Stretching Services
Clean corners, optimal tension, and evenly spaced stapling make our stretching services second to none.
Stretching canvas over art supports is a practice that dates back to the Renaissance. At Simon Liu, Inc., this work remains both an art and a highly disciplined craft. Beginning always with a strong support, we incorporate precise sizing for linen, careful priming for canvas, and a peerless archival technique that calibrates tension and balance for masterfully stretching raw cotton, primed cotton, or linen.
In addition to stretching canvas directly onto our products, we can stretch or re-stretch artworks onto an existing support and perform precise image cropping, measuring, or strip-lining — all while employing our trusted “non-invasive” methodology. Expert stretcher repair is sometimes feasible as well.
Beyond strip-lining, additional conservation services are outsourced to expert colleagues (and we’re happy to connect you with the appropriate party before or after we stretch). Even under the most pristine circumstances, numerous factors impact an artwork’s condition — e.g., canvas type, storage conditions, painting medium, age… the list goes on. Peerless experience with all the variables allows us to correctly re-stretch artwork that is damaged, antique, or in need of some special TLC.
We stretch in-house at our Brooklyn workshop as well as on-site for galleries, museums, private collections, and studios. Having handled virtually all shapes, sizes, and mediums, we love a challenge and look forward to providing you with the perfect solution every time.
Raw & Pre-Primed Canvas
We stretch either raw or pre-primed canvas directly onto our custom made supports, tailoring each order to the client’s needs.
Our hand-priming tends to be the ideal option, since we can customize the surface to your exact specifications. Reach out with any questions or visit our pre-primed canvas page for more information.
Customers seeking to provide their own canvas materials can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis — but Simon Liu, Inc. cannot be responsible for any unsatisfactory results stemming from outside materials.
And kindly be aware that all stretching labor is nonrefundable.
Stretching Artwork
Our stretching artisans bring a delicate balance of skills to your existing artwork, collaborating intently on the exact specifications of each project.
Whether previously stretched or meeting an art support for the first time, your work will be exhibition-ready.
And who knows? Simon himself might end up stretching up your piece. But either way, all our experienced stretching technicians are expertly trained to Simon’s exacting standards.
Many thanks to A Hug From The Art World for allowing us to document the stretching of Carnival, 2026 by Francine Tint.
CATCH THE MASTER AT WORK
Dive deep into the art of stretching with our client Rajiv Surendra.
This visual history lesson on image cropping and stretching covers a mere drop from Simon’s total knowledge base bucket, but contains numerous useful insights nonetheless.
Many clients prefer to stretch themselves, and we applaud them for it! But as this episode details, Rajiv wanted Simon — the world’s top art support “orthopedic surgeon” — to get hands-on with his precious piece.