Stretching by Hand

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Tools required for hand stretching:

Staples, staple gun and stretching pliers. For preservation framing use stainless steel staples to prevent rusting.

 

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Stretching pliers.

 

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Pneumatic staple gun and stainless steel staples.

 

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Mark canvas for stretcher bar placement:

Visual Method: Backlight canvas to visually mark placement for stretcher bar.

 

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Mark canvas for stretcher bar placement:

Carbon Paper Method: Rub a pencil on paper to make carbon paper.

 

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Mark canvas for stretcher bar placement:

Use a carpenters awl and rub the canvas on the paper.

 

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Mark canvas for stretcher bar placement:

Voila it is marked!

 

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Line up the stretcher bar to your marks.

 

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Staple the first edge.

 

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Here is completion of first edge stapled.

 

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Stretch the second edge and staple.

 

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Perform 3rd edge fold.

 

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Fold edges as if making a bed.

 

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Completion of fold to the back of the stretcher bar.

 

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Use canvas stretching pliers to stretch tight and staple 3rd side. Repeat on final side.