STRETCHING
*Any professional framing company can stretch a GICLEE print or an ORIGINAL painting.
*All GICLEE copies have painted borders following the design so they can be stretched in "gallery wrap" style for a contemporary look.
When you purchase a GICLEE print you will notice that there is a slight line where the "painting" ends and the "border" begins.
The total size of the stretcher must be the size of the painting itself without including the borders.
The border wraps around the sides of the painting, corners are folded like an envelope. Stretched canvas should be
stapled on the back (staples are not visible to the viewer).
This is what we call "gallery wrap".
*All GICLEE copies have painted borders following the design so they can be stretched in "gallery wrap" style for a contemporary look.
When you purchase a GICLEE print you will notice that there is a slight line where the "painting" ends and the "border" begins.
The total size of the stretcher must be the size of the painting itself without including the borders.
The border wraps around the sides of the painting, corners are folded like an envelope. Stretched canvas should be
stapled on the back (staples are not visible to the viewer).
This is what we call "gallery wrap".
STRETCHING A CANVAS -slideshow
When stretching a canvas in the "gallery wrap" style (staples in the back) we need to make sure we have enough fabric to wrap around the borders.
Start by doing the longest sides, set around 5 staples at the center of the stretcher, then stretch the opposite side -make sure you have enough pressure but not so much that you would tear the canvas- and set another 5 staples ( across from the first ones), then proceed to do the smaller sides of the stretcher by stretching and stapling right at the center.
Keep stapling side by side around 4 to 6 staples at a time and always doing the opposite side next until you reach the corners.
Fold the corner like an envelope and staple to keep it flat. Make sure both corners on one same side are turned facing the same way .
*For better presentation when canvas is stretched, trim extra fabric and cover staples with white duct tape.
When stretching a canvas in the "gallery wrap" style (staples in the back) we need to make sure we have enough fabric to wrap around the borders.
Start by doing the longest sides, set around 5 staples at the center of the stretcher, then stretch the opposite side -make sure you have enough pressure but not so much that you would tear the canvas- and set another 5 staples ( across from the first ones), then proceed to do the smaller sides of the stretcher by stretching and stapling right at the center.
Keep stapling side by side around 4 to 6 staples at a time and always doing the opposite side next until you reach the corners.
Fold the corner like an envelope and staple to keep it flat. Make sure both corners on one same side are turned facing the same way .
*For better presentation when canvas is stretched, trim extra fabric and cover staples with white duct tape.
FRAMING
*For "gallery wrap" stretching style, framing is optional.
Professional framing companies have frames designed for gallery wrap style. This is a frame that allows the viewer to see the borders of the artwork between the painting and the frame, the frame is built to leave a gap between artwork and wood, very contemporary look.
Regular frames can also be used. If a regular frame is chosen I suggest to use a standard thin stretcher that fits into any regular frame as borders of artwork will not be visible in this case.
Professional framing companies have frames designed for gallery wrap style. This is a frame that allows the viewer to see the borders of the artwork between the painting and the frame, the frame is built to leave a gap between artwork and wood, very contemporary look.
Regular frames can also be used. If a regular frame is chosen I suggest to use a standard thin stretcher that fits into any regular frame as borders of artwork will not be visible in this case.