How to place an order:
Start by selecting the size using our online price calculator on right panel, select the right thickness, add item(s) to shopping cart and continue to checkout. Once we have received your order details, we will send our address details by email, so you mail the originals to us. Mailing tubes are recommended for most canvas materials.

Stretching a canvas results in a beautiful, ready-to-hang artwork that can be displayed as is, or framed in a Picture or Canvas Floater frame. You have a number of options when you choose to have your special piece stretched at KeenART Media.

STRETCHING YOUR CANVAS ON A WOODEN, STRETCHER BAR FRAME

Your rolled canvas will be laid over a pine stretcher bar frame, the outer edge of which coincides with the part of the artwork you want to display (the front), pulled very tightly, and stapled to the back. Stretcher bars are available in a variety of widths -the larger the dimensions of your canvas, the wider the frame must be to support the final weight without bowing or breaking.

Stretcher bars come in many different depths as well (the width of the drop edge). Generally, larger canvases look good on thicker frames, while smaller canvases look better on thinner frames, but the choice in yours. In some cases, however, your selection may be limited by your canvas.

There must be enough surrounding, blank or unneeded canvas (that is not going to show on the front) to wrap around the stretcher bar frame to the back. For instance, if you have only 1 1/4" of excess on each side, it is not advisable to mount your canvas on 1 1/2" or 2" bars - there is too little canvas to wrap all the way around and therefore it is extremely difficult for the framer to stretch the canvas tight enough. This can result in dimples and valleys in your canvas, which will only worsen as time goes on.

The more excess canvas around your artwork, the better. Too much can always be cut off once the piece is mounted on the stretcher bar frame, but if there's not enough, more cannot be added on. In the images at the top of the page, you can see this original painting has more than 4" of empty canvas around the edges of the artwork itself. This canvas could be stretched on a 3/4", 1.5", 2" or 3" deep frame.

If your canvas has plenty of excess, you need to consider what look you would like to display. The stretcher bar depth measurement translates to how far the face of your canvas will protrude out from the wall. A 3/4" frame ("gallery wrap") will leave your image quite close to the backdrop (similar to a regular framed image), while a 2" or 3" ("museum gallery wrap") frame will create a deeper shadow.

Once you have determined the depth you want, our framer will create a custom frame especially for your canvas. This sturdy, lasting frame will support and display your piece for generations.

A 3/4" frame and a 2" frame, hung on the wall.

FRAMING YOUR STRETCHED CANVAS

Once stretched, your canvas can be hung on the wall as is. After the framer has mounted your artwork, he will attach hooks and wire to the back, and you will be supplied with the hardware you'll require for the wall. Many customers choose to display their wrapped canvas this way.

You also have the option, however, to have your canvas framed. We offer a wide selection of picture frame moldings and canvas floater frames, all viewable online.

Your framing decision could be influenced by what the wrapped edges of your canvas look like. If you had enough painted canvas to wrap around the stretcher bars, chances are your edges look neat and finished. If, however, the natural, unpainted canvas is showing on the sides of the piece, the framer can apply a fabric tape to hide this unfinished part. This can result in a display-ready artwork, or you may choose to conceal the edges behind a frame.

If you decide to go with a regular picture frame, you will most likely need a stretcher bar frame at a shallow depth. We offer a 1/2" bar for this, which fits within the short rabbet on most picture frames without causing your frame to stick out awkwardly from the wall. Since the canvas will be secured within the wood frame, in this case it is not a problem to mount even a large canvas on such slender bars. Note: Generally, a framed canvas will not have a clear glass or acrylic cover. If you like the appearance of a mat, consider selecting a linen liner.

If you prefer the smoothly curved, gallery wrapped edge of your unframed canvas, but still want some type of border, we recommend selecting a canvas floater frame. Instead of sitting on top of your canvas, these frames lie behind, with a slight gap (usually 1/4") between the frame and the canvas to create a "floating" effect. We have a large selection of floater frames that will suit your canvas, regardless of the stretcher bar depth. (Note: if your piece is mounted in a floater frame, some of the edge may show, so you will want to ensure it is neatly taped or painted.)

Simple lines create a modern effect.

CANVAS ART IN EVERY STYLE YOU CAN IMAGINE

As long as it is printed on fabric, there is virtually no end to the possibilities for a gallery wrapped, stretched canvas. If your piece has very little excess canvas, consider selecting a section you particularly love, and using the less important, outside areas to wrap around (this is not recommended for expensive or heirloom works, however, since the full, original image will then be lost).

If you previously ordered a rolled Giclée canvas print from a different company, we are happy to stretch it for you. Get several canvases stretched on the same depth bars for a multiple-piece display, either all the same size, straight across the space, or in a variety of shapes and sizes, staggered or stacked up the wall.

Unframed, stretched canvases are great for a child's room, as they are light and easily secured to the wall. The classic, gallery wrapped style can transform any piece into a quality artwork, whether you paid $5 at the flea market or inherited a Van Gogh original.

Our helpful staff are happy to troubleshoot options with you using digital images of your artwork. Once you have made your selections, ship your rolled canvas safely in a cardboard tube, and wait for your beautiful, ready-to-display wall decor to come back to you!

A division of USAOnCanvas.com Gallery Picture Frames Sandiego Laser Engraving & Cutting Services