Canvas stretcher - which material is better? Carpentry with Alexander Klimov - post Equipment for making subframes.

One of components paintings on canvas - stretcher. The finished painting on a stretcher is usually later (hence the origin of the word "stretcher"). An art stretcher is designed to hold the canvas stretched. If the stretcher is poorly made, the canvas may sag and then it will be difficult for the artist to apply paint to it. A well-made stretcher has a positive effect on the preservation of the painting.

Which rail profile should I choose to make a high-quality subframe? to ensure high tension uniformity? If you make special sides on the front part of the slats, then the canvas will not adhere to the surface of the stretcher, but will be in a working, stretched state. A stretcher for a painting must meet the basic requirements: it must exactly match the size of the painting, be made of dry (without knots) wood, be durable, have a crossbar or crossbar, as well as a special protrusion along the outer perimeter (rounded steps on the edge of the slats). The canvas is pulled tightly onto the stretcher, evenly, without distortions, so that the direction of the canvas threads corresponds to the direction of the stretcher slats.

The wooden stretcher should not fit into the frame too tightly, since under the influence of temperature and humidity conditions the frame can change in volume and put pressure on the stretcher, causing the canvas to sag. It is necessary to leave a free distance between the picture and the grooves of the frame (slightly more or less depending on the size of the picture).

Where to buy subframes

Stretchers for paintings (tapestry, canvas) can be rigid (solid) or modular (with wedges). Modular stretchers can be purchased at any art supply store. Ours produces only rigid subframes that do not allow adjust the degree of canvas tension. The choice as a basis for - a subframe with a rigid structure (with a cross in the case large sizes canvas) cannot in any way deteriorate the quality of stretching, because this procedure in our framing workshop is performed by skilled, experienced craftsmen (professionals in their field).

After some time after stretching (due to a large difference in humidity or temperature), the canvas may “sag”. In this case, it is enough to lightly spray the canvas with water from a spray bottle and place it in a dry (not humid) room for 1 hour for it to straighten.

Making custom stretcher frames for artists

Large stretchers

In our workshop you can order stretchers of any size.

The material we use to make artistic stretchers is high-quality, dried, spliced ​​pine slats with a special step. During assembly, this step (side) appears outside along the perimeter and ensures, with high-quality stretching, that the canvas (tapestry) does not adhere to the surface of the slats. The side of the stretcher is made rounded so that the canvas fabric does not fray. For sizes exceeding 80 cm, we install crossbars (or crosses, if both sizes exceed 80 cm) in the stretcher, which prevents the slats from bending when stretching the canvas (tapestry)

The width of the stretcher slats can be different - 3, 4, 5 and 6 cm. The larger the canvas (tapestry), the wider the slats are required. In our practice, we have encountered orders for the production of large stretcher frames (up to 250x400 cm) and stretching of woven products (canvases, tapestries, banner fabric) of such large sizes. Such orders, as a rule, are made at the customer’s premises due to the inconvenience of transportation and carrying large-sized products through doorways.

Subframe dimensions

Range of standard sizes

There are specific and ordered dimensions that allow works of art to be classified. In the 19th century, France was formed standard sizes For painting(The French Standard Sizes for Oil Paintings). Depending on the genre of painting, formats are divided into three categories and distributed in ascending order: rectangular format approaching a square is called " figure"; maximally extended - " marina"; intermediate - " scenery" Depending on the size greater sides, to each format number is assigned. For example, 15F (65x54), 15P (65x50), 15M (65x46).

There are 52 classic Russian size from " 15 x 20" before " 100 x 120" and 50 no. international sizes standards "Figure", "Scenery", "Marina".

Standard sizes of paintings
(European series, cm):
24x30, 30x40, 35x50, 40x50, 50x60, 50x70, 50x100, 60x70, 60x80, 60x90, 90x120.

Standard formats paintings
(cm):
21x29.7 (A4 format), 29.7x42 (A3 format), 32.9x48.3 (A3+), 42x 59.4 (A2 format).

Standard subframe sizes correspond standard row for paintings.

Replacing old subframes

There is a situation when a customer purchases a painting (oil on canvas) from an artist, stretched on a homemade stretcher. Or the painting was painted a long time ago and the stretcher is already old. A person wants to select a frame for this painting on an old stretcher in a framing workshop. Before framing the picture, you need to decide whether to keep the old stretcher or make a new one. If the stretcher of this painting is old (dilapidated) or crooked, it needs to be replaced.

Replacement of the old subframe is required if it is severely deformed, as well as if it is diamond-shaped (lack of right angles). Depending on the reason, the size of the new subframe is determined. With a "propeller" the size of the new subframe remains the same as the old one. With a “diamond”, in order not to lose part of the image at the edges of the picture, the new stretcher should be slightly larger than the old one. In this case, an unpainted canvas will appear on the front surface of the painting. To cover the unpainted edge of the canvas, you need to frame the picture in a frame with a wide quarter baguette.

A low-quality stretcher negatively affects the safety of the painting. Here are some of the main reasons that require subframe replacement.

Lack of lip on the front of the subframe

There should be special sides on the front part of the subframe. They are needed so that the stretched canvas does not come into contact with the surface of the stretcher slats. If there is no such edge on the stretcher slats, breaks may occur on the paint layer of the painting.

The subframe is made of raw wood

If the stretcher is made carelessly or from damp wood, it will “lead” after a fairly short period of time.

Subframe with grinder beetle

Subframe with a grinder beetle. Thanks to the activity of these insects, the tree disintegrates, turning into dust.

The subframe is made of wood with knots

If the subframe is made of wood with knots. Even a well-made subframe that has knots may eventually lose its rigidity (knots fall out) and will have to be replaced.

Gallery stretching method

There are two ways to stretch canvas: gallery wrapped and classic. Gallery stretching is a type of frameless design where the image on the canvas continues onto the sides of the stretcher. In the case of gallery stretching, the canvas is fixed with reverse side subframe The canvas wraps neatly in the corners and looks good without a frame.

Large size paintings

Re-upholstery of customer's canvas

Re-upholstering canvas, despite its apparent simplicity, is quite a complex matter, especially when it is associated with unique paintings or old paintings of large size. The process of reupholstering paintings includes: carefully removing the painting from the stretcher for storage or restoration, tensioning the painting on a stretcher made specifically for it, correcting the tension with partial or complete tightening. In no case should you entrust the reupholstery of paintings to random persons: carpenters, joiners - it should be carried out by a restorer or experienced master framing workshop.

If you need to remove canvas (oil) from one stretcher and stretch it onto another, you can contact the specialists of our framing workshop. Canvas reupholstery should only be done by a professional specialist (many nuances must be taken into account when reupholstering canvas). The main condition for correct tightening is uniformity of tension, the ability to find the norm of tension and feel its limit. Unskillful tension causes harmful and sometimes irreparable consequences. To reupholster canvases, you must have special pliers with T-shaped lips.

Canvases for paintings

Linen canvas is the most common type of fabric used by artists as a basis for painting. Linen canvas has great strength and resistance to atmospheric influences.

Linen canvases, made from long fiber yarn, have a thread of even thickness. Less quality canvases are made from waste from the primary processing of flax.

Among other natural canvases currently used for painting, cotton canvas can be distinguished. Unlike linen, cotton canvas is less durable, absorbs moisture more, and when stretched is subject to sagging over time. Beading or raw linen is made from waste from the primary processing of flax. The thread of such a canvas is uneven in length and thickness, and the canvas itself is fragile.

If the thickness of the threads is uneven, the reaction to temperature and humidity in various parts the canvas is not uniform, which disrupts adhesion to the ground and can cause destruction of the paint layer of the painting.

Embroidery stretchers

An embroidery stretcher is technically no different. Typically, embroidery is small in size, so the stretcher is made of narrow slats - 3 or 4 cm. When stretching the embroidery, we use our well-established technological techniques so that the staples from the stapler do not cause “tightening”, i.e. The embroidery is stretched evenly, clearly according to the cells.

Batik stretcher

The batik stretcher is also technically no different from others. Just as when stretching embroidery, when stretching batik we use technological techniques to avoid “tightening” from staples. In addition, because The batik is drawn on a thin fabric; before stretching, we place cardboard underneath it to prevent the stretcher from showing through under the batik.

Print modular paintings or promotional materials on canvas in large quantities? Do you have an art studio teaching oil painting for children and adults? Do you often work using sketches? Then we have a solution for you! Wholesale production of subframes! Any sizes, any quantity in as soon as possible! High quality wood (pine), good drying, storage and processing actually top level! Doesn’t “lead”, doesn’t break over time. Excellent stretchers at wholesale prices directly from the manufacturer!

Wholesale prices for standard blind stretchers are indicated (shipment frequency is 5 pcs per size!)

Wholesale stretcher frames: material, features, important points

Our stretcher frames are suitable for modular paintings, printed canvases, fabrics, advertising formats, art canvases for sketches. Therefore, it is important to understand all the features of making subframes. Here are the main points:

• What is a subframe? In short, this is a rigid frame for stretching canvases, embroidery, fabrics, advertising and paper, consisting of 4 slats (slats) in size. It is assembled at the corners onto V-shaped baguette brackets and is additionally reinforced with moisture-resistant glue. It has a special collar around the perimeter for better tension of the product.
• Subframe material. In production we use only high-quality Siberian pine of the highest grade (category AA). We do not allow humidity to exceed 10%, which allows us to make the frames themselves strong even over time. This is very important, especially for oil-based canvases, since over time the wood dries out and it can “lead” or possibly delaminate in the corners with the appearance of cracks. During the production of subframes, no knots, no chips, no resin, or any other defects that could affect the quality are allowed.

The subframe is a structure assembled from wooden slats or planks. She may have various sizes and purpose. Making a canvas stretcher with your own hands is not difficult. To do this, you need to know what type of structure will be required in one case or another.

Types of subframes

They come in two types: prefabricated and deaf. The first type is modular and wedge subframes. The second is characterized by a strong and reliable connection of all elements. It cannot be tightened or the distance between the slats can be changed, unlike modular subframes.

Prefabricated structures are sold as separate slats. Their cost is slightly higher than that of simple stretchers. They are popular because they can be used to stretch the canvas of a painting under a frame or without it.

Any subframe must have the following characteristics:

• strength - all elements are securely fastened together;
• wear resistance - the structure must be assembled only from dry wood;
• match the size of the picture.

For this reason it is necessary to choose quality material for the manufacture of the structure.

Selecting raw materials for the product

To make a canvas stretcher with your own hands, you will need wood. It can be pine, oak, birch, mahogany and other varieties. The material must be well dried, processed and prepared. Otherwise, the structure will begin to deform over time.

We make a blind subframe

This type of product is more popular due to its low cost. Anyone can make such a canvas stretcher with their own hands.

The following tools and materials will be required:

• wood slats or planks;
• ruler;
• hacksaw;
• wood glue;
• furniture stapler;
• sandpaper;
• hammer;
• furniture corners.

How to make a canvas stretcher with your own hands? It is necessary to begin the manufacturing process by determining the dimensions of the future product. After this, you need to saw off two vertical and horizontal strips. This can be done at an angle of 45 degrees.

The resulting parts are processed. Their surface should be smooth and free of knots. The ends of the elements are coated on both sides and connected to each other. To make the structure durable, inside install furniture corners at the corners of the subframe.

After this, the product is coated with several layers of varnish or paint. This will help protect the wood from moisture and other aggressive influences.

Modular designs

It’s also easy to make such a canvas stretcher with your own hands. It has all the elements as in a standard blind type product. The main difference is the bolts and nuts, which are located at the corners of the product. With their help, the tension of the canvas is adjusted so that the canvas does not sag. To manufacture the structure, you will need the same materials and tools as for the previous product.

We stretch the canvas onto a ready-made stretcher

The process can take a long time for an inexperienced person. How to stretch canvas onto a stretcher with your own hands? Initially, it is necessary to check the diagonals of the structure. Then the picture is placed on the product so that the drawing is in the very center. Secure the canvas on all sides of the stretcher using a stapler (one staple - one side).

After this, similar actions are performed over the entire surface of the structure. The distance between the staples should be at least 2-3 cm. The excess canvas is cut off with scissors, and the raw edges are folded and glued to the inside of the stretcher. The picture is framed.

The stretcher serves as the basis for stretching the canvas. The modular (prefabricated) design of stretchers has become the most suitable solution for these purposes, since the canvas reacts to chemical and temperature influences during operation and storage. With the prefabricated structure of the stretcher, the curvature of the canvas can be adjusted using wedges, as much as necessary.

MODULAR SUBFRAME AND SOLID SUBFRAME - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

There are two types of subframes: modular and solid. Subframes are made of wood, usually pine.

Modular subframe- prefabricated, it is made up of individual strips, which are sold in twos of a certain size. The ends of the planks are beveled and have grooves with which the planks are connected to each other. From these you can create a subframe of any desired format by selecting and connecting planks the right size. To increase the rigidity of the structure, middle strips are used.

Blind (rigid) subframe– one-piece subframe fastened with brackets. They are usually sold in small formats and are used for sketches, as rigid mount The slats do not allow you to adjust the tension of the canvas if it sag under the influence of any factors.

Modular subframes have a big advantage over solid ones, primarily due to adjustable tension, which is achieved by tamping wedges. The second advantage is the ability to assemble a subframe of any format required for the artistic design - square, rectangular, elongated.

However, it should check the quality of modular subframes. The stretcher will be deformed and spoil the canvas if it:

• has weak material and connections
• made of raw wood, which will cause distortions if it dries naturally
• made of wood with knots
• infested with mold or bug

MODULAR SUBFRAME PROFILES

The profile of the slats (bars) of the stretcher has a protrusion, the so-called “side”, which ensures minimal contact of the canvas with the stretcher, which is very important for the preservation of the canvas. The cross-section of the subframe rails has different thickness, which allows you to select them for the necessary tasks (for example, for large hard work you will need slats with a wide cross-section). Among Russian manufacturers As a rule, there are subframes with the following cross-section:

• Lightweight section 40x17 mm. This section is lightweight and has a limitation on maximum size finished stretcher: 70x70 cm. Middle strips are not required.

COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR SUBFRAME

The design of the modular subframe consists of:

Side bars

The slats that make up the subframe itself. The side planks along the edges have cuts at an angle of 45° with grooves, with the help of which the planks are connected to form a subframe. No glue or other fastening materials are needed when assembling the modular subframe. Side bars Available in stores in sizes from 18 cm to 200 cm.

Medium strip without slot/medium strip with slot

Middle strips are used to strengthen the subframe structure, which is especially required for large formats. The slats are inserted into special holes in the side slats.

Artists who create their masterpieces on canvas know exactly why stretchers are needed: they are the ones who keep the canvas taut, preventing it from sagging, and also keep the painting in its original form for a long time. At the same time, not all painters are comfortable working with standard stretchers - sometimes inspiration or a client order requires the use of a stretcher custom size, and in this case the only way out is to order it custom production. In this case, you should contact a truly reliable workshop, because a low-quality stretcher will not be able to protect the canvas from sagging, complicating the work of the master and risking ruining the canvas. Making a stretcher is the basis and the first stage in the production of a painting. The next, inextricably linked stage is.

Manufacturing of prefabricated non-modular subframe

The price may vary depending on the size and design features, detailed information You will receive from the manager at .

Such a subframe cannot be assembled independently, but only in a framing workshop with equipment. However, modular subframes, which are easy to assemble for the average person, can be seriously inferior in strength and durability. Wedge-shaped joints speed up the assembly process, but over time they can crack and suffer from moisture and dampness. Modular stretchers are a set of boards of a certain size for a certain format; manufacturing a modular stretcher of a non-standard format is very expensive. An individual approach to the manufacture of a subframe of any format will cost at least 2 times less than modular subframes. If you already have finished work on canvas - no need to try to stretch the canvas yourself, they will do it right here. They will also introduce you to a huge selection of design options and help you choose a frame for the canvas.

High-quality custom-made subframes

If you need canvas stretchers made custom sizes, please contact our framing workshop, where experienced and conscientious specialists will create these products for you. At the same time, the production of custom subframes with us is distinguished by the most affordable cost, as well as the speed of execution.

Making a stretcher for canvas: what are its secrets

We pay the utmost attention to the material from which we create each subframe, as well as its design and the correct execution of all operations. That is why the production of stretchers for paintings in our workshop is a guarantee that the canvas will be painted with inspiration, and the safety of the finished masterpiece will please both the artist and his clients.