Canvas stretcher bars are typically cut to size during production, but they aren’t secured with glue, nails, or screws. Instead, they’re held in place by the tension of the stretched canvas itself.
This means that during handling or transit, the structure can shift slightly, causing the canvas to sit a little out of square.
In most cases, this isn’t a fault with the canvas and doesn’t require a replacement, just a quick adjustment to bring it back into square.
How to fix it
In most cases, you can gently guide the canvas back into shape in just a moment.
You’re simply easing the stretcher bars back into alignment - what has shifted one way can be nudged back the other.
Place the canvas on the floor, either flat (face-up) or standing upright
Gently apply pressure to the corners or sides to guide it back into square
You can push one corner forward while easing the opposite corner back
Make small, controlled adjustments until the canvas looks even again
You can do this entirely by hand, or use a rubber mallet for light taps on the corners if a slightly firmer adjustment is needed.
If you’ve tried this and it still doesn’t look quite right, please get in touch with us. We’ll be very happy to take a closer look and help further.