How would you stretch this?

[Jana]

A customer has an oversize paper poster that has been glued to canvas. The company that did this said the poster should be stretched on stretcher bars. The customer can't find the instructions that came with the poster. He bought the poster a few years ago at a restaurant trade show.

Is this a do-able project for us to tackle? Has anyone done anything similar with good results. Thanks.

 

[Framerguy]

Has the entire poster been glued down to canvas or did they do a canvas transfer??

That would make a world of difference to me if I were to attempt to stretch the image. If it is a canvas transfer you can probably stretch it as easily and in the same manner as any canvas transfer. If the paper is still attached to the image and the entire poster is glued to the canvas, then I would probably tell my customer to take it back and get my money back or have them do it properly. I would be afraid that stretching would possibly tear or separate the paper fibers and cause stress marks in the poster either right away or over a period of time.

Just another man's opinion, right or wrong.

Framerguy

 

[Jana]

The paper is glued to the canvas. I thinks it's an offset litho print because I can see the tiny Benday dots. It's pre-giclee. I figure it's probably from the 1970s.

I'm thinking, too, that it would be a tricky job to do. I'm wondering if anyone has stretched such an item.

My first suggestion was to trim off the extra canvas margin (up to the paper) and hinge the piece to a backer and glaze it with plexiglass.

One of those wrapped mat/liners from one of the fabric companies would be nice if space at the customer's home were not an issue.

 

[Baer Charlton]

strongly suggest the trim and mount. It's the best you're going to do with basically a poster glued to cloth.

 

[Pat Murphey]

Over-sized posters are commonly mounted this way. I've never had any trouble using strainers/stretchers. Caution - make sure the dimensions are such that the paper does not turn over the edge. Also it is useful to place 1/8" art-care (with the edge rolled down slightly to be flush with the strainer lip) between the art and the strainers for extra support - it reduces the tension necessary to remain flat. I would be reluctant to trim off the canvas as it would reduce future options for the customer.

Pat