52 Inch Elite B2 Single Stretcher Bar 1-1/2" Deep #B2-52

Elite™ Professional 1.5" Deep B2 Bar • 1/2" Canvas Clearance

A Canvas Clearance of 1/2" is the space between the Bar and the canvas. Generally speaking, more clearance reduces the risk of the canvas touching the wood and creating unsightly lines during painting. Our design provides the optimal clearance so as not to impact your painting, but still leaving enough wood to the maximize strength of the Stretcher Bar.

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.

Selective Harvesting in our Sustainable Forests

Intelligent selective harvesting of timber is an ecological method to replace the natural occurrences of forest fires and disease and landslides that can devastate forests. This is all part of the process of sustainable forest management to which we subscribe when we choose which lumber we use in our products.

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 6 Inches of canvas beyond the size of your frame.

For example, if you were to stretch a 52x76 frame size, which happens to be a Paper Size, your canvas should be about 58 x 82. 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.

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. ♦ Mark Twain

The beloved American writer and humorist, Mark Twain was a master of capturing profound truths in simple statements. His writings have often grappled with the human experience's complexities, and this quote reflects his understanding of the quest for purpose that defines so many of our lives. Twain recognized that while our existence starts at birth, the true essence of living unfolds when we discover our purpose, that unique spark that drives our passion and actions.

In the context of art, this realization holds particular significance. While every artist begins with an inherent love for creation, it's the moment of clarity — the understanding of 'why' we create — that truly defines our path. For some of us, this might come in the form of a pivotal life event, a mentor's guidance, or a deep introspection. Yet, no matter the avenue of this discovery, it acts as a beacon, guiding our creative endeavors and shaping our artistic voice.

Twain's insight serves as a gentle reminder to us all, prompting reflection on our own 'why'. By understanding our motivation and the underlying purpose of our art, we not only enrich our personal narratives but also imbue our creations with depth and authenticity. After all, in the vast tapestry of life and art, it's not just about marking our existence but also understanding the unique imprint we wish to leave behind.

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Creativity is a dance between inspiration and innovation. Our own self portrait creation of Mark Twain twirls alongside these profound words, hoping to set the stage for your next artistic performance. Now go do your dance on the canvas!