The Framers Forum

Hi, I’m quite new to framing and have a client with a large, 1 x 2 metre digital print on what feels like polyester canvas. It doesn’t feel as though it can be stretched. Is there any kind of board I could attach it to before framing, so it will stay flat? And if so, what kind of adhesive can I use?
Thanks
Frank

It sounds as though it is a modern canvas, so should stretch fine.

These plasticky type canvasses do indeed lend themselves to stretching in the conventional manner and can then be framed either tray style or normal moulding etc. Having said that I often (after explaining the process to the customer) apply these to 5 or 6mm MDF board. For a print of this size I would opt for the thicker board. The process is straightforward. Using a mini paint roller apply PVA glue to the whole surface of the board. When this is slightly tacky and has soaked into the board to an extent apply another layer of the PVA. Lay the canvas onto the board (you can use a Brayer roller here) then place a board of the same, or slightly larger, size. Place heavy objects onto the top board evenly over the board surface and leave overnight. The “canvas” will be dead flat and ready to frame in the conventional manner. Of course I would only do this with prints and not original artwork. Original work I would stretch onto a frame.

Thanks fitz. Close to what I was thinking.

Cheers pramsay13.
F

If stretching, just be aware that these plastic canvases are much more likely to rip if too much tension is applied. You cannot apply the same amount of tension with canvas stretching pliers as you would with a fabric canvas.