I had to share.
I've been living my life within the guidelines of Michael's 50% off sales for too many years,
and finally, I've had enough. It's time to take painting into my own hands. I wanted to be able
to paint as big as I want, as much as I want, without the restrictions of
ONE 40% off coupon
on one regular priced item, every time I go to my local craft store.
Enough is enough people. Here is how it's done. The following is how to make canvases
as big as you want, for minimal prices.
Step 1: is a little harder then shown in photos ...
But, I went to Kent, told the employee what I needed, (some kind of wood?!?) to build
canvas on, and he guided through the next couple steps of buying wood: What we went with,
was 1"x2" pine, long and strong enough to be the structure.
Step 2: Convince someone to build the frames. Jokes aside, I thought this would be easier
then it probably was. I bought the wood, asked my dad who has a garage full of tools to
check youtube and build me one of the these things.
Took a few months, but then I was surprised with a Christmas gift of two built wooden
canvas frames. Thanks dad! xox
They weren't "hard" to do, but took several days for glue to dry, etc.
So I'm here to tell you about the fun part; actually stretching it yourself.
So easy, even
I could do it. Which says something.
You will need:
-Canvas frame
-Canvas (can be purchased at Fabricville for $10.99/meter)
-Hammer
-Scissors
-Staple gun
-Staples, duh
-Stretcher (
Amazon)
Step 3:
Lay the canvas as flat as possible underneath the frame as centred and even as you can.
Make sure to leave at least 5 inches at the edge of the canvas to fold over.
Step 4:
Use to stretcher to grab the canvas and pull it as tight as possible over the wood.
Step 5:
Hold it tight and use the staple gun to secure it into place.
If you're a little off, like myself, use a hammer to nail it straighter into place.
Step 6:
Start in the center if each of the four sides, then make your way around each side,
equally, so each side is pulled tight gradually.
equally, so each side is pulled tight gradually.
FYI: Staples don't need to be straight .........
After about 45 minutes, depending on how big your canvas is, make your way
around the frame, and you're finished!
around the frame, and you're finished!
Make sure to fold the corners neatly and tuck them in and staple them
as tight as you can into place.
as tight as you can into place.
And,
voiloi! Your canvas is stretched!!
After it's stretched throw a coat or two of gesso on there,
(sounds easy but also takes about a half hour) and let it dry over night.
(sounds easy but also takes about a half hour) and let it dry over night.
Next day, you have a giant, primed, ready to paint on canvas!
I hope this helped!
Any tips on doing it yourself to make it even easier then this, leave a comment below!
Would love to hear from you!
xx
Allie