How to Fix a Stretched or Loose Canvas

Written By: Eilanis

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Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

10 - 20 minutes

Introduction

If a canvas painting is not placed in safe place, other objects can damage or stretch and deform the canvas fabric. This repair method will demonstrate how to shrink the canvas and save you money in the process. It is not necessary to re-stretch the canvas or pay to do this professionally. Following these steps ensures a successful finish and a fully fixed canvas. It is important to note that if your painting is valuable, you may want to go to a professional art restorer.

Tools

Step 1

Fill a spray bottle with water at room temperature.
In case that you do not have a spray bottle you can use a dishcloth and moisten it.

Step 2

Close the spray bottle tightly.
Turn the nozzle to spray.

Step 3

Put a towel on a flat surface and lay the canvas face down on the towel.

Step 4

Carefully wet the entire backside of the canvas with the spray, or press water onto the canvas with the dishcloth.
Only spray until it is damp. Do not soak the canvas.
It does not matter if the canvas is new, old, has unfinished artwork or it is completed.

Step 5

Turn on the dryer so warm air comes out.

Step 6

Blow dry the canvas with a hair dryer on warm until it's completely dry.
Keep the hair dryer at least 3 to 5 inches away from the canvas.
Do not place the hair dryer directly on the canvas. The heat from the hair dryer can burn the canvas.