Canvas Stretching Services in London
At Seido Art Services, we provide professional canvas stretching and unstretching services for artists, collectors, galleries and interior designers. Whether you require a canvas to be carefully unstretched for transportation or restretched and installed following delivery, our experienced art technicians ensure the process is handled with precision, care and respect for the artwork.
We understand that a canvas is not simply a decorative object. It is a carefully constructed surface that requires specialist handling, accurate measurement and a considered approach at every stage.
On-Site Canvas Unstretching and Restretching
One of our core services is attending clients’ locations to safely unstretch canvases when required. This is particularly useful when an artwork cannot pass through a doorway, lift or stairwell due to its size. In these situations, we can carefully remove the canvas from its stretcher bars, protect it appropriately for safe manoeuvring through restricted access areas, and then restretch it in its final position ready for installation.
We are frequently instructed for this service in private residences, apartment buildings, commercial offices and gallery spaces where architectural constraints prevent a fully stretched canvas from being moved into position. By temporarily removing the canvas from its stretcher, we allow safe access without compromising the integrity of the artwork.
Following repositioning, we restretch the canvas to ensure correct tension, alignment and structural stability before preparing it for secure hanging.
Careful Handling and Protective Methods
Every canvas stretching project is approached with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to best practice art handling standards.
Our methods include:
The use of clean, protective materials when laying a canvas down, ensuring that painted or raw linen surfaces never come into contact with unprotected floors or tables.
Wearing protective gloves when handling canvases with exposed paint or delicate linen surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils, dirt or fingerprints.
Careful tensioning to avoid over-stretching or stressing the painted surface.
Continuous visual inspection during the process to ensure the artwork remains stable and undamaged.
We understand the vulnerabilities of painted and unvarnished surfaces. Even minor contamination can cause long-term conservation concerns, which is why our technicians follow careful and considered handling protocols at all times.
Supplying and Measuring Stretcher Bars
Where new stretcher bars are required, accuracy is essential. Incorrect measurements can lead to ill-fitting frames, uneven tension or unnecessary delays.
For this reason, we often attend in person to take precise measurements and verify dimensions before ordering wooden stretcher bars. This ensures:
Accurate sizing of stretcher components
Proper corner alignment
Correct depth and profile for the artwork
Structural integrity once assembled
Our team assembles and squares the stretcher bars on site where required, ensuring the canvas is evenly tensioned and properly supported.
Installation Following Stretching
Once restretched, we can install the artwork securely in its intended location. We assess wall types, fixings and hanging methods to ensure the finished installation is both visually precise and structurally secure.
As with all our services, we work cleanly and efficiently within residential, commercial and gallery environments, maintaining professionalism and care throughout.
Our Process
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
We begin by discussing your requirements, access constraints and artwork specifications. Where necessary, we can arrange a site visit to assess doorways, stairwells and installation points. Following assessment, we provide a clear quotation covering labour, materials and any required stretcher bar supply.
2. On-Site Execution
Our experienced art technicians carry out the unstretching, manoeuvring and restretching process using protective materials and specialist tools. If new stretcher bars are required, these are assembled and fitted with careful precision.
3. Final Installation and Review
Once the canvas is properly tensioned and secured, we install the artwork and invite the client to review the final placement to ensure complete satisfaction.
Why Choose Seido Art Services for Canvas Stretching?
Experienced art handlers trained in careful canvas handling techniques
Professional on-site unstretching and restretching solutions
Protective working methods to safeguard painted and linen surfaces
Accurate measuring and stretcher bar supply
Discreet, reliable service within private homes and commercial spaces
We understand that stretching a canvas is both a technical and delicate process. Our team combines practical expertise with a deep respect for the artwork itself, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest professional standard.
If you require canvas stretching, unstretching for access, or installation services in London, contact Seido Art Services to discuss your project.
