Discover the Truth Behind Artist Quality Stretchers vs. Cheap Imitations - Don't Fall for the Look-A-Likes!

When it comes to creating a masterpiece, every artist knows the importance of using the right materials. From paints to canvases, each element plays a crucial role in bringing an artist's vision to life. One such essential material is the stretcher, which serves as the foundation for the canvas. However, not all stretchers are created equal, and there is a significant difference between artist quality stretchers and stretchers that look like artist quality.

First, let's understand what a stretcher is. A stretcher is a wooden frame that supports and stretches the canvas. It is available in various sizes and shapes, depending on the artist's needs and preferences. Now, let's delve into the key differences between artist quality stretchers and their lookalikes.

1. Not a Strainer:

One notable contrast between artist-grade stretchers and imitations lies in the corner cutting and joining technique. The corners of stainers are typically cut at a 45-degree angle and securely bonded together with glue, V-nails, and sometimes pins. However, although this may initially appear beneficial, it often results in the canvas sagging in the middle, creating an uneven surface. On the contrary, artist-grade stretchers do not function as strainers, ensuring the canvas expands uniformly with a wedge key system.

2. Expandable:

One major contrast between the two stretcher types lies in their ability to expand. High-quality artist stretchers are equipped with a wedge key system, giving artists the ability to increase the size of the canvas by pushing the wedges into the corners. This feature proves useful for tightening loose fabrics, which can occur during painting or due to weather changes. Conversely, stretchers that appear to be of artist quality lack this feature, often resulting in the need for multiple re-stretching efforts.

3. Collapsible:

Stretchers designed for artists are easily disassembled and reassembled, making them highly convenient for transportation, especially for those working on larger artworks. In contrast, the stretchers that resemble artist quality often consist of pieces of wood that are glued and pinned together, making them challenging to transport and store due to the size.

4. Straight and Warp Resistant:

Artist quality stretchers are designed to be perfectly straight, ensuring a smooth surface for the canvas. This straightness also helps prevent the canvas from warping, which can happen over time due to changes in temperature and humidity. On the other hand, stretchers that look like artist quality may not be as straight, leading to an uneven surface and potential warping of the canvas over time as the wood may not be treated the right way to prevent this from happening.

In conclusion, while stretchers that look like artist quality may seem like a cost-effective option, they do not offer the same level of quality and features as artist quality stretchers. As an artist, it is essential to invest in the right materials to ensure the longevity and quality of your artwork. So, the next time you're buying a stretcher, make sure to choose an artist quality one for the best results.

5. Types of Artist Quality Stretchers

Australian Laminated Hoop Pine artist stretchers are high-quality wooden frames used for stretching and supporting canvas for painting. They are made from laminated hoop pine, which is a durable and sustainable type of timber found in Australia. These stretchers are specially designed for artists and provide a sturdy and stable surface for creating artwork. They are often used in professional art studios and galleries due to their strength, reliability, and resistance to warping. Australian Laminated Hoop Pine artist stretchers are a popular choice among artists for their quality and versatility in creating beautiful and long-lasting paintings.

Australian Aluminium artist Stretchers are frames made of lightweight aluminium that are used to stretch and support canvas for painting. They are a popular choice among artists in Australia due to their durability, strength, and lightweight design. These stretchers are adjustable and can be customised to fit different canvas sizes, making them suitable for a variety of artistic styles and preferences. They are also known for their resistance to warping, ensuring that the canvas remains taut and free of imperfections. Additionally, Australian Aluminium artist Stretchers are easy to assemble and disassemble, making them convenient for artists who frequently work on location or need to transport their artwork. There are no limitations on the dimension requirements for using these, and they will always remain straight.