Canvas stretching 101 for new artists

Your canvas arrives from the supplier flat, or rolled in a tube. Then it comes to us. Here is what happens between there and your wall.

Choosing the profile

Stretcher bar depth determines how your canvas sits on the wall. We offer three standards:

• Slim (20mm): traditional, hangs flat. Best for smaller work or when you plan to frame it.
• Standard (40mm): the most common choice. Substantial without being heavy. Works framed or unframed.
• Chunky (60mm): projects forward from the wall. Statement pieces. Unframed is usually the play.

Why we use sustainable pine

Australian pine, sourced from managed plantations. It is strong, straight, and resists warping. We cross-brace stretchers over 800mm in any direction, and always on canvases over 1.2m.

Stretching, the process

We stretch by hand using stretching pliers and a mallet. The goal is even tension across the face. Too loose and the canvas sags; too tight and it warps the bars. Most importantly: tension should be symmetrical so the canvas pulls evenly on all four sides.

Framed or unframed?

Both work. Framed canvas suits more traditional interiors and gallery walls. Unframed stretched canvas has a modern, straight-from-the-studio feel. Frame of Mind does plenty of both. If undecided, grab your canvas and drop in, we will show you the same piece both ways.

Good canvas stretching is invisible. You notice bad stretching the second you see it.