A Guide to Aluminum Stretcher Bars

A new product is on the rise here at KeenArt Media and this article will help break down how it works as well as all its pros and cons. An Aluminum Stretcher Bar made by the Jack Richeson Group is the next best thing to come to stretcher bars. While it may look very similar to a regular stretcher bar, it does have its differences and perks.

Pros VS Cons Listed below are the simplified pros and cons of Aluminum Stretcher Bars. Pros Cons Longer lifespan Stronger/Sturdier Keyable Many length options Straight edge No ghost lines Greater shipping expense Less profile options

What are Aluminum Stretcher Bars?

The new Aluminum Stretcher Bars are created out of kiln dried Pine and recycled Aluminum. The pine wood frame sits on the outside of the aluminum frame, and creates a classic smooth rounded edge as well as provides a solid surface for stapling a canvas onto. The added metal frame on the inside guarantees a heavy-duty, strong, stable structure which is perfect for large canvases. When the canvas is attached, it will sit ½ away from the bars, preventing the appearance of ghost lines. Together these two frames create both a perfect 90 degree angle and a straight edge. The Aluminum Stretcher Bars come in three main styles; Gallery Wrap Bars, Heavy Duty Bars, and Pro Bars. Both the Pro bars and Heavy Duty bars can come as short as 11' and up to as large as 144' whereas the Gallery Wrap bars only come as large as 120'.

Aluminum Stretcher Bar Aluminum Stretcher Bar Corner

Why Choose Aluminum Stretcher Bars?

The benefit of using aluminum stretcher bars over regular wood stretcher bars is that the metal will hold the wood in place for centuries. As time goes on, the metal will never warp, twist, or bend guaranteeing a long lasting pristine conditioned frame unlike a regular wood stretcher bar. Combining both the metal and wood frames only elevates the stretcher bar as it doesn't lose the traditional manner of assembly and production, but instead adds more stability and extends the artwork's lifetime. As well, these frames are keyable meaning additional support can be added using Key Corner Supports. These keys attach to the inner corners of a canvas and are able to re-stretch a canvas if required. This is done by expanding the corners of the canvas, ultimately tightening a possibly loose canvas. As well, this can be reversed to relax the canvas back to its original tensions if need be.

Assembled Aluminum Stretcher Bar Frame

Important to Consider

Although the aluminum stretcher bars have a long list of benefits, there are some other things to consider. Since the materials used are greater, this can lead to a greater sum in price. While the bars are more likely to last and benefit you in the long run, it is worth noting that it may be a bit of an investment compared to regular wood frames. Aside from pricing, the bars may have a wide variety of lengths however there is not a wide variety of profiles to choose from. The aluminum bar has a set profile of a 1 inch depth whereas the wood frames do vary depending on style. The Pro Bars have a wood frame depth of 1 3/8, the Heavy Duty bars have a wood frame depth of 1 3/8, and the Gallery Wrap bars have a wood frame depth of 2 ¼. There are no other options for the different styles. In contrast, the wood stretcher bars already offered at KeenArt Media come in a variety of profile depths such as 7/16, 5/8, ¾, ½, 1, 1 1/8, 1 ¼, 1 ½, 1 15/16, 2, 2 ½, and 3 inches. These sizes are available for pre assembled stretcher bar frames as well as unassembled stretcher bars.

Aluminum Stretcher Bar Side Profile

How To Assemble

Insert the corners into the channels in an aluminum bar (2 per corner). At this point assemble 3 of the bars. Once the 3 are assembled, put the remaining corners in the remaining bar. Align the corners with slots and insert. Attach the Best Keys with screws using the pre drilled holes. Cross braces are recommended for any bar 36' or longer. If the vertical and horizontal cross braces were ordered, they will come notched at the intersection for a flush fit. Attach the notched braces in the center using a flat head screw (not included). Single cross braces will simply attach to the bar frame using screws. The cross braces are attached to the stretcher bar using the Best Cross Brace Bracket. Drill a pilot hole in the stretcher bar with a 3/32' drill bit, then attach the cross brace bracket and cross brace as shown.

Step 1 & 2 Step 3 Step 4 & 5 Step 6

Additional Resources

To purchase Aluminum Stretcher Bars, click here. For more information on properly measuring your artwork, click here. For more information on stretched canvas prints, click here.

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If you have questions about any of our services or products, don't hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist with answers, advice, or suggestions.

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