Problem wrinkled canvas: decorative art

[wvframer]

One of my best customers brought in a painting 34 x 40 that has some wrinkles. This is decorative art in every sense of the word. It is stretched and stapled on the back of a strainer, then nailed through the wrapped portion of the canvas into the frame.

There are two 4-5 inch tears in the canvas between the staples just past where it breaks over the back edge of the strainer on the side opposite the wrinkles, and the canvas seems brittle. This appears to be a piece that was produced by a decorative arts supplier. The surface is perfectly smooth, and it may have been printed on the canvas.

Before I actually saw it, I thought that removing it and tightening it would be the solution, but I am not sure the canvas is strong enough to stand the tension. I now think removing it from the strainer and mounting it to foam board or 8 ply might be the best solution.

I would really appreciate any guidance. We really need to be able to fix this for under $100 to make it worthwhile.

 

[Dave]

I'd take it off the stretchers and mount with a good PVA adhesive (like Frank's Fabric Adhesive) on either Gator Board or a bonded ployflute board to foam core.

I don't think foam core by itself or even 8 ply board would be sufficient to stay flat because of its size.

After rolling on the PVA, smooth out the bubbles carefully working from the middle out then place a large piece of plexi, mirror or glass over the entire surface and weight. Do not use two pieces or you will get a seam... don't ask how I know this, just trust me.

Should come in around the $ 100.00 mark.

 

[Framing Goddess]

I would just dry mount this puppy to FC, then re use the existing strainer for support behind that. If I were feeling diligent, I would wrap and staple the excess "canvas" to the back, just cuz.

edie the itiswhatitis goddess

 

[Dave]

...then re use the existing strainer for support behind that....
edie the itiswhatitis goddess

Good idea... didn't think about that. I'd probably still use a PVA though.

 

[wvframer]

Yep I like the idea of using the strainer behind it. I would never have thought of that. Not only will it offer extra support, it will look better if someone is poking around back there. Thanks for the help.

 

[wvframer]

rest of the story

When I tested a corner under heat, the surface became very soft and came off at 150 degrees F. So I went with Franks fabric adhesive to 3/16" foam board under weight for 48 hrs, then made a new strainer for it. It looks great and has been hanging in the decorator's window for a couple of months now without any further problems. The bill came in at around a hundred after her decorator discount. Everybody was happy.

Thanks for the help. I'm sorry it took so long to say thanks for help that came in almost immediately!

 

[sketchcalgary]

taking wrinkles out of stretched canvas

Hmm... I was going to say that if you ever have stretched canvas with wrinkles in it, you can take a rag soaked with hot water and gently dab it onto the back of the canvas where the wrinkles are happening and this will pull it taut. I do this for my own works (oil on canvas) all the time and it is also safe for acrylics. You can also fix wrinkles in stretched canvas by spraying (using a water bottle) the back of the canvas with hot water... though I only do this for my own works and I use the hot rag method for customer pieces.