How do I build a frame to stretch an oil painting on canvas?

Question

Just pruchased a gorgeous, but rather large and UNframed oil painting...
Since it's 3' high and 4' wide, I am not inclined to have it framed at present--and know it needs to be stretched first anyway. (Also, I have a different painting that is stretched, but not framed and I really like the informal look of it in my home.)
This isn't something I'll likely be doing very often, so am I better off paying to have it stretched--and is that a costly service? Or is it simple enough to attempt on my own?
Your help is appreciated!

Answer 1

You will need to purchase the lumber first. I would suggest 1x 2. You will need enough for the 4 sides and a support piece in the middle due to the size.
Cut the lumber to the desired size and I have used a heavy duty staple gun and staples to put the pieces together. :Lay them on a flat surface and staple the corners really good and place the support piece in the middle and staple both ends. Check to see if your frame is square. I have used the corner of the inside of a door. Those are usually pretty square.
You can use small nail but I have found this works just as well.
To stretch the canvas you have to work your way around, you should not staple any side completely at once.
That can cause wrinkles.
Staple the middle of one side.
Go to the opposite side staple the middle of that.
Staple a middle side that hasn't been stapled.
Then go to the opposite side and staple that middle.
You will work your way around the painting until you get it finished.
After you do the initial stapling of al 4 middles then you can staple on both sides at one time. Staple both sides of one middle, turn to the opposite side and staple it. Do this until you get to each corner.
Neatly fold the corners and staple those down.
You may need a tool to help you pull the canvas tight. Wire pliers will work, just be careful not to tear the canvas. You can also purchase canvas pliers.
If you don';t want to cut your own lumber you can buy stretchers at your local craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Or any University Book Store that sales art supplies. You can get them any size and they will slide together at the corners.
Good Luck.

Answer 2

If the canvas were bare I'd say DIY, but with a painting on it, this is a pro job, a few hundred bucks is likley cost minimum. there was a question about strechers a while back that had some good advice, so if the painting isn't worth a pro job, check there and just be careful not to stretch wrinkle or bend the canvas too much,

if you don't frame it the painting will shrink and crack more than it would otherwise.

Answer 3

Melissa C gave a good answer. I can't add much except to say that, due to the large size of the canvas, I'd be inclined to use 1 x 3 lumber to construct the frame.
Wood can warp under stress and the span at 4' is rather great so a stiff frame will help prevent warping.
For the same reason, use a good grade of lumber.
Hobby Lobby may be able to accomplish the task for you. I would go there and see their equipment and watch how they do the job first. Also look at their blank canvases to see how they are manufactured. Doing it yourself may save you money, especially if you don't have to buy special tools. A poor result will be more costly than having it done by professionals.

Answer 4

I've been painting and self stretching for years, but I have to tell you,,, stretcher "KITS" aren't prohibitively expensive, and allow the proper SET of the canvas to the frame. The usual stretcher allows not much more or less than 1/4 inch of wood actually touching the edge of the canvas perimeter. Kinda like a door molding in that it widens from one side to the other.

Stretcher KITS are notched in the 45 allowing braces, sold with the kit, to hold the corners, and at that size, likely have other bracing as well.

I have two now I'm working on at that size that need to be stretched, and I'll use the ready made KIT type.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

Leave this one to the experts. Depending on age, and condition this could be a delicate job and one that unless you are well versed in the procedure, risky