For years artists have stretched canvas using canvas pliers, this process is effective but it requires some expertise and a great deal of time. Recently, a few machines have emerged on the market with only a few that can produce a true "gallery wrap". What once took 15-30 minutes to complete can now be done in less than 2 minutes.
The following article is a brief description on how to operate a canvas stretching machine
Step 1
Start with clean work surface.
Step 2
Turn artwork face-down and create fold along image.
Step 3
Rotate 90 degrees and make a second fold along image.
Step 4
Place wood stretcher frame on canvas.
Step 5
Create starter course with staple gun
Step 6
Flip art over so loose end is toward operator
Step 7
Depress foot pedal to "open" clamp.
Step 8
Place wood stretcher bar on stretcher plates.
Step 9
Feed loose end of canvas between clamp and angle bar
Step 10
Remove foot from pedal to "close" clamp.
Step 11
Shift artwork and stretcher frame forward "off" the plates.
Step 12
Initiate stretch using toggle valve.
Step 13
Shoot row of staple beneath stretcher bar
Step 14
Release the stretch.
Step 15
Depress foot from pedal to open clamp.
Step 16
Remove artwork.
Step 17
Remove foot from pedal to close clamp.
Step 18
Rotate artwork 90 degrees; create fold.
Step 19
Depress pedal to open clamp.
Step 20
Feed loose canvas between clamp and angle.
Step 21
Remove foot to close clamp.
Step 22
Shift artwork forward off stretcher plates.
Step 23
Initiate a stretch.
Step 24
Repeat previous steps.
Warnings
- Do not place fingers between any moving components
- Always wear safety glasses when operating a staple gun
