Sunday, December 26, 2010

Stretcher Bars - For Supporting your Canvases

A stretcher bar is actually a wooden bar that serves as a frame for canvases to be mounted on. The bars are arranged in such a way that they form a rectangular or square frame according to the size of the canvas. They are usually classified on the basis of the wood quality, the size etc. Since the stretch bars are made of wood, they have the tendency expand during summers. As canvases have to withstand the stress for a long time, they should be very carefully placed on the frame to ensure that there is equal distribution of pressure. The cost of the bars varies and it is important to choose them according to your requirements. If you prefer something unique, they can also be customized to suit your needs. Although a customized stretcher bar will cost more than the standard ones, it will really turn out to be a good investment as it will be noticed in the galleries or museums where you want to place it.

Cheap stretcher bars are always in great demand among artists. You can search the internet for some reputed stores that have the finest quality bars and they are ready to sell them out at an amazingly affordable price. As the cheap stretcher bars are also found in a variety of shapes and sizes, it is important to set your own specifications before you buy one. However, it is advisable to use light duty canvas bars as they tend to retain the beauty of the painting.





Sunday, December 19, 2010

An Introduction to Gallery Wrap Stretcher Bars

If you are an artist planning an art exhibition, or a gallery-owner who has to make suitable arrangements to have hundreds of paintings displayed for the public, you probably need more than just conventional canvas stretcher bars. What you need are gallery wrap stretcher bars.

These bars, usually stronger and larger than regular stretcher bars, are excellent for large scale requirements. They are a great solution to ensure that all the stretcher mountings are of a uniform appearance and quality.

Buying gallery wrap stretcher bars, however, is not exactly a walk in the park. When we are out there buying canvas stretcher strips and stretching bars, one of the first concerns that seem to bother us is whether they would bend or warp soon after you start using them.

Buying the best quality bars is always recommended. If you want trouble-free service for years, buy stretcher bars that have been engineered to resist the effects of heat or humidity. Dimensional stability in wood is what tends to worry us most. It is, in short, the ability of wood to stay straight and not warp or bend over time or due to pressure.

In order to ensure better stability, you should insist on buying high quality bars that use short sections, joined together with finger splines, to make longer bars. This greatly increases the bar’s resistance to twisting, bowing or warping. The system of using smaller sections also makes the bars stronger and resistant to bending than those which are entirely constructed of one continuous piece.







Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Stretcher Frame and Cheap Stretcher Bars

One of the most critical aspects of making a piece of art (especially if it’s based on a canvas) available to the public is having it mounted and displayed properly. And for that, a canvas stretcher frame is of the utmost essence.
Thanks to the Internet, buying stretcher frames is no longer a difficult proposition. You no longer need to drive around for miles, searching from one store to another for the kind of stretcher strips and frames you need. Your art supplies store is waiting to hear from you online.
That’s right; all you have to do is just point and click. Browse through the inventory and take your pick. There are usually many varieties available – from light to medium to extra heavy duty – and you just need to pick the one that’s best suited for your job.

Buying the best quality bars is always recommended. Cheap stretcher bars may seem tempting but ensure that they are also of a good quality. If you want trouble-free service for years, buy stretcher bars that have been engineered to resist the effects of heat or humidity. Dimensional stability in wood is what tends to worry us most. It is, in short, the ability of wood to stay straight and not warp or bend over time or due to pressure.

In order to ensure better stability, you should insist on buying high quality bars that use short sections, joined together with finger splines, to make longer bars. This greatly increases the bar’s resistance to twisting, bowing or warping.



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Fredrix Stretcher Bars and Stretching Bars

If you are an artist or somebody who has to work with canvas stretcher bars often, you are probably no stranger to the name Fredrix. In the world of art supplies, Fredrix is a name that is widely acknowledged as one of the best brands. For more than 125 years, Fredrix has been providing artists everywhere with the broadest spectrum of canvases of the highest quality. If you are an artist and wish to create your masterpiece on a truly high standard and premium quality canvas, trust Fredrix to give you such a one.

Fredrix is also well-known for its wide range of stretcher strips for standard mounting purposes. Fredrix stretcher bars come is a wide assortment of sizes ranging from 8” to 60”. Choose from different available options such as tongue and groove fit, peg-able and adjustable. Fredrix Standard stretching bars are made of the finest SPF kiln dried ponderosa pine lumber.

What Fredrix stretcher bars apart from the rest is the high quality and precise craftsmanship of the bars. Using precision molded state-of-the-art computer driven milling machines, each strip promises the same durability and quality that millions have come to trust around the world.

If you are planning to buy in bulk, opt for wholesale purchase options. Buying in bulk at wholesale prices carries a lot of merit. You can save a lot of money in this way. Moreover, take advantage of bulk discounts from different sellers. Search around a bit on the Net to discover the best deals on Fredrix canvas, stretcher or stretching bars and other products.