How hard can I stretch my canvas?

Always stretch the canvas as evenly as possible. How hard you stretch it is a question of personal preference. Some painters prefer a very taut canvas while others do not. The following is one of the methods you can use:

• centre the canvas carefully on the frame
• affix it temporarily, for example by the corners
• start in the middle of one side and work toward the edges
• use a nail or a staple every 4 - 8 cm
• now work on the opposite side and stretch the canvas using a canvas plier.
• use the same method for the third and fourth sides
• while stretching; check the front or finished canvas continually to ensure the stretch is correct otherwise make adjustments as needed.
• do the corners last