Just wondering about finishing canvas...

Create a Post
Kittyfaces

Kittyfaces

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Feb 23, 2004
Posts
359
Loc
Kennebunk, Maine
I don't frame a ton of canvases in my little corner of town. When I do, they're not terribly valuable, if at all, but even so, I always screw a board (Coroplast, foam, mat.. whatever makes sense for the job) to the stretcher to protect the canvas from mishandling.

What never sits right with me though is, how "bad" is it that the edges of the canvas are exposed, both preservationally and aesthetically speaking? Preservationally, I imagine dust settling on the the top member and bugs nestling in the allowance between the rabbet and the side of the canvas... not mention if there are any spaces between the backing board and stretcher. I know the obvious solution would be to build out the back of the frame so that it is higher than the canvas but this is a big expense that I couldn't imagine talking most of my clientel into. I've used Framespace before but even that isn't as tight as adhesive and backing paper.

Then there is the obvious aesthetic issue. In my home, I wouldn't care about the edges showing if the piece was on a corner wall and you could see it was you walk by, but do most other people care?
 
I might be in the minority here..... I find trying to 'tidy' up the backs of framed canvases by papering between frame and canvas totally unnecessary and a PITA if you ever have to remove the canvas. Dust won't harm a sound canvas. As for spiders and other creepies nesting in the backs, if the back is open at least you can see them.

I regulary get framed canvases from a nearby art dealer for reframing. They invariably have the backs covered with layers of sticky paper and I spend hours trying to remove all this gunk from the paintings without causing them damage.
 
Paul,

Yeah but wouldn't a dustcover look at little sloppy trying to form its way around a canvas that sits 1/2" above the back of the frame?
 
Ha... that's the very thread I read before posting. I'm always going to screw on a backing board no matter what to protect from mishandling. I'd love to figure out an attractive way to add a dustover over that...

... perhaps with Christmas wrapping season being here I might get inspired.
 
We build up the contents of the frame with inexpensive black wood moulding Caxton Architectural) that we rip to length and recess in about 1/8" aa. Then we paper the back like normal.

Closed corner frames we order with extra depth built up before finishing.

I have also seen beveled wood strips (Raphaels Mat woods) ripped down and painted black used as well and also beveled strainer painted black (or appropriate color) as a build up.

Good reason to have a small table saw in your shop (or at home). easy to rip strips just as you need them.
 
Rob Markoff said:
We build up the contents of the frame with inexpensive black wood moulding Caxton Architectural) that we rip to length and recess in about 1/8" aa. Then we paper the back like normal.

Closed corner frames we order with extra depth built up before finishing.

I have also seen beveled wood strips (Raphaels Mat woods) ripped down and painted black used as well and also beveled strainer painted black (or appropriate color) as a build up.

Good reason to have a small table saw in your shop (or at home). easy to rip strips just as you need them.
Click to expand...
Or,just get some nice furring strips from Home Despot......L.
 
I'm with Paul on this one. I always back the canvas with a protective board and use black dustcover paper. I dampen the paper and use Frank's Fabric Adhesive on the frame edge only. The damp paper will mold to the frame. Afterwards I iron the edge and any wrinkles flatten out almost completely. Looks good.

Alternatively I use Cambric cloth also available from Frank's Fabric's.

I don't want to be chastised for dampening the paper. It dries out completely in a matter of a few minutes and does not create any problems.
 
Create a Post
Back
Top