Frame Mounting & Stretching FAQs

Click on the links below to view faqs on different sections.

• How to Hinge your Artwork.
• Canvas framing tools - and how to stretch a canvas.

How to Hinge your Artwork... FrameCo has several different types of acid free mounting or hinging tape.  The different grades are for different weights of paper. Heavy or large pieces of art work will require a stronger mounting hinge.  The main aim of the mounting hinge is to suspend the artwork with a tape that will not stain or damage the paper, and also to have a hinge that will break first if your framed picture falls from its hanging position. ie the hinge should break, rather than teraing the artwork.  The three hinging/mounting tapes are... #17038 Mounting Tape          19mm x 10M ....General purpose self adhesive tape for most photographs, small watercolours, pastels etc #17040 Framers Tape II         20mm x 55M ....Stronger self adhesive tape for heavy papers. #17045 Gummed Lined Tape  25mm x 9M.......Water activated Lined/woven tape for heavy and large paper borne artworks. How to use the tapes.. Using Mounting tape #17038 apply a small strip- approx. 4cm, to the back and top of the artwork . If the artwork is 40cm -16 inch long or less use two hinges; if longer than 40cm use three hinges. Position/align the mount over the artwork and press down to secure the hinge. Do not place tape down the sides or across the base of the artwork.

Canvas framing tools - and how to stretch a canvas. There are many forms of art work that require stretching before they can be framed. All these artforms are stretched and treated in the same way using the same tools. Digital photography and the availability of new materials allows photographs and artwork to be printed directly onto canvas. Artists now extend their painting area out to the edges of the canvas so that they can be stretched and displayed without a frame- the artwork covers all the edges. New technology allows any picture to be printed onto ada canvas ready for a Needlework picture. The Tools... Narrow stretcher frame is used when the finished image will also include an outer frame. Wide stretcher frame is used when the finished picture will not include an outer frame. Standard stapler...fires a 6mm leg staple. Stretching pliers -  for tight and straight canvas stretching.     Stretching techniques... Pull the canvas taught to staple along the outer edge of the stretcher frame. Pulling the canvas taught to staple at the back of the stretcher frame. The anvil located on the lower jaw of the pliers helps pull the canvas taught and straight.     Finishing the edges....1 Fold the canvas so that all the folds are at the top and the bottom of the frame..ie not at the sides. When the stretcher has no outer frame then cover the edges of the frame and canvas with backing tape.     Finishing the back..2 Hold the canvas stretcher in the outer frame using screw eyes and wood screws. Fit a fome core backing over the back of the stretcher frame and finish the edges with backing tape.