Does this look normal? Stretched this canvas on an aluminum frame by hand, and the stretch marks are shown by the edge

pnmc4

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Here is the picture. We were just using our bare hands to stretch the canvas over the frame as tight as we can. But it left those stretch marks by all 4 edges. Is there a way to fix this?
 

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A fabric backed painting should be attached to an adjustable support called "stretcher bars". This product allows for the tensioning of the art in minute increments, via interlocking corner mortise & tenon joints, that cannot be done with a rigid support such as plain bars. There is also a proper sequence of attachment from the center of each side out with tacks or stables that is used.
 
Aluminum frame? As in the ones used in screen printing? Those would not be appropriate for this application.

I too only use wood stretcher bars, which have a smaller round, slightly raised lip instead of harsh sharp edges. I use true stretchers, with keys in the corner so I can stretch out any slight imperfection.
 
Hi, pnmc4. Welcome to the Grumble! :)

Is the aluminum frame designed for canvas stretching, with adjustable corners, or are the corners solidly set? Also, is it possible to share the size and a picture of the back?
As for the ripples, something that helps is pre-stretching and pinning with sturdy tacks. Leaving it overnight like that, then removing the tacks for a final stretch and staple, improves the end result. Also, can you tell if this fabric is all cotton canvas, or if it seems more like plastic? Thanks.
 
You are going to need canvas stretching pliers to get it tight and wrinkle free. Place on stable center on each side and work towards a few staples at a time on oppisite sides. Make sure you leave enough room to fold the corners. Here is a link to a video of me stretching a canvas. But a quick note on the video, I am stretchign one complete side at a time. Do not do that. Work from the center out 2-3 staples at a time oppisite side to oppisite side. I did what you see in the video because it is faster but I also stretch about 30-40 canvases a week for the past 20 years. Don't try that when you are learning. I made a normal how to stretch video somewhere but I can't find it now.
Eric
 
In addition to all of the above advice:
You might first try spritzing/misting the along edges from the back with a little water from a spray bottle.
But only do so if you live and work in an environment that has a low enough humidity for it to dry within a few hours.
 
I cannot see what shape your "stretcher" is from the pic but another factor (which Ylva mentioned) is that any stretcher bar must be profiled so that the inner edge of the bar does not touch the canvas. If the profile is square, over time the inner edge will form an ugly line where it touches and after a few years that will be almost impossible to remove
 
You might first try spritzing/misting the along edges from the back with a little water from a spray bottle.
But only do so if you live and work in an environment that has a low enough humidity for it to dry within a few hours.
That is very poor advise without knowing the physical properties of the piece being stretched. We do not know it's age, medium used, tape of fabric, nor the condition of the image layer(s). Both PPFA instructors and art conservators will agree with my comment.
 
I will be teaching a strip-lining as part of the PPFA Speaker Series on Thursday September 12 at 7 PM EST. This demo will also be available for future viewings).

I will be teaching a strip-lining and stretching class at Frameworx Expo on Monday September 23rd. This will be a hands on demo and also a lecture.
 
That is very poor advise without knowing the physical properties of the piece being stretched. We do not know it's age, medium used, tape of fabric, nor the condition of the image layer(s). Both PPFA instructors and art conservators will agree with my comment.
Thank you Jerry. Wetting the back of ANY canvas is an improper and dangerous technique. Advising one to do so (and accepting the advice) is bad practice.
 
That is very poor advise without knowing the physical properties of the piece being stretched. We do not know it's age, medium used, tape of fabric, nor the condition of the image layer(s). Both PPFA instructors and art conservators will agree with my comment.
In what circumstance would you be comfortable wetting the back of a canvas?
 
In what circumstance would you be comfortable wetting the back of a canvas?
If you are not an art conservator who has the experience and equipment(EX: heated vacuum table), never. Note that a heated vacuum table is not the same machine as a picture framers vacuum press. In a conservation vacuum table the heat is applied to the back of the art support.
 
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