Kimberly,

I know that there has been some information on the use of ABS panels here. I was initially interested in it, but when I mentioned it to my plastic fabricator, he said not to use it because it warps really badly.

I don't pretend to be an expert on plastic, but I have been researching aternatve substrates for my pastels for quite a while now. My husband is also a electrical and materials scientist and is quite knowledgeable.

I would use canvas if I could, Claessens # 13 DP being my favorite.

Get yourself a good canvas stetcher, the Holbein, though pricey is excellent and makes canvas stretching a breeze. For me a 40" x 60" canvas would be a medium one considering the size I work.

I use Twin Brooks Pro Stretchers in Maine. You call them with your measurements and they send them out the same or the next day. They take a bit of work to put them together but their keying system works really well. The stretchers are ash, and quite reasonable.

Their phone number is 1 800 856-1567 or www.twoponds.com

Chris Polson is the owner.

Sharon, when you refer to the Holbein stretchers do you mean the stretching pliers that are made of some exotic substance called molybdenum (or something like that)?

I've heard they are the ones to get. What is it about those canvas stretching pliers that makes them better than the run of the mill $20 ones everyone else makes?

Sharon,

Thank you for this information - you may have just saved a painting. I've been staring at that huge heavy things for days and wondering about it. I will do it on canvas and cut the ABS into smaller sizes. I would think they'd be free of warping at 20x24 or smaller...don't you think?

Sorry I didn't get back to you, Kim -- dodgy computer connections and a thrill-seeking, risk-taking life have limited my visits. Anyway, after I investigated the Austin folks I referred to earlier, I decided I didn't have enough confidence in what I saw to recommend them.

It is worth it! It is the molybdenum Holbein.

I can't tell you how many large canvasses I struggled through and ripped and cheap pliers I broke before digging that one up.

The jaws are rubber coated and 4" long giving a more even grip. I found the cheap ones ripped the linen as well.

It simplifies the stretching process and I have done some massive canvasses with it. I have had mine for 9 years now and the rubber is starting to wear off the jaws, but it is still usable.

Kimberly,

You are doing some lovely work and I would not put any of it on ABS after what I learned. Not only does it warp pronto, but it absorbs moisture. I think that this would put a surface painted with oil at risk.

Use them as kitchen cutting boards.