How can I smooth out creases in a canvas print?

February 8, 2008 9:38 AM

How can I smooth out creases in a canvas print?

My parents found a canvas print in my grandmother's attic. It had to have been up there, rolled up, for a good 20 years or more.

The canvas (at least I think it's canvas, based on the weave and feel of it) is still in good shape, except a little dry. It hasn't cracked or anything anywhere. With it having been rolled up for so long, there are horizontal creases ever few inches. I tried just putting heavy books on it, first the back, then the front, each for a couple of days, but that didn't do much for it.

How can I get rid of those creases?

posted by jma to Media & Arts (3 answers total)

My wife works in a framing shop. She says you could try dampening the back to see if the canvas will relax. If you're going to want it framed, just take it to a custom frame shop and have it stretched (which will have to be done to get it framed anyway). If we're talking hard creases, and not just waviness from being rolled up, you might not be able to get them out completely.
posted by samw at 9:58 AM on February 8, 2008

Using a heavy duty stapler, staple the canvas face down, onto a thick piece of plywood. Stretching the canvas as tight as you can, by hand, as you go. Use a lot of staples, consistently, all around the outside edge, working from opposite side to opposite side. (Use a piece of heavy paper or plastic between the face of the print and the wood to protect the prints surface. ) Once it is completely down, use a spray bottle and sponge to LIGHTLY dampen the back of the canvas - which will cause the canvas to shrink/tighten somewhat as it dries. (Of course we are assuming you have tested the print to make sure a bit of water isn't going to damage it. )
posted by R. Mutt at 12:58 PM on February 8, 2008

Oh, and this also assumes that this canvas/print is not a valuable piece of Art. If it is, or you have reason to believe that your Grandmother was pals with Jackson Pollock or Picasso .... do not touch it - bring it to an art conservator.
posted by R. Mutt at 1:04 PM on February 8, 2008