When Your Unrolled Canvas Painting Arrives

A step-by-step guide for safely handling, stretching, and optionally framing your artwork

Receiving a commissioned painting is a special moment and if your artwork arrives unrolled, that’s intentional. Shipping paintings rolled in a tube helps protect the surface, reduces shipping risk and cost, and allows the final stretching to be done locally.

Below is a clear, practical guide to help you handle your artwork, choose the right stretcher bars or framing option, and ensure the painting stays displayed beautifully over time.

1. When the Unrolled Canvas Painting Arrives: First Steps

It’s an exciting moment when an artwork you’ve acquired arrives at your doorstep. Some will tell you not to open the package and to take it straight to the framer... but who can wait?

Opening your artwork when it arrives is safe. Just make sure you do the following:

• After removing the canvas from its protective packaging, lay it flat on a clean surface. For larger artworks, a clean floor works well.

• Take a moment to sit with it and enjoy it.

• When you’re done, carefully roll the canvas back up, avoiding any bends or folds.

• Always roll it with the hard inner tube inside - this is what prevents the canvas from bending.

• Secure it using the original tape if available, or painter’s tape, which won’t leave residue.

  
  

2. Understanding Canvas Allowance

When I paint, I intentionally leave extra canvas around the artwork so it can be stretched properly without compromising the image.

I typically leave approximately 5–6 cm (about 2–2.5 inches) of extra canvas on all sides.

This ensures:

• No important details are lost during stretching

• Staples do not appear on the sides

• The artwork wraps cleanly around the edges

  
  

Important:The sides of the canvas are painted as well. Once stretched, the artwork is considered ready to hang and does not require framing unless you choose to add one.

3. Choosing Stretcher Bar Depth

Your stretcher bars determine how the artwork sits on the wall.

Common stretcher bar depths:

¾ inch (2 cm)

• Best if you plan to frame the artwork

1.5 inches (4 cm) – gallery depth

• Most popular for contemporary works

• Creates a clean, substantial presence on the wall

2 inches or more

• Ideal for large-scale paintings or statement pieces

If you want the painting to stand on its own without a frame, 1.5-inch gallery stretcher bars are strongly recommended.

4. What to Ask Your Framer

Framing and stretching prices for unrolled canvas paintings vary depending on city, size, and materials. I recommend contacting at least one or two local framers.

Here’s a sentence you can copy and send:

“I have an unstretched acrylic artwork on canvas in [insert size] and would like it stretched using 1.5-inch gallery stretcher bars. I’d like the artwork stretched as large as possible, with no staples visible on the sides. If the artwork is large, I would like two hooks—one on each side. Could you let me know the cost, whether you offer delivery, if there is an additional delivery fee, and whether you provide hanging services? If so, what is the cost to hang the artwork?”

This ensures the framer understands both the technical and aesthetic requirements.

Additional notes:

• Larger artworks require a middle support bar, and sometimes more than one, which increases the price.

• Stretcher bars are cut specifically for artworks and include a slight slant so the canvas does not touch the wood on the front once stretched.

  
  

5. Framing Options: To Frame or Not to Frame

Both options are beautiful - it comes down to your space and personal taste. You’re allowed to go bold or understated. Nothing is off-limits - this is your home.

If you plan to frame the artwork:

• Use thinner stretcher bars

• You’ll have a wider selection of frame styles

  
  

If you do not plan to frame it:

• Gallery-depth stretcher bars are ideal

• The painted sides create a clean, contemporary finish

  
  

A timeless option that always looks elegant: A box (floating) frame around a thicker stretcher bar. This style leaves a small gap between the frame and the artwork, allowing the painting to “float” inside the frame.

Popular finishes include:

• Natural wood

• Black

• Gold or silver

Choose what best complements your home and the artwork’s palette.

6. Hanging & Long-Term Care

Once stretched and hung:

• Avoid hanging the artwork above heat sources or in high-humidity areas

• Avoid continuous direct exposure to strong sunlight

  
  

Over time, the canvas may naturally relax slightly - this is very common and not a problem. A professional framer can easily re-tension the canvas in the future if needed.

Optional: Minor Re-Tensioning at Home (For Natural Relaxation Only)

This applies only to minor, even loosening over time - not improper stretching.

• Lightly mist the back of the canvas using a clean spray bottle with water

• Spray evenly; do not soak

• If needed, use a clean cloth to gently distribute the moisture

• As the canvas dries, the cotton fibers will tighten, usually within 20–30 minutes

  
  

This method will not fix ripples or uneven tension caused by improper stretching.If rippling occurs due to incorrect stretching, the canvas will need to be removed and re-stretched by a professional framer.

Cleaning Your Artwork

• Dust occasionally using a soft, dry duster

• If, after many years, dust buildup becomes noticeable, acrylic paintings can be lightly wiped with a slightly damp cloth. Don't worry, no paint will come off.

  
  

Hanging Support for Larger Works

• Two hooks, one on each side, are recommended

• This provides better weight distribution and added stability

  
  

7. One Last Request

If my artwork finds its way into your home, I’d love to see where it lives.

If you’re open to it, please send me a photo once it’s hanging on your wall. It’s always meaningful to see where the work lives and how it becomes part of your space. Any questions during the stretching or framing process, don’t hesitate to reach out. This final step is about honoring the artwork and ensuring it feels right in your home.

If you’re curious about how commissioned works are created or what the process involves, you can learn more on my commissions page.

Sally K in Studio holding an unrolled canvas painting