Charvin Gummed Canvases

Charvin uses only select kiln dried wood stretcher bars and cross bar supports depending on the size. The frame in all instances is consistent with the size of the canvas. The larger the size the more bracing is used to insure that the frame is stable for the larger sizes.

All Charvin canvases are stretched by hand in France by skilled artisans, trained classically in the art. It is an art and is an important selling feature. Just like art itself the value of the piece is not determined by its size but by the value of the craftsmanship displayed by the artist in their piece. So it is likewise true that a canvas owes much of its value to how it is made. 

The use of copper nails (tacks) instead of staples give much more stability to the hold deployed at each stretching point. This is due to the fact that the nail has a head with a diameter that exhorts force at each point greater than a staple. This not only is important at the time of stretching but also maintains the stretch much more reliably than a staple. Copper is used since it will not oxidize protecting the integrity of the painting for centuries. Copper nails are driven into the wood with a traditional magnetized hammer which allows for precise driving. The canvas is worked from center to side and the excess canvas is turned over the edge and affixed to the back of the frame. 

Charvin canvases are very taught and are keyed with traditional wood pegs so you can tighten the canvas. While painting or after the painting has cured and you need to tighten you can do so by using the pegs but you should use particular care not to force the frame out of square. In some instances only a light water spray on the back is needed to get the canvas taught again.

Charvin canvas requires a minimum purchase of 3 assorted canvases.