Straightening Warped Stretcher Bars

Becker

Grumbler
Joined
May 21, 2003
Posts
16
Loc
Northwest Ohio
I recently placed a warped 36 x 50 inch canvas in a 2 inch deep poplar floater (#2 Xylo Floater)thinking it would hold the warp down. It's warped about a 1/2 inch in the upper left corner. The frame did not hold the warp and this is a painting that I do not wish to remove from it's original stretchers. Other than a more sturdy floater frame, any suggestions?
 
Yor are a picture framer....... restretch the painting on fresh stretcher bars if the bars are in fact warped.

That is assuming that there is no REAL reason for reusing the old bars.
 
Just remember, if it is not properly mounted, and the bars remain warped, they can warp the frame as well. I have seen frames break open in the corners because the art was warped.

I would remount the painting on new stretcher bars.
 
Chances are that the warp is the result of too much uneven tension on the canvas.

Try removing or releasing the keys in the corners (unless this is actually a strainer, then, never mind). If the warp hasn’t been “set” for too long, that may diminish the warp somewhat.

A brace will probably only help once you have the strainers a bit flatter.
 
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