Canvas stretching and framing
Canvas stretching and float frames in Hout Bay
We stretch canvas paintings and canvas prints on wooden stretcher bars so they are evenly tensioned for a flawless finish, then frame them in a floating frame or a traditional moulding for a clean, gallery quality presentation.
Stretching
Evenly tensioned, by hand
A canvas that is loose or unevenly pulled will ripple and sag over time. We stretch every canvas by hand over wooden stretcher bars, working evenly from the centre of each side so the surface is taut and the corners are neat. It is ideal for oil and acrylic paintings and for giclée prints on canvas.
Bought a rolled canvas on your travels? Bring it in and we will stretch it ready to hang or to frame.
The shadow line surround frame
Frames that let a canvas float
Our favourite frame for canvases is a simple L shaped moulding. The front edge is kept visually light, while the base carries the weight. A small gutter, typically five to seven millimetres, is left between the canvas and the frame, creating a fine shadow line that makes the painting appear to float.
Canvases are stretched first and then set into the frame. Flat works on wood or metal are raised on a built up interior so they sit close to the front. Simple, refined and airy, it highlights the artwork rather than overpowering it.
See more framing examplesQuestions
Canvas questions
Do you stretch canvases?
Yes. We stretch canvas paintings and canvas prints on wooden stretcher bars so they are evenly tensioned, then frame them in a floating frame or a traditional moulding if you like.
What is a float frame for a canvas?
A float frame holds a stretched canvas inside an L shaped moulding with a small gap, typically five to seven millimetres, between the canvas and the frame. The gap casts a fine shadow line, so the painting appears to float, and the front of the frame stays visually light.
Can you frame a painting on board, wood or metal?
Yes. Flat work on board, wood or metal goes into the same shadow line surround frame, raised on a built up interior so it sits close to the front of the frame.
Visit the workshop
Bring your canvas to the workshop
Osner Framing is inside the Osner Gallery building, 14 Luisa Way (Suite 104), Hout Bay, Cape Town 7806. Bring your piece in, look at mouldings and mounts against it, and see finished frames on the gallery walls.
- Monday to Friday10am to 5pm
- Saturday10am to 4pm
- Sunday and public holidaysClosed