Where can I find good, strong, custom and lightweight stretcher bars to build canvas frames?

Question

I want to make my own sizes based on the prints and canvas that I already have.
Can I get it stretched there too?

Answer 1

Soho Art Materials carries Tri-Mar stretcher bars made of lightweight obeche wood in standard and heavy duty sizes. Also in stock are thin Apollon stretchers that are made of basswood.



Soho Art ships packages anywhere and can stretch your canvas too. It's a cool little independent art shop in NYC focused on drawing and painting materials.



You can even order via email.



:D

Answer 2

I am a custom framer. You can build your own stretcher bars by using a 1 x 2. Use the inexpensive soft lumber so you can staple into it. If you frame is quite large, you wil need to insert a spacer in the center so the frame will not bow when you are stretching. You don't need to mitre cut the corners if you don't want to because they won't show like they would on a frame. You can buy a good stretcher tool from United Manufacturers Supply or your local framer. I would suggest you get one. Center your piece and start in the center on all four sides and work your way around. If you bring the color all the way around (what we call a gallery stretch) you can hang without a frame. This is really popular right now. P.S. You can get 1 x 2 from your local building supplier for about 2.00 per 8' stick.

Answer 3

In my print shop, we order stretcher bar material from this company: http://www.linenliners.com/products/stretchers/

We get full bars and cut them down to size. We offer completely custom sizing, so it's easier to just order the long sticks and miter them to the custom size and join them together. The wood is high quality, very smooth, no knots or rough areas, no warping - they finger join the wood together, in 1 foot sections, to minimize the potential for the wood to warp over time.



So, if you want to order your own material, cut it down and build your own stretcher bar frames, that's the place to go.



If you want a place to stretch your canvas for you, I'd start with a local google search. Just google "Canvas Stretching XXX" where XXX is your city and state. You should come up with a few options. It's not ideal, since they're expensive, but even Michael's and some other hobby shops will do custom framing / canvas stretching as well.



Try to avoid sending the canvas out to be stretched. Not only will you have to pay the stretching fee, you'll also have to pay the shipping to the stretcher's location, plus pay the shipping to have the larger, stretched pieces shipped back to you. Shipping can get very expensive, depending on the size of your canvas.



If you have any other questions regarding canvas stretching, please don't hesitate to ask. My contact information is listed below.

Answer 4

Custom Printing ?

Have a loot at http://www.4over4.com



Greetings

Answer 5

try evald moulding at 800-871-9255 tell them bob sent you. we make them in any size at wholesale pricing