Painters Online Logo

Login/register

Studio

Is there any saving a canvas that's gone a bit saggy?

Welcome to the forum.

Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.

Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.

Hang on Studio Wall
Author
Message

Lucy Gilmore

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 135
Posted
I was looking through my blank canvases last night (exciting I know!) and I've noticed that a fairly large canvas I have had for a couple of years - 24inch square - has gone a bit saggy meaning that there are ripples on the surface and you can slightly see the indent of the centre wooden strut of the frame. It probably cost about £10, so I guess it's not the end of the world - I could use it for a painting just for myself, as it might not notice once painted rather than blank white. But I was just wondering if any of have tips for saving a saggy canvas? I'm guessing canvas keys (which are not currently in) may help, but is there anything else I can do? Thanks in advance, Lucy

Sylvia Evans

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 16928
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4788
Posted
Why not try soaking it in cold water then letting it dry naturally. Possibly adding the stretchers at the back. As you say you are not losing a lot so might learn a lot.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 24825
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 8654
Posted
Think you've probably sorted the problem yourself - but put the keys in, they might help a little bit; they don't achieve very much, in my experience. You can remove the staples or pins holding the canvas and re-stretch it, but it's a lot less of a faff to buy a new canvas (again, in my experience). Canvases do just sometimes sag - even very expensive linen ones; and that's much more annoying. But this one - probably at the cheaper end - might well be saved by the Sylvia method, or by the one you've employed yourself or by a bit of both. It's one reason why I'm none too fond of large stretched canvases, that and the fact they're vulnerable to damage even if atmospheric changes don't get to them first.