Stretching a very old and rotting canvas?

SteveT

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Posts
172
Loc
Kalamazoo
Anybody had to re-stretch a old canvas? The painting is coming loose and the fabric is rotting. My customer is wanting it reframed and it needs to be re-stretched but I know the staples will rip loose. I really don't want to dry mount this one because of it's permanence. Any ideas on getting this one flat and in to a frame?
Thanks
Steve
 
Sounds like it needs to be relined. A fresh layer of canvas will be strong enough to allow it to be stretched.

A conservator would be able to do this easily. A few companies supply the canvas and wax-like adhesive to do this, and some framers do it themselves. But I doubt if you want to learn on a customer's art.
 
Hi again Steve,

Please listen to FramerDave. This is an area of specialized knowledge and should be refered to a paintins conservator. I'm not sure that they could do it easily, but this is what they are trained for.

Best Wishes,

Rebecca
 
Please listen to Dave and Rebecca. Old or thin
canvases are real hazards that come into the
shop and framers should not take on the risks
that these materials entail.

Hugh
 
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