Most new artists or weekend artists tend to buy their canvases ready-made. This has one advantage in that you can just pick up your canvas and be ready to go. Once you start getting seriously into being a painter though you will quickly find out just how expensive that can be. It is not the purpose of this article to go into the major details of HOW to make your own but rather to look at; what are the main reasons for learning to make your own frameworks and stretch your own canvas? What will you need to get started, and what are the three main canvas wraps that are used?

So just what are the main reasons that it can be a good idea to stretch your own canvas and make your own frames?

Cost

If you are becoming more prolific in your painting but not really selling enough to make a profit, building your own frames will save you a lot of money in the end. It is much cheaper to buy the timber and buy your canvas rolls in bulk than dish out hundreds on pre-made canvases.

Size and Shape

If you are making your own frames you are not limited by standard sizes that are available in art stores. You are free to use any size and shape that you desire for your next masterpiece.

Size and Space

If you are limited for space working on a pre-stretched canvas stapled to a wall means you don’t have to worry about your easel being large enough, or moving a huge painting every time you want to work on something else. When your painting is finished and dried it can be rolled up and stored away rather than taking up valuable space in your studio area.

With the whys out of the way let us take a look though at the list of things you will need to be able to stretch and build your own canvases.

Canvas roll: Buy in bulk and preferably when on special. Aim for a variety of widths depending on your needs and preferences.

Timber: In some ways it really doesn’t matter what you use but always consider weight. A painting that is very heavy to hang will put a lot of potential buyers off.

Small nails and a saw: For cutting your timber and joining it together.

Pliers: For stretching the canvas properly.

Stapler: To stick the canvas to the stretcher bars.

Gesso or rabbit skin glue: For preparing your canvas for painting.

How you decide to attach your canvas is a matter of personal preference but there are three main ways.

The standard wrap: This is ok if your painting is going to be framed. The staples are applied to the sides and can be seen there.

The museum wrap: Staples are at the back and the sides are left unpainted.

The gallery wrap: By far the most popular today. Staples are at the back and the artist has the choice to either continue the painting round the sides (popular with landscapes), or paint them in a block color or different texture. The gallery wrap is intended to be hung unframed.

These are the basics of making your own canvases for use. There are many sites available that can give you full instructions on how to go about any of these methods. Like anything it can take a little time to learn, but will save you money, and at the end of the day – hey you didn’t learn to paint overnight did you?

Jonathan Pitts

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