18 Inch Classic A1 Single Stretcher Bar 3/4" Deep #A1-18

Classic™ 3/4" Deep Bar • 1/16" Canvas Clearance

This Stretcher Bar is the standard in the industry for Stretched Canvases and works with standard picture frames. It provides 1/16" Canvas Clearance on both sides, you can stretch either side of the Bar.

• Produces a 3/4" deep stretched canvas (Actual depth is 11/16")
• 1-5/8" wide Stretcher Bar
• Precision machined corners
• Solid Ponderosa Pine or Fir from the Pacific Northwest
• The ends are mirror images of each other, so they naturally fit together; no other parts are needed
• Corner Keys may be purchased separately to expand the frame, only if needed to increase the tension after the canvas has been stretched

Solid Wood is Archival - Finger Jointed Wood is Not

We only use Solid Wood to build our Stretcher Bars because a solid piece of wood will last indefinitely. When we speak of archival value, it's not just the paint you use and the quality of your canvas and ground, even the wood choices manufacturers make are part of the archival process.

The principal reason manufactures use finger jointed wood is reduce cost, not increase archival value. Wood constantly grows and shrinks when the environment becomes hotter, or colder, or more humid, or more dry. Because finger jointed wood is made-up of multiple and varied pieces of wood, with varying grain patterns and densities, they each absorb and shed moisture at varying rates, which works on the glue joints that hold them together, causing the wood to bow and the joints to eventually fail, and certainly not consistent with increasing the archival value of your artwork frame support.

As a manufacturer, we do our part to conserve as much wood as possible, and still provide a quality made product that will out-perform any other in the marketplace.

Sustainable Forests Ensure More Wood for Communities

Using lumber from sustainably managed forests is not only the responsible thing to do, it's also a way to ensure that the wood products we rely on continue to be available in the future. By supporting sustainable forestry practices, we can help to ensure a steady supply of wood products while also protecting the environment and supporting local communities.

Canvas Size Needed for this Stretcher Bar

Most artists will stretch the canvas and attach the staples or tacks onto the back side of the frame. Doing so allows you to paint on the edge and hang your art without needed a picture frame. Generally speaking, you should allow 4 Inches of canvas beyond the size of your frame.

For example, if you were to stretch a 18x22 frame size, which happens to be a custom proportion, your canvas should be about 22 x 26. This allows you ample room to stretch and attach the canvas on the back. Should you ever need to remove the canvas from the frame and re-attach it, it still serves that purpose too. Should you want to attach the canvas from the edge of the stretcher frame, then you can reduce the size of your canvas about 3/4" all the way around the frame.

Rooted in California and flourishing since 1965, Masterpiece® takes pride in its family-led legacy of crafting North America's premier Stretcher Bars. Our quest for excellence isn't just a goal but a commitment, positioning us as the trailblazers in the domain of fine-art canvas. Our innovative patents have set new benchmarks, ensuring our offerings stand unmatched. Dive into the tactile experience of our products, and you'll instantly recognize the distinct Masterpiece® quality, a signature appreciated by both your clientele and future art connoisseurs.

No one can be a painter unless he cares for painting above all else. ♦ Edouard Manet

Edouard Manet, a beacon of modernism in the art world, was no stranger to controversy. Many remember him for his revolutionary works that challenged the conventions of his time, pushing boundaries and shattering expectations. Behind these audacious creations was not just talent, but a burning passion—an undying love for the art of painting.

It's a sentiment that many artists can resonate with. Art isn't just a skill or a hobby; it's a calling, a vocation that demands everything from us. As artists, we know all too well the late nights, the countless revisions, the moments of self-doubt. But through it all, it's our profound love for the craft that propels us forward. It's the kind of love that asks for sacrifice, the kind that's both a source of joy and a relentless taskmaster. Because to create, to truly bring something to life on canvas, requires an unwavering commitment.

So when Manet declares the importance of prioritizing painting above all else, it's not just an elitist statement; it's a universal truth. Whether it's painting, sculpting, writing, or any other form of artistry, the path to mastery is paved with passion. And for those of us who've heeded the call, we understand: it's not about choosing art—it's about being chosen by it.

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Every artist thrives on inspiration. So we've offer this insightful quote with a uniquely crafted portrait of Edouard Manet. May this story invigorate your creativity! Start painting!