Please Help - "Baggy" Linen
 

I have a 40" x 21" painting that is looking a bit baggy. I stretched and primed the linen myself and at the onset it was quite taught. Now, a month later it is not.

I did not notice until I took it off the easel this morning to frame. I have to deliver this picture tomorrow. Is there a quick fix? It is not so slack that it sags from the front but I am afraid it will. I kept the A/C ice cold in the studio for fear of humidity (it is already quite humid in FL!) What did I do wrong?

Sandy,

I have experienced the same problem in the past due to weather changes here in the south. I started stapling cardboard to the back of my stretchers and haven't had this problem since. I would suggest re-stretching and try the card-board. Also do you have a center piece stretcher bar in the center for added support?

Mike,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I'm not sure I understand the cardboard. Do you cover the entire back or just the stretcher bars? Also, I did use a center support and the stretchers are not warped at all. I have seen artists post something about misting the reverse with water. Is that an option? I have used canvas clips to temporarily frame it as I will recall it in 6 mos. for the final varnish. Is there a possibility that it could tighten up on it's own during this time?

The cardboard is to cover the entire back. This is to reduce the variation in humidity to the exposed back of the canvas.It could tighten up again but I would go ahead and re-stretch the canvas in the areas that have loosened. I believe this will solve your problem, it certainly has for me and for several of my artist friends who have experienced the same problem. I personally don't like the idea of misting the back of the canvas.

Thanks Mike. I will do as you suggest.