Whether you need a canvas stretched for the first time, re-stretched on a new bar, or carefully removed for shipping or storage, Prime Frame provides a meticulous, hand-finished service for artists, galleries, and collectors across London.
Canvas Stretching
Built to Last, Finished by Hand
Every stretcher bar is assembled from kiln-dried, knot-free timber — precisely cut and joined for a warp-resistant frame that holds tension evenly across the canvas. We use traditional corner keys (wedges) so the tension can be fine-tuned over time.
From small studies to large-scale works, we build bars to your exact dimensions and stretch with even, consistent tension using padded pliers and staple-free edges where required.
Safe Transport
Canvas Unstretching & Re-stretching
Whether you need to replace a damaged stretcher bar, prepare a canvas for international shipping, or send a large artwork flat or rolled, Prime Frame offers a meticulous stretching and unstretching service designed to protect both the artwork and your budget. For oversized, unframed pieces, unstretching and rolling the canvas can reduce shipping costs by hundreds or even thousands of pounds, especially on long‑distance routes.
Our framers carefully remove staples and tacks without stressing the paint surface or canvas edges. Each artwork is then rolled face‑out on acid‑free tissue around a rigid tube, or stored flat between protective layers for maximum safety.
This service is ideal for galleries, artists, and collectors sending large works abroad. Not every painting is suitable for rolling, and our expert team will advise you on the safest approach, the techniques involved, and the potential savings before any work begins.
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What We Offer
A complete canvas service — from first stretch to re-stretch, repair, safe removal and packing service for national and international shipments
New Stretching
Custom stretcher bars built to your exact size, with kiln-dried timber, corner keys, and museum-quality tension.
Re-Stretching
Existing canvas transferred onto a new, properly constructed stretcher bar — correcting warps, slack, or damage.
Unstretching & Rolling
Safe removal of canvas from bars, rolled on archival tubes for shipping, storage, or re-stretching later.
Gallery Wrapping
Canvas wrapped around the stretcher edges for a clean, frameless presentation — ideal for contemporary works.
Materials & Techniques
Kiln-Dried Timber
Carefully selected, seasoned wood that resists warping and provides stable, long-term support for the canvas.
Corner Keys
Wooden wedges inserted at each corner joint, allowing fine tension adjustment without tools or re-stapling.
Cross-Bracing
For larger works, internal cross-bars prevent flex and distribute tension evenly across the full surface.
