Hi,
I bought some canvas prints from our good friends at artscow.com a little while ago, and when they got here I realised they weren't stretched (because I misread my order). So I have a little job to do, and a new skill to learn, that of stretching (framing) canvas.
Everything I read talks about stretcher bars, but they don't seem too common - especially for the size I have (12"x18") - and they seem expensive.
Anywhere you know that has good prices? I'm in Sydney. Or is there another way to do it - can I just stick it in a frame, or glue it on to another already stretched canvas?
Weird thing is I could prob order them framed for cheaper than any other option, $13 at the moment…
Sean
Don't glue it to anything, that will wreck it LOL. The standard way to frame canvas is to use a stapler. You put a single staple in the middle of one side, then go to the opposite side and pull… staple again. Next do top and bottom centre. Finally, work outwards towards each corner, pulling "diagonally" and stapling one on each of the 2 adjacent sides.
See this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkToBRa-O-U
A stretcher bar is just a nice easy way to get a 90 degree corner, which is the big challenge if you just use normal timber and butt joints.
Here's an eBay seller of 12" and 18" http://tinyurl.com/44p7n6x - but even without delivery, it's about the same price as you can get them already mounted.
One alternative would be to go to your local $2 shop and buy a blank 12" x 18" framed canvas and staple yours over the top.