How To.... Overview

Welcome to our Educational "How to ...." part of the website.  Please browse the folowing topics and follow the links to the sections that are of interest to you.  If you need further information please contact us directly by email or telephone.

Call 1-800-561-4944 if you any questions about canvas stretchers or contact us by email at….INFO@UCSART.COM

Why use keyable stretchers?
Surprisingly, the durability of the oil painting on canvas is a popular myth. Its survival has depended on good construction, good luck, and regular conservation attention. Often major conservation is needed within 25-100 years of a painting’s completion. ....................continued

How to choose the right stretcher
Which profile? How much cross bracing?   Considerations are to have the right profile and cross bracing for ease of use and stability of the frame during canvas stretching, and priming or other preparation of the painting surface, and for long term protection of the painting. .................continued

How to assemble a stretcher
All Upper Canada Stretchers are shipped disassembled in a compact well protected carton package.   For a typical stretcher frame the parts include bars, braces, keys & screws. ................continued

How to stretch a canvas
On a flat surface, lay stretcher on the canvas. Be sure to leave just enough canvas to stretch onto frame (around 4 inches on all sides). .................continued

How to prepare a canvas for painting
A fine painting, no matter how well or expertly done, or how beautiful, like a fine house, starts with a good foundation. ..................continued

How to work with Giclee Prints
A Giclée print on canvas is produced by spraying ink onto usually a coated canvas surface. This coating is susceptible to mechancial damage and moisture. .................continued