Stretching & Framing Your Canvas Artwork
Have a canvas that needs to be stretched and ready for display?
Whether you've purchased a canvas while travelling, inherited an original painting or have a printed canvas that needs finishing, Frames Now can professionally stretch your canvas over timber stretcher bars and help you choose the right framing option.
What is canvas stretching?
Canvas stretching is the process of carefully pulling a canvas taut over a timber frame, known as a stretcher bar, and securing it in place.
Stretching gives the canvas a stable structure and helps prevent it from sagging, wrinkling or becoming distorted over time. The excess canvas around the artwork is folded around the stretcher bars and secured to the back, leaving the artwork clean and uninterrupted from the front.
Canvas stretching is commonly used for original paintings, oil paintings, printed canvas artwork and other artworks created on canvas.
Why stretch your canvas?
Canvas is a flexible material, so it needs the right support to stay looking its best.
- Professional canvas stretching can:
- Keep your canvas taut and looking its best
- Reduce sagging, wrinkles and creasing
- Provide a stable structure for displaying your artwork
- Prepare an unstretched canvas for framing
- Make your artwork easier to hang and display
Canvas stretching is also reversible, meaning the canvas can be carefully removed from the stretcher bars if it needs to be stored or conserved in the future.
Canvas stretching in Melbourne
Frames Now offers professional canvas stretching and custom framing across Melbourne.
You may have picked up an unstretched canvas while travelling through Bali or Vietnam, inherited a vintage oil painting or purchased a canvas artwork that isn't ready to hang. Whatever the reason, our team can help determine the best way to prepare your artwork for display.
We can also print your photos or artwork onto canvas if you're looking to create something new for your home or office.
How do we stretch your canvas?
Every canvas is different, but the basic stretching process remains the same.
1. We measure your canvas
We start by measuring the face of the canvas to determine the finished size and how much canvas is available around the artwork.
Most canvases have a white or unprinted border around the image. This excess canvas is stretched around the sides of the stretcher bars and secured to the back.
If there isn't enough excess canvas, we'll consider the best stretcher bar option to minimise the amount of your artwork that needs to be cropped.
2. We choose the right stretcher bars
Frames Now has two main stretcher bar options:
30mm deep x 30mm wide
20mm deep x 40mm wide
The appropriate stretcher bar depends on the artwork, its size and how much canvas is available around the image.
The wider stretcher bar can be particularly useful when there isn't much excess canvas available, as it provides more surface area to secure the canvas without unnecessarily cropping into the artwork.
3. We cut the stretcher bars to size
The stretcher bars are cut to suit the dimensions of your canvas and assembled to create the internal timber structure.
Although the stretcher bars aren't normally visible once your artwork is displayed, creating a correctly sized and square structure is an important part of achieving an even finish.
4. We stretch and secure the canvas
Using specialist tools, we carefully stretch the canvas over the timber frame, ensuring the tension is even across the artwork.
Once the canvas is taut, the excess is folded around the stretcher bars and securely stapled to the back.
The result is a clean, flat canvas that is ready to hang or have professionally framed.
Can I frame my canvas after it has been stretched?
Yes! Canvas stretching is often the first step before having your artwork custom framed.
A stretched canvas can be displayed on its own for a clean, contemporary look, or finished with a custom-made float frame.
Canvas float framing
Float frames are designed specifically for stretched canvas artwork.
Rather than sitting directly against the artwork, the canvas sits inside the frame with a small gap between the edge of the canvas and the frame. This creates the distinctive floating appearance while allowing the edges of the canvas to remain visible.
At Frames Now, our canvas float frames are professionally custom cut and fitted to suit the dimensions of your stretched canvas.
We offer a range of colours, timber grains and frame depths, making it easy to create a finish that complements both your artwork and your space.
How much does canvas stretching cost?
The cost of canvas stretching depends on the size of your artwork and the stretcher bar required.
At Frames Now, our prices are competitive and there is no separate surcharge for canvas stretching. Our stretcher bars are handcrafted to suit each artwork, with the overall price determined by the dimensions of the canvas and the stretcher bar selected.
If you'd also like to have your canvas framed, the cost will depend on the frame style, size and finish you choose.
For an accurate quote, bring your canvas into your nearest Frames Now store and our team can assess the artwork and talk you through your options.
Ready to stretch and frame your canvas?
Whether you have an original painting, a canvas you've brought home from overseas or a printed canvas that needs finishing, Frames Now can help.
Our team can professionally stretch your canvas, recommend the right stretcher bars and help you choose a custom canvas float frame if you'd like to take your artwork one step further.
Visit your nearest Frames Now store to discuss your canvas stretching and framing options.
Love what you frame.