TrueSquare Services
Canvas Stretching Services
Canvas stretching is one of those skills that looks straightforward until you see it done badly. Uneven tension, creased corners, warped bars — the mistakes are immediately visible and, in the case of original paintings, sometimes irreversible. Good canvas stretching requires the right equipment, quality materials, and genuine experience with a range of canvas types.
TrueSquare connects you with professional canvas stretchers across the UK who work with artists, galleries, photographers, and private collectors. Whether you need a freshly completed painting stretched for the first time, an old canvas re-stretched after years of slackening, or a rolled canvas from storage brought back to display condition, the right specialist is here.
Our stretchers use kiln-dried hardwood bars — not the cheap stapled softwood bars that warp within a few years. Stretcher bars are offered in both standard and heavy-duty profiles, with cross-bracing for larger canvases. Gallery-wrap stretching, which brings the image fully around the sides of the bars, is available from most of our specialists.
Canvas stretching prices start around £45–£65 for a modest piece (up to 50×60cm) and scale with size. Conservation stretching for valuable or fragile works is priced individually and may include assessment, linen lining if necessary, and archival-grade bars. Artists needing multiple canvases stretched regularly can often arrange preferential rates.
How TrueSquare works
Choose your service
Tell us what you need — framing, stretching, conservation, or something else.
Browse framers
See portfolios and reviews from verified professionals in your area.
Book & relax
Choose your date and time. Your framer handles the rest.
Frequently asked questions
How much does canvas stretching cost in the UK?
Canvas stretching typically costs £45–£65 for pieces up to around 50×60cm, £70–£120 for medium pieces (up to 100×80cm), and £120–£200+ for large canvases. Conservation stretching for valuable or fragile works is priced individually. Prices vary by location and framer.
What is the difference between canvas stretching and canvas printing?
Canvas stretching mounts an existing canvas — typically an original painting or a pre-printed canvas — onto wooden stretcher bars. Canvas printing is the process of printing a digital image onto canvas material, which is then stretched. If you have an original painting, you need stretching only; if you have a digital file, you need printing followed by stretching.
Can you stretch a canvas that has been rolled for a long time?
Yes, most rolled canvases can be successfully stretched, though very old or tightly rolled canvases may need careful relaxation before stretching to avoid cracking the paint layer. A conservation specialist will assess the canvas before proceeding. Very fragile or damaged canvases may need stabilisation or linen lining first.
What is gallery-wrap canvas stretching?
Gallery wrap means the image extends fully around the sides of the stretcher bars, so no frame is needed — the sides are part of the visual presentation. Standard stretching brings the canvas over the bars but the sides are plain. Gallery wrap requires additional canvas at the edges, so it depends on whether the original has sufficient margin.
Do you offer heavy-duty stretcher bars for large canvases?
Yes. For canvases above roughly 80cm on the longest dimension, we recommend heavy-duty profiles with cross-bracing to prevent warping. Our stretchers will advise on the appropriate bar specification for your piece.
Find your local framer
Get connected with verified professionals and receive an instant quote.
Get started