Custom canvas size - Page 2

Sharon Knettell · 03-25-2004, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

Chuck - I got myself an ABS panel yesterday. The company you mentioned was out of stock, but they sent me to others.

I already have my piece I cut (30x60") and sanded. I am looking forward to using it, but I am not sure I will use this material for that size again. I got 1/4" and it's fairly heavy. My husband assures me it is not too heavy to go in a frame and hang, but it seems like it is going to have to be a pretty heavy-duty frame. Next time I will try 3/16" perhaps.

I did get a quote from New Traditions, but it is costly. I want a panel as cheap as canvas dang it! And lightweight, and ready-made, and,and...free pizza.

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.

Michele Rushworth · 03-25-2004, 09:15 PM

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?

Kimberly Dow · 03-25-2004, 10:24 PM

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?

Steven Sweeney · 03-26-2004, 05:44 PM

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.

Sharon Knettell · 03-26-2004, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth

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?

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.

Sharon Knettell · 03-26-2004, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

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?

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.