In Kevin MacPherson`s first book he explains how to make mounted canvas or linen panels. The polish linen will do that, it might be better to mount it on board instead. I will have to restretch it before I paint on it again. The web and weave was so loose that it dipped in the middle of the stretcher bars. I just sanded a stretched linen artwork that was a workstudy so I could repaint over it. You are right about the quality of the canvas or linen needs to be high. I bought raw linen from Dick Blick and coated it myself with fine layers of gesso and sanded it smooth. Keith, I stretched my own canvases for a few years and preferred it over store bought because of the economical saving and the quality it lent to the artwork. Don’t use regular foam board, as the glue dries, the foam board will warp. It is still lightweight, but has wood rosin liner instead of paper lining. Gatorboard is an extremely hard, rigid foam board. A quick Google search will result in several tutorials about both mounting and stretching your canvas. I won’t go into how to do it in this article. I now mount the larger sizes as well (up to 40 inches by 60 inches), and only stretch when the canvas size is too large to make mounting practical. I stretched for years, only mounting the small pieces. I like the ability to prepare a canvas any size I need – even odd sizes – whenever needed. I prefer oil primed linen over acrylic primed cotton. I go through so much canvas that I save a lot of money by doing my own. In short, whether you want mounted or stretched canvas, there are pros and cons between purchasing them already made and making your own. If you mount to Gatorboard, all you need is a utility knife.Įven with these added considerations, it is often more economical to mount your own if you have the inclination to learn. Tools – if you mount to wooden panels or Masonite, you will need to invest in a table saw – or have someone cut them for you. Time – it takes longer to mount than to stretch. For a while, the quality might be lower until you get the hang of it. It’s easier to find quality panels than it is to find quality pre-stretched canvases – especially if you want linen.Ībility – it takes longer to learn to mount your own panels. Quality – High quality linen panels, which have been professionally mounted with archival glues, are readily available through several sources. Overall, the same considerations apply to mounting your own canvas to panels vs. The more you stretch canvas, the faster you will get. If you buy the lowest grade canvas, then it may not be worth your time to do the labor. The higher the quality materials, the more justified you are in spending the time to stretch. Do the savings justify the time or not? That depends upon the quality canvas you are using. Time – How valuable is your time? It does take time to stretch a canvas.Sometimes the surface you prefer to paint on isn’t available in pre-stretched. Versatility – As mentioned, you have more options when you stretch your own – from canvas size to the type/texture/weight/quality/weave/primer of the canvas you use.As for the canvas itself, there are more options in regard to quality if you purchase by the roll and stretch your own. As for stretching your own, your ability to learn will determine the quality of the stretching. Some of the more expensive pre-stretched canvases are very good quality. Many pre-stretched canvases sag or are puckered and require tightening. Quality of pre-stretched cotton canvases varies a lot. Quality – If you want a high quality, oil primed linen canvas, there aren’t very many pre-stretched options.Most of you should be able to learn, though. It isn’t too hard, but it isn’t for everyone, either. Ability – There’s a learning curve to stretching your own canvas.Tools – You will need a few tools to stretch your own – staple gun, canvas pliers, etc.Space – Do you have more space to store pre-stretched canvases, or space to spread out and stretch your own?.The caveat is that you have to buy in bulk, which means more up-front costs. Cost – It is usually more economical to stretch your own – comparing, of course, the same grade canvas.Things to consider when weighing the pros and cons to pre-stretched canvas vs. Even still, you will save a lot of money if you learn how to prepare your own canvas. The truth is there are pros and cons of each. I often get questions regarding whether to purchase or prepare your own canvas. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here. This article is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.
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