How much to stretch old canvas

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Pelican Art

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Feb 13, 2004
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Petaluma, CA
I took in a large oil painting which was painted in the 1950's or thereabouts, and hung (without glazing) until just recently. It was taken off the stretcher bars, rolled paint side in, and brought to the US. I stretched with finger strength (not using the pliers) since the edges of the canvas seemed fragile. As we shot in the staples, we put on dust masks because so much dust puffed up with each staple.

However, there are vertical crease lines still showing and the customer doesn't like the look. I think, given the age and condition, that it is fine. But the "ball is in my court" - I told the customer I will check with some experts on how much we can stretch it without damage.

Any experiences/thoughts to share?

thanks,
Donna in California
 
Did you stretch it on tensionable stretchers or on strainer stock?
In any event you risk tearing the canvas if you over tighten it.
If the canvas is so decayed that it is dusting off you might want to consult a conservator before you have to.
 
Where is the release they signed freeing you from damage? If they haven't signed a release I don't want to tell you to yank that sucker til you fingernails bleed 'cause I don't want to be held responsible for tearing the painting!

Seriously I wouldn't pull too tight, you don't want to cause a rip or have really big puckers in the finished product.

Since you are seeing some puckering can you pull a few staples and do some judicious tightening in the selected spots? Do you feel safe you aren't doing any damage while doing it? If you think you are causing damage, don't do it!

good luck, be safe and get a release signed! (BTW when you show them a release stating they take responsibility for damage they may be more willing to accept slight wrinkles! (not big but slight)
 
Were the vertical crease lines there and not noticed before you stretched, perhaps by virtue of age? or have been caused by rolling the painting canvas-side out rather than paint side out during transit?
 
Sounds like you did as much as possible. Call the conservator NOW.

I have been in this situation many times. I tell the cust. that we can and will only do so much, and if they need it to look better, than another professional (a conservator) needs to be consulted. Simple as that.

edie the itaintworththerisk goddess
 
We use a procuct called Tighten Up with some degree of success.

We've found that it does do what the label states: "It will improve or remove any sagging, wrinkles, or ripples in the canvas".

It also says that it won't harm the canvas, gesso, oil priming, or the paints, it's acid free and archival.

I doubt that it would harm the piece you refer to but it may not take out sharp creases. I think this product would be less risky than trying to re-stretch it.

That being said, the best course of action would be to, as others have said, take it to a conservator to determine if lining would in order.
 
Originally posted by Doug Gemmell:
We use a procuct called Tighten Up with some degree of success.

We've found that it does do what the label states: "It will improve or remove any sagging, wrinkles, or ripples in the canvas".

It also says that it won't harm the canvas, gesso, oil priming, or the paints, it's acid free and archival.
Click to expand...
I'll call that product what it is... Water, and Alcohol. Frederix (Canvas manufacturer) reccomends misting distilled water on the back of a canvas to tighten it... but then they are not looking at a painted canvas, that any shape change might damage the paint.

It is past time to seek a conservator.

Paint and canvas have different expansion and contraction rates. Shrinking the canvas to get rid of the ripples, might make the paint flake off the front of the canvas.
 
Expandable bolt stretchers aka Libron Stretcher is the best thing for stretching old, brittle or canvas that don't leave enough room.

PL
 
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