Stretcher Keys for Canvas: How and When to Use Them?

Photo: Artmie.sk

When we buy a canvas, we always look forward to that beautiful surface that will soon become a canvas for our imagination and a creative moment. And really, keys are the last thing on our minds at that point. But this is where many artists make a mistake…

Using Stretcher Keys on a Canvas, a Privilege of Experienced Artists

Yes, that's right. Our statistics show that experienced and professional artists are more likely to use stretcher keys. So, if you want to be a little more like them or want a tighter canvas, don't leave the keys lying around in a corner. Grab a hammer and tap them in (the keys, of course).

Tip: How can you tell if your canvas is tight enough? Just tap the center gently with your fingers. If it vibrates like a drumhead, it's stretched correctly. If not, it needs at least one more key. :)

Photo: Artmie.sk

When Should You Use Stretcher Keys on a Canvas Frame?

When your canvas arrives, it may not be as tightly stretched as it was when we packed it at the warehouse. It's perfectly normal for a canvas to loosen slightly during shipping. That's when stretcher keys come in. Simply insert them into the openings in the frame, and your canvas will be like new again (well, it is still new…).

Another situation is when the canvas loosens while you're painting. Each type of paint affects the canvas differently, and sometimes the canvas may loosen a little during or after painting. A few stretcher keys in the right place will fix that, too.

Let’s not forget finished or older paintings. Yes, if there’s a painting hanging on your wall at home that’s as old as you are, its canvas may need a little tightening too. Changes in temperature or the environment can also affect it, and using keys may help.

Photo: Artmie.sk

How to Insert a Canvas Key into the Frame

If you take a closer look at the frame holding the canvas, you should see slots in the inside corners, two in each corner. This is where the keys are inserted. The farther they are pushed in, the more the frame expands and the canvas tightens.

Try to follow these steps:

- work slowly and carefully

- insert both keys into the corner, gently sliding their pointed ends into the wood

- tap them in slightly with a hammer

- continue with the other corners, making sure all the keys are inserted to the same depth

- check the canvas

If the canvas seems tight enough, you’re done. If not, tap each corner in a little more so the keys are at the same depth in the frame.

Tip: Sometimes one corner is looser than the other three. In that case, you can push the keys in that corner a little farther.

Photo: Artmie.sk

What Might Surprise You When Inserting the Keys

Keys are not universal in size. Their size varies depending on the frame. The shape of the keys isn’t fixed either. In most cases, each brand chooses a shape to use with its canvases. If a key looks different from one you have at home, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong or damaged.

I’ve mentioned this a few times already, but I’ll say it again: Work gently and carefully. Stretching the canvas too much could crack the oil painting, damage the canvas, or even break the frame.

Tip: If you don’t need the keys right now, it’s a good idea to keep them in case the canvas loosens over time.

Photo: Artmie.sk

You can also see how to insert the keys in our video:

When working with a canvas, we all want our efforts to turn out as well as possible. Even little things like wooden keys can help you create a perfect piece. So next time, don’t throw them away. Put them somewhere safe instead. You can still share your work with us, with or without keys, on Instagram, where you can find us as @artmie.sk or in the Facebook group Artmie Friends of Art.

Happy crafting

Lea

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