*A NOTE FOR PURCHASING PRE-STRETCHED CANVASES*

Most of our stretcher frames are shipped unassembled which enables us to offer the best possible shipping rates across the United States and Canada.

Customers often approach us looking for pre-stretched canvases, however, which we do offer but there are several factors that complicate this request. Stretched canvases obviously must be shipped fully assembled, making the shipping much more expensive and the canvases are at a greatly increased risk of damage during shipping. For this reason, we strongly encourage the addition of a custom shipping crate which, depending on the size, may also necessitate that the shipment be transported by LTL truck rather than by courier. These factors can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of the project.

Assembling a stretcher frame and stretching your own canvas are actually quite easy to do (we provide step-by-step instructions on these and other skills in our Educational Resources section). However, if you are really not comfortable doing so or you don't have the space required, we can often match customers up with someone in their area who would be willing to assist with the stretching aspect.

All things considered, shipping pre-stretched canvases is generally only practical if your situation meets at least one of the following criteria:

  • Your canvas(es) are 45” or smaller on the largest dimension; OR
  • Your shipping destination is within Southern Ontario (where we offer a monthly delivery service); OR
  • You have a suitable budget for a protective crate and the corresponding shipping costs

Contact us to discuss your stretched canvas project

Stretched & Prepared Canvases in Any Shape or Size Leave You Free To Do What You Do Best - Paint!

How would you like to take the time consuming work of stretching canvases off your plate, but still know that your canvas is being properly prepared?

We design and manufacture canvas stretchers in every size, shape and volume imaginable. Then, we stretch and prepare them to exacting specifications for professional artists like you. All you’ll have to do is paint!

Our stock stretcher frame profiles range from 3/4″ to 3″ thick and we can create any custom depth that you wish.

Are you looking for a shaped canvas: round, oval, arched, or a custom design that your imagination conceived? Check out some of our previous work here. Know that we can make any shape or thickness you need then stretch it for you with cotton or linen, primed or unprimed, in multiple different weights and qualities.

We also make and install gravity bars which make it easy for you to install your custom stretched canvas in your studio or gallery.

All custom canvases are shipped in well-protected carton containers and we ship across North America daily. Our turnaround times range from a few days to a few weeks.

 

Get a Quote for Your Custom Shaped or Sized Stretched Canvas

ENGINEERED TO LAST

All of our professionally engineered strainers or keyable custom stretched canvas frames have a front fall or slope to keep the canvas from contacting the frame except at the edge.

TOP QUALITY MACHINING

Expert CNC design and quality machinery allow us to precisely carve any shape you require! Our standard round frames offer your most economical options.

DESIGNED FOR TRANSPORT

Stretched canvases over 96" in size can be designed with splice joints that allow it to be folded for easier shipping, reassembly, and even moving the canvas around corners within a building.

A smaller, circular wooden frame adhered to the back of the first canvas is the basis for stapling the peephole cutout.

FUN, CREATIVE ARTWORK ON IRREGULARLY SHAPED BLANK CANVAS

Sometimes, your next great painting idea just doesn’t fit within the confines of a standard rectangular or square canvas. Irregularly shaped canvases can add depth and interest to your piece and, with proper engineering...

Large canvas stretchers like this one in Orillia’s City Hall have special design features to support the additional weight of your canvas and media.

LARGE & COMPLEX CANVASES TO INSPIRE YOUR MOST AMBITIOUS ARTWORK YET

Sometimes, the space in a room or on an outdoor surface just begs for an oversized piece of artwork. Large, complex paintings like the one above can make a statement, tell a story, and bring the rest of the decorative elements in the room together.

We’ve worked on countless oversized artworks over the years...

Client Feedback

I had great success with your stretcher bars in Bermuda last year during my artist-in-residency. They did not warp, bow, or crack, as did most other stretcher bars in that humid climate.

I am moving to Bermuda soon. I am going to need more of your superb product.

- Michael Cacy, Artist - Portland, Oregon

When I needed a very large stretched canvas for a public commission, I wanted to make sure that it was professionally assembled and stretched so that it could be painted on, moved easily, and hung perfectly without worrying about warping or unevenness. The frame is strong and square yet light enough that it allowed me to work on it in two different locations and the canvas was stretched so neatly that the surface was tight and even, and all the edges are clean and smooth.

Both my client and the professional curator who hung the piece in its public location liked my work but were also impressed by the quality of the stretched canvas. Thanks again!

- Louise Moore, Painter - Owen Sound, Ontario

Everything went smoothly and I just got a chance to open the crate and take a look at the canvases. You have done a great job and I would like to say thank you for making my life easier. The fact that they are strong and light weight at the same time means a lot to me.

Our Custom Stretched Canvases

Rear view of canvas stretched on a Professional frame

Canvas stretched on a Professional frame (rear view)

Large custom canvas, stretched & installed in-studio

Several large 12’ x 15’ blank canvases stretched and installed in a Montreal studio.

Several large 12’ x 15’ blank canvases stretched and installed in a Montreal studio.

Stretched canvas on a hybrid frame

8’ x 10’ aluminum-wood frame stretched with #12 cotton canvas.

8’ x 10’ aluminum-wood frame stretched with #12 cotton canvas.

8’ x 10’ aluminum-wood frame stretched with #12 cotton canvas., standing

Same as above, standing

Bulk blank canvas

36 blank canvases being packaged for shipping to Brooklyn, NY

36 blank canvases being packaged for shipping to Brooklyn, NY.

Custom blank triptych

8′ x 18′ custom blank canvas made as a triptych (three canvases attached as one).

8′ x 18′ custom blank canvas made as a triptych (three canvases attached as one)

Arched, stretched canvas

Steeply arched custom stretched canvas.

Arched custom frame stretched with unprimed cotton canvas.

Keyable Designs

Gluing keys to frame

To prevent keys from falling out during transportation we “spot-weld” the keys to the frame with a drop of wood glue. This glue will break off if the keys are tapped with a hammer should further keying-out be required.

Triptych with gravity bars

Gravity bars installed on the horizontal braces of the frame of a custom stretched canvas, ready for mounting the canvases.

Gravity bars installed on the horizontal braces of the frame, ready for mounting the canvases.

Canvas in any shape you desire

30” keyed triangular stretcher with primed canvas

30” keyed triangular stretcher with primed canvas. See Shaped Supports.

Gallery wrapped stretched canvas

Gallery wrapped stretched canvas.

Gallery wrapped, arched stretched canvas, ready to go.

Stretching Finished Canvas

We can stretch your existing paintings and prints, too - see here for more.

We can stretch your existing paintings and prints, too!