13
11.
The pressure gauge on the right side of your stretching machine indicates
regulated air pressure to the “stretching plates”. It is a safe practice to always
start a stretch at around 15 – 20 psi this is accomplished with the
Stretcher Bar Regulator.
12.
If you need more pressure you can always increase stretching pressure. Do not
“overstretch”, a tight stretch can be obtained with only 20-30 psi provide you
have a stretcher bar with a nice radius. Stretcher bars should always have a
pronounced radius, the harder the edge the harder it is to get the canvas to
stretch.
13.
When you are satisfied with the tension you can staple the canvas to the frame
with a long-nosed pneumatic staple gun. The staple gun is operated upside down
and the trigger is depressed with the thumb. Slide the nose of the staple gun
along the angle bar beneath the stretcher frame. Place a staple at least 1 every
inch.
14.
Release the stretch by stepping on the stretching pedal. Depress the clamping
foot pedal again to open the clamp and remove the artwork. Rotate the artwork
90 degrees; use the deck of your machine and the work surface to support the
artwork. This is how you stretch each end.
15.
You are now faced with the decision to fold the corners and continue stretching
or cutout the excess canvas and then stretch. Removing the excess canvas is the
recommended method and provides the best results.
