Aluminum Stretcher Bars

A new product is on the rise here at KeenArt Media and this article will help break down how it works as well as all its pros and cons. An Aluminum Stretcher Bar made by the Jack Richeson Group is the next best thing to come to stretcher bars. While it may look very similar to a regular stretcher bar, it does have its differences and perks. 

The new Aluminum Stretcher Bars are created out of kiln dried Pine and recycled Aluminum. The pine wood frame sits on the outside of the aluminum frame, and creates a classic smooth rounded edge as well as provides a solid surface for stapling a canvas onto. The added metal frame on the inside guarantees a heavy-duty, strong, stable structure which is perfect for large canvases. When the canvas is attached, it will sit ½” away from the bars, preventing the appearance of ghost lines. Together these two frames create both a perfect 90 degree angle and a straight edge. The Aluminum Stretcher Bars come in three main styles; Gallery Wrap Bars, Heavy Duty Bars, and Pro Bars. Both the Pro bars and Heavy Duty bars can come as short as 11” and up to as large as 144” whereas the Gallery Wrap bars only come as large as 120”.

The benefit of using aluminum stretcher bars over regular wood stretcher bars is that the metal will hold the wood in place for centuries. As time goes on, the metal will never warp, twist, or bend guaranteeing a long lasting pristine conditioned frame unlike a regular wood stretcher bar. Combining both the metal and wood frames only elevates the stretcher bar as it doesn't lose the traditional manner of assembly and production, but instead adds more stability and extends the artwork's lifetime. As well, these frames are keyable meaning additional support can be added using Key Corner Supports. These keys attach to the inner corners of a canvas and are able to re-stretch a canvas if required. This is done by expanding the corners of the canvas, ultimately tightening a possibly loose canvas. As well, this can be reversed to relax the canvas back to its original tensions if need be.

Pros	Cons
Longer lifespan Stronger/Sturdier Keyable Many length options Straight edge No ghost lines	Greater shipping expense Less profile options

  Although the aluminum stretcher bars have a long list of benefits, there are some other things to consider. Since the materials used are greater, this can lead to a greater sum in price. While the bars are more likely to last and benefit you in the long run, it is worth noting that it may be a bit of an investment compared to regular wood frames. Aside from pricing, the bars may have a wide variety of lengths however there is not a wide variety of profiles to choose from. The aluminum bar has a set profile of a 1 inch depth whereas the wood frames do vary depending on style. The Pro Bars have a wood frame depth of 1 ⅜, the Heavy Duty bars have a wood frame depth of 1 ⅜, and the Gallery Wrap bars have a wood frame depth of 2 ¼. There are no other options for the different styles. In contrast, the wood stretcher bars already offered at KeenArt Media come in a variety of profile depths such as 7/16, ⅝, ¾, ½, 1, 1 ⅛, 1 ¼, 1 ½, 1 15/16, 2, 2 ½, and 3 inches. These sizes are available for pre assembled stretcher bar frames as well as unassembled stretcher bars.  

  

How to Assemble:

1. Insert the corners into the channels in an aluminum bar (2 per corner). At this point assemble 3 of the bars.	2. Once the 3 are assembled, put the remaining corners in the remaining bar. Align the corners with slots and insert.	3. Attach the Best Keys with screws using the pre drilled holes.
4. Cross braces are recommended for any bar 36” or longer. If the vertical and horizontal cross braces were ordered, they will come notched at the intersection for a flush fit.	5. Attach the notched braces in the center using a flat head screw (not included). Single cross braces will simply attach to the bar frame using screws.	6. The cross braces are attached to the stretcher bar using the Best Cross Brace Bracket. Drill a pilot hole in the stretcher bar with a 3/32” drill bit, then attach the cross brace bracket and cross brace as shown.

For more information: Aluminum Stretcher Bars 

Jack Richeson Group: Jack Richeson Group - Aluminum Bars

Celebrating 20 Years of Printing Services!

KeenArt Media has been offering high quality printing services to clients all across North America since 2002. Aside from the quantity of services, the quality is also highly important to this company. KeenArt Media prides itself on being able to reward its clients with beautiful artwork as well as support many artists across the continent by helping promote their works! This family run business understands the importance of community as well as how to connect with other artists, other small businesses, and everyday people looking for somewhere to turn. Reflecting on all that has been accomplished at this business over the last 20 years can seem overwhelming, however this article will help break down all the printing services offered here at KeenArt Media.  

About us - Vancouver Fine Art Print & Giclée On Canvas Prints 

When one hears printing services, they often think of a fax machine or Staples. However here at KeenArt Media, we do more than just print an invoice. We offer printing services on a vast variety of materials, such as fabric, canvas, metal, wood, mounts, ceramics, and fine art papers. We use fine art archival inks on giclée materials! With all these options available, KeenArt Media still offers a quick turnaround time, competitive prices, and free shipping (over $99).

Fabric is an excellent choice of material when it comes to dye sublimation, our printing technique. We offer a vast selection of fabrics including; Mesh, Spandex, Jersey, Twill, Holographic, Woven, and Linen to name a few.  However there are two distinct material bases that are used which are Knit and Woven. The main differences between the two are that knit naturally drapes and flows (for items such as apparel, flags, or tablecloths) whereas woven is more sturdy and hardwearing (for items such as banners, signage, upholstery). The only common factor between these materials is that they must be polyester based. This is because the polyester absorbs and locks the ink into the material, making sure it won’t fade or crack. If you’re unsure about which fabric is best suited for you, we also offer fabric sample packs that include ten 7” x 7” polyester fabrics, however we do not accept fabrics supplied by customers. Our fabrics can be used for any clothing type such as T-shirts, leggings, masks, uniforms, active sportswear, and outerwear as well as items such as promotional banners or home wear such as curtains, tablecloths, or tea towels. All fabrics are recommended hand wash or machine wash cold and hang to dry. Our fabrics can be printed on any custom size no larger than 64” x 44”.

 

Polyester Fabric (above)

Vancouver Fabric Printing - Dye Sublimation on Polyester Fabrics 

Our printing services can be used perfectly for gifts, especially when the printed material is a ceramic such as a mug or an acrylic block. Using dye sublimation, we are able to print on ceramic mugs that feature a polyester coating. These mugs come in both 11oz and 15oz sizes as well as come in rather a pearl coating or a black coating with a white patch. The mugs come both dishwasher and microwave safe as well as come scratch resistant with long lasting durability. The finish of the ceramic mugs is a glossy appearance on top of any image of your choosing. The image can appear on one side for a dimension of 3.15” x 3.15” or wrap around the mug for a dimension of 8.46” x 3.15”. These mugs are the perfect gift for a loved one, a co-worker, or a client. The Acrylic Blocks are small 1” thick free standing clear acrylic blocks that have face mounted a print inside using a clear double sided adhesive. These blocks come in sizes ranging from 4” x 4” to 6” x 9” and can weigh up to 2.3lbs. The prints featured inside come in a glossy finish and the brilliant colour produced can last up to 75 years! These blocks are mainly decorative however they can be used as paperweights as well. We recommend that they are perfect as gifts or in an office space!

Vancouver - Mugs - Photo Gifts 

Vancouver - Acrylic Blocks - Photo Gifts 

Fine Art Printing doesn’t necessarily need to be printed on a fancy material, but can go back to its origins of paper prints. At KeenArt Media, we offer an assortment of fine art papers to choose from that way you will always take home something unique and special to you. Our fine art papers come in papers such as Hahnemuhle (William Turner, German Etching, Fine Art Baryta, or Photo Rag/Brilliant White), Moab (Entrada Rag Bright, Entrada Rag Natural), and Exhibition Fine Art Fiber (High D Max). We also offer Coated Papers such as Enhanced Matte and Double Weight Matte as well as Photographic Papers such as Premium Luster, Premium Glossy, Premium Semi Glossy, and Moab Slickrock Metallic (Pearl or Silver). The photographic papers are best for a professional photography appearance whereas our fine art papers are best used for museum quality archival prints or reproductions. No matter the material, our options in fine art printing are perfect for all artists, photographers, and designers alike! Aside from Fine Art Prints, we also offer Greeting Cards which are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just staying in touch. Our cards come in 5” x 7” foldable greeting cards, 5” x 7” flat cards, or 4” x 6” postcards. All cards are available in glossy, matte, or elegant linen finishes and use archival pigmented inks when printed on. The cards can be vertical or horizontal and come with a white mailing envelope.

Vancouver Fine Art Prints, Art Print Art Posters Canvas Art, & Framed Art Pictures- Prints Plus Posters 

Vancouver Custom Greeting cards, Postcards, Photo Cards, Picture Cards - Make your own card online 

A Plaque Mount is a modern way to display your art without using a frame. Using a wood fiber plaque, the artwork is mounted on top and sealed with a matte, UV protected laminate. The wood plaques come with a beveled edge that is available in multiple different colours. Plaque mount art is permanent, durable, and long lasting as well as protected against moisture, smudges, and scratches. We offer five main plaque mount styles including Standard/Flat Plaque Mount, Box/Flush Plaque Mount, Float Plaque Mount, Matted Plaque Mount, and Combo/Raised Plaque Mount. 

Dry Mounting uses a poster or a photograph and uses heat to attach the print to a surface. The benefits of dry mounting include preservation, avoids wrinkles or tearing, and easy display. Dry Mounting a print can be done on multiple materials such as Foam Boards, Plywood, Sintra, Matboards, Coroplast, and Mighty Boards. This method is perfect for photos, posters, newspapers or magazines, maps, collages, puzzles, artwork, blueprints, certificates, letters and much more!

A Plexiglass Face Mount is similar to a plaque mount as it is a frameless display of art. However instead of laminating a print onto a surface, a Face Mount displays art between a sheet of aluminum and a sheet of clear plexiglass, then they are all fused together. This is done using a cold press. This permanent bond creates a 3D like effect with enhanced vivid colours. This is a perfect option for photographs or artwork printed on metallic or glossy paper.

Block / Plaque Mounting, Vancouver Mount & display photos on MDF 

Vancouver Custom Size Mounting Boards - PlexiGlass, Foam Cores, Dibond, Gator Board, Mighty boards, Sintra (Plastic), Plywoods, Coroplast, Matboards 

Vancouver Face Mounting Prints On Acrylic/PlexiGlass - Acrylic Face Mounting 

Our Canvas Prints are offered in four different forms; a rolled canvas print, a thin canvas gallery wrap, a thick canvas gallery wrap, and a framed canvas print. Our thin canvases come mounted on a ¾ stretcher bar frame whereas our thick canvases come mounted on a 1 ½ stretcher bar frame. Our canvas fabric is made from an archival poly/cotton blend that is acid free, water resistant, stretchable for framing, and instant drying. These canvases can be printed as small as 6” x 6” up to as large as 144” x 64”, as well as on round canvases. We use the special printing process of Giclée which uses high quality, archival, pigmented inks. When printing on canvas, there are four different edge wraps to choose from including mirror canvas wrap, pixel canvas wrap, image canvas wrap, and solid colours.  

Pricing, Photos On Canvas Prints Vancouver - Photos On Canvas Fine art Prints & Gifts 

We offer original handmade oil paintings here at KeenArt Media. Instead of finding and hiring an artist on your own to paint your images, we already have an artist on hand! All you have to do is select your photograph and we will have an artist create an original oil painting version within the month. Our artists are able to paint landscapes, portraits, florals, abstract, and classical reproductions. All the artists are highly skilled and experienced in oil painting, and you will be guaranteed a beautiful original piece of art! 

    KeenArt Media also offers a program in which local artists can upload their artworks to our website in order to get more exposure, and are able to sell their artwork through our business. This program is available to artists, photographers, and art galleries for free. All the artist has to do is upload their artwork, and set their prices and sizes offered. All information can be updated by that artist at any point in time.

Vancouver Handmade oil paintings from photos to artist Canvas - Oil Paintings Reproductions of famous artists; portraits, floral, landscapes, abstract oil paintings 

Vancouver Artist Gallery program , Giclée Art Print Art Posters Canvas Art & Framed Art Pictures- Prints Plus Posters 

Dye Sublimation is the printing process of using heat to infuse inks into a material. The materials we offer to dye sublimate on aside from fabric, are metal such as aluminum, and wood in particular natural. Each print is given a frameless appearance, is permanent and durable as well as scratch resistant, and easy to clean. The natural wood prints are made out of a maple veneer with a low gloss coating, all wood prints are ready to hang as they have pre drilled keyholes in the back. The metal prints are made from aluminum panels which enhance all photographic highlights as well as create a gloss finish. The metal prints come in three different display options including a table easel, float mount hangers, and a ¾ inset frame. Both the metal and wood prints are available in sizes as small as 2” x 3” up to 60” x 40”.

Vancouver Metal & Natural Wood Prints - Dye Sublimation on Aluminum and Wood 

For 20 years KeenArt Media has been perfecting the art of printing. Printing services of many methods and materials used to create endless options for our customers. From Canvas and Fine Art Prints to Metal, Wood, and Fabric Dye Sublimations to Plexiglass, Face, and Dry Mounts. As well as many gift options such as Mugs, Handmade Oil Paintings, and Acrylic Blocks! KeenArt Media strives to create the best printed products for your home, your clients, and yourself! Our printing services are guaranteed to meet your needs and help assist you in any photo reproduction way possible!

For more information: Vancouver Canvas Photo Prints, Custom Made Picture Frames & Plaque Mounts, Face Mounting Prints On PlexiGlass