Please Help - "Baggy" Linen

Sandy Barnes · 05-03-2004, 08:37 AM

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?

Mike Dodson · 05-03-2004, 09:38 AM

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?

Sandy Barnes · 05-03-2004, 10:11 AM

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?

Mike Dodson · 05-03-2004, 10:58 AM

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.

Sandy Barnes · 05-03-2004, 11:19 AM

Thanks Mike. I will do as you suggest.