CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A SHAPED CANVAS OR ART PANEL
There are a few things to be aware of when you are looking to purchase a shaped canvas stretcher or panel:
- Shaped stretcher frames 48" and over are made in sections and shipped unassembled.
- Shipping STRETCHED CANVASES and PANELS can be very expensive, especially once they are larger than 30"x30". Stretched canvases are also much more prone to getting damaged. For these reasons, we prefer to ship stretcher frames unassembled and have the customer stretch them on arrival**. Alternatively, a custom plywood shipping crate can be built to protect the canvas or panel. However, be aware that this, combined with the increased shipping expense, generally adds hundreds of dollars to the project costs.
- We do offer a monthly delivery service within southern Ontario (Greater Toronto Area & surrounding area) which allows us to economically transport larger stretched canvases and panels.
- **If you are not comfortable with stretching your canvas yourself, we may be able to connect you with someone in your area who would be able to assist with this.
TIPS FOR STRETCHING A SHAPED CANVAS:
- Shaped stretcher frames should be stretched with UNPRIMED canvas as it is much more pliable for ensuring pleats can be pulled to the back of the canvas. Limiting the stretcher depth to no more than 1-½" also helps with this, although tighter curves may require even shallower depths to prevent pleating. In the example below (which is 48"x38" and 1-1/2" deep), you can see that the sides of the canvas are nice and smooth with pleating appearing only on the rear of the strainer frame.
- Shapes with inside curves are difficult to stretch and are often better to make as a panel.