Guide to choosing the ideal wooden frame for your artwork

Everything About Wooden Frames for Canvases and Paintings

Wooden frames are structures made to provide support and rigidity to artistic canvases and canvas reproductions. Their main function is to keep the fabric taut, allowing for the application of painting techniques and ensuring that the artwork remains in perfect condition over time. The quality and strength of these elements are essential for achieving professional results and ensuring proper preservation of artworks.

Differences Between Frame and Stretcher

The canvas stretcher is often confused with a frame, though they serve different purposes. The wooden canvas stretcher serves as an internal structure that supports the fabric, while the frame is a decorative element that surrounds and protects the finished piece. Understanding this difference is essential for any artist or professional seeking the appropriate presentation of their work.

Uses of Wooden Stretchers for Framing

The most common use of the canvas stretcher is to provide a working base for oil paintings, acrylics, and mixed techniques. Its design ensures that the fabric remains taut and uniform throughout the creative process. In addition to its application in painting, these stretchers are used for photographic prints on canvas, collages, tapestries, and contemporary artworks. The stability and strength of the wooden stretcher make it the ideal choice for artists, photographers, and interior designers.

Main Types of Wooden Stretchers

In the wooden stretcher collection from Intermol, two main models stand out, designed to meet the needs of artists and professionals in the field. Both ensure a solid structure, functionality, and impeccable presentation of any artwork on canvas.

Wooden Stretcher with Wedge

The wedge canvas stretcher is one of the most versatile and sought-after options. Its design allows you to adjust the tension of the canvas even after assembly, thanks to small wooden wedges inserted into the corners of the stretcher. This ensures that the surface remains perfectly stretched, preventing wrinkles or loss of tension due to time or environmental changes. It is the ideal choice for artists who want to keep their artworks in perfect condition during exhibitions or prolonged storage.

Straight Wooden Stretcher

The straight wooden stretcher stands out for its simplicity and functionality. Its clean design, without wedges, makes it a very stable option, especially recommended for works that will not require subsequent adjustments. This type of canvas stretcher is perfect for those looking for a sturdy yet lightweight structure that guarantees maximum durability. Its construction from selected woods offers excellent resistance to deformation, always maintaining the integrity of the canvas.

Wood Used to Make Stretchers

The material chosen to make wooden stretchers for canvases directly affects their durability and resistance. Finger-jointed pine is a standout option for its strength and ability to reduce the possibility of deformation. This assembled wood provides great stability, making it perfect for both standard and custom stretchers.

Different Stretcher Widths Depending on the Use

Wooden stretchers come in a wide range of widths to suit the size and type of artwork. For small pieces or preliminary studies, a 20 mm width is usually sufficient. This type of stretcher provides lightness and ease of transport.

For larger works, the widths can be increased to 60 mm. This increase provides greater rigidity and stability, preventing the stretcher from warping due to the weight of the canvas or layers of paint. This feature is especially important for mixed techniques or works that incorporate additional reliefs and textures.

Different Thicknesses of Wooden Stretchers Depending on the Use

The thickness of the wooden stretcher for canvas also varies depending on its intended use. For small or light pieces, 17 mm stretchers are sufficient and allow for quick and easy assembly.

Intermediate 29 mm stretchers are the most common choice for most medium-sized works, offering a perfect balance between lightness and strength. For large-scale works or artistic installations that require a particularly robust structure, stretchers up to 35 mm are the best choice. This range of options allows artists and designers to always find the ideal stretcher for their project.

How to Choose the Right Wooden Stretcher for Your Artwork

Selecting the wooden stretcher for canvas that is most suitable is a crucial step in ensuring an impeccable presentation and the longevity of the piece. Factors such as wood type, the ability to adjust with wedges, stretcher width, and thickness are determining in the final result. In the wooden stretcher category of Intermol, you can find options tailored to every need, whether for professional artists or amateurs looking for high-quality results.