I am stretching a very big canvas and the only fabric i could find with the right size seems more like .. well it's a bit the same material used in sterile compresses or POP etc.. i mean the wholes are visible. i will put gesso on it ofcourse but i was wondering if it will work or not.. i don't want to have bas surprises later on like cracks or whatever.. so what do u think?

firmbeliever

Here's some tips I found,please refer link for more details on canvas tips.
----------------------
Art Canvas Tips - Sketch Canvas Tips - Linen Canvas - Gesso
Other Canvas Choices
Linen and cotton are not your only canvas choices, however linen is a popular one. You can also choose from a canvas made of muslin or a canvas made of scrim. Muslin canvases are reasonable priced and not as expensive as other canvas choices. Scrim is also a choice for those wishing to save a bit of money on canvas purchases. Scrim is also a reasonably priced canvas that is made up of strong coarse cotton in a weave that is rectangular. Each of these types of canvas will be great alternatives for a more expensive canvas and should produce similar results when painted on.
-----
Why Choose a Linen Canvas?
Most artists will choose a linen canvas over the other types of canvases on the market. What makes linen canvases so popular? Linen canvas is one of the strongest types of canvas available on the market. This means that a painting done on a linen canvas will last longer and be much more durable when compared to other types of canvas. Linen canvas will hold together over time much longer when compared to a canvas made of cotton and a linen canvas is available in all shapes and sizes for your painting fun!
-----------------------------------------------------

edzmedz

Thanks. The fabric i got is most probably scrim or muslin so i guess it will be fine... mmmm but they said it deteriorates faster.. and since i am going to be a super famous painter .. this means it has to last longer.. oh well they will just have to figure out a way to restore it thanks a lot thought, now i can start paintingggg hourayyy..

firmbeliever

Glad to help.
Enjoy your painting.

If possible do show us some of your work here.
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/art/artist-you-133294.html

edzmedz

My updates (so u can have a laugh)
This passage is entitled: THE SURPRISE

So I spent 2 days stretching the canvas…I started first using the pliers like the professionals do it, but then I noticed I could pull the fabric far better using just my hands… and I was very generous with the staples to make sure the fabric was well attached to the board and indefinitely until restoration in year 3000!
The heavy duty stapler covered my hands in blisters and water bubbles. I now look like Michael Jackson with tapes on my fingers!
So I finished everything and did the corners beautifully (bcoz most people complain about those).
The canvas was still on the floor. I thought I would pull it up and place it in place along the wall, ready for next day’s task: priming with gesso.
As I did that TADAAAAAA this is where the surprise hit me! It turns out I probably over stretched it. There were 2 sides that were pulled inwards, distorting the rectangular frame!
So I took a break to meditate coz I was beginning to feel like killing someone… then after thinking for a while, I took out the staples on these two sides (leaving a bit near the corners).. which took like forever since I over did it to begin with like I said earlier…it is beginning to take shape now.. I left it for now. I will check on it tomorrow, for a final diagnosis since maybe It will give the fabric time to relax..

So I just thought I should write this in here in case anyone is stretching a canvas too, to watch out. I haven’t re-stapled it yet but for now the fabric is sagging a bit in the middle.. so my worries for tomorrow is the dilemma that if I stretch it the frame will bend and if I don’t the fabric will sag. Plus it will make the wrinkles more visible.. Can I iron it do u think? And I know when I prime it, the fabric will pull together and become tighter…right?

Oh well, I will let u know what happens next

firmbeliever

Thanks for the update.

Am I glad I use the canvas already stretched into frames.
I am sure I would be in worse condition than you

edzmedz

well i do too, but sooner or later you will have to do it urself when u can't find the size u want.
anyway i am taking a break now lol

firmbeliever

How about showing some of your work with a signature...not the ones you do for others.
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/art/artist-you-133294.html

edzmedz

ehemm.. well i only do original work darling, copies are just for amateurs.
Maybe when i finish the whole set and organize the exhibition i might show a few here.

jrebel7

Just a thought! It is late in my part of the world so maybe I missed a detail. You may have mentioned the size of the canvas. If it is very large, had you thought about putting a bracing piece within the frame to stablilize it so when you stretched the canvas hard, it would not distort the rectangular frame? If very large, you may need two bracing pieces within the framework.

Also, a question. Are you doing a gallery wrap?