After buying a painting that is shipped rolled, the next step is to have the canvas stretched or framed locally. Many buyers wonder where to do this and whether it is complicated. The good news is that professional framing services exist in almost every city and country.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to find the right place to stretch or frame your canvas and what to look for to ensure a good result.
What Kind of Professional Are You Looking For?
You are looking for one of these services:
- Professional picture framer
- Art framing workshop
- Canvas stretching service
These professionals work with:
- Paintings on canvas
- Prints and photographs
- Frames and mounting systems
How to Find a Good Framing Service Near You
The easiest way is to search online using terms like:
- “Picture framing near me”
- “Canvas stretching service”
- “Art framing workshop”
- “Custom framing studio”
In most countries, you will find both independent workshops and larger framing chains.
What to Look for in a Good Framer
- Experience with large formats
- Examples of previous work
- Clear explanation of the process
- Good reviews or recommendations
A good framer will also advise you on:
- Stretcher frame depth
- Whether to add an external or floating frame
- The best presentation option for your interior
Stretching vs Framing: What’s the Difference?
Stretching means mounting the canvas onto a wooden stretcher frame so it becomes flat and ready to hang.
Framing means adding an additional decorative or protective frame around the stretched canvas.
You can:
- Only stretch the canvas and hang it frameless
- Stretch it and then add a floating or external frame
Is This an Expensive Service?
The cost depends on the size of the artwork and the local market, but in most cases it is very reasonable, especially compared to the shipping savings of receiving the artwork rolled.
It is a standard service for any framing workshop.
What Information Should You Bring to the Framer?
- The exact size of the canvas
- Whether you want it frameless or framed
- Your preferred depth (thin or thick stretcher frame)
If you have doubts, the framer will guide you.
What If You Live in a Small City?
Even in smaller cities, there are usually at least one or two framing services. If not, the nearest large city will almost certainly have several options.
This is a very common service worldwide.
Related Guides
- How to Stretch a Canvas After Buying a Rolled Painting
- Is It Safe to Buy Art Shipped Rolled?
- Why Large Paintings Are Shipped Rolled (and Why It’s Better)
Closing Thoughts
Finding a place to stretch or frame a large canvas is easy and routine in almost any country. Once the artwork is stretched, it is ready to be enjoyed exactly as intended.
If you are considering a large or custom artwork, you can explore how projects and logistics are handled in our Projects section.