Canvas Tensioning and Support

To insure that canvas corners remain square, nail one Masonite corner to each corner on the back of each canvas stretcher bar. Pieces are cut at an exact 90 angle, with pre-drilled holes for effortless mounting.

PVA (Poly Vinyl Acetate) is a contemporary size for fabric support. On linen and cotton canvas, it prevents the fabric from absorbing atmospheric moisture that eventually causes swelling and shrinking, and ultimately, paint cracking.

Rabbit skin glue is the traditional size for fabric support on panels. It seals porous fabric and isolates it from ground or oil paints. Stretching the canvas is easy, because the size shrinks as it dries. It is mixed with water to make a strong adhesive.

Rabbit skin glue is the traditional size for fabric support on panels. It seals porous fabric and isolates it from ground or oil paints. This fine French rabbit skin glue is in powder form and is easily dissolved in water. When dry, it is waterproof.