At Frame2Frame, we offer expert canvas stretching services for artists, photographers, and collectors across Pretoria and Gauteng. To help you get the best results, it’s important to properly prepare your artwork before bringing it in or sending it to our studio. This guide explains exactly how to prepare your canvas for professional stretching.
Preparing your canvas correctly ensures:
Clean, tight stretching without warping or damage
Preservation of your artwork’s quality
A more professional, gallery-ready presentation
Faster turnaround times at the studio
Follow these simple steps to get your canvas ready for stretching:
Make sure your artwork or print has a minimum 5–7 cm blank border on each side. This border is wrapped around the stretcher bars, so avoid placing important elements near the edges.
Leave the full size of the canvas untrimmed. Our framers will cut only if needed, based on the stretching method or frame size.
If your artwork is painted, let it fully cure before applying varnish. Varnishing too early can cause cracking during stretching.
If you're sending your canvas rolled: roll it with the painted side facing out and place tissue paper or a protective layer to prevent sticking.
For local delivery or collection: flat storage with a protective cover is ideal.
If your artwork has a defined top, mark it lightly on the back to help us orient it correctly when stretching.
Our studio in Garsfontein, Pretoria offers in-house:
Custom stretcher bar construction
Canvas stretching and gallery wraps
Optional framing services for a complete, ready-to-hang piece
Print & stretch combo — send your file, we print and stretch for you