What are these little wooden pieces?

GRhyno · #1 07-30-2012, 12:31 PM

So, bought some canvases bulk, and they came with little extra pieces of wood, like 1" x 1.5inch, slanted on one end, each canvas comes with four of these little pieces. So...lol...I think perhaps they have something to do with each corner of the canvas? But what are they? What am I suposed to do with them, or do I even have to do anything with them? What a newb, I know, but...there it is.

Gail

snoball · #2 07-30-2012, 12:51 PM

They are stretchers to put in the corners to tighten the canvas if needed.

GRhyno · #3 07-30-2012, 12:54 PM

So, to be put in the corners 'if needed', and I would what, glue them in? Or just cram them in? Guess I should go try it and see the result and then I'll know if/how to use them. Thanks for that

snoball · #4 07-30-2012, 12:59 PM

There generally are 8 rather than 4 and go both directions in each corner. Usually a tap or two with a hammer puts them in tight enough. You will find that you seldom need them. Only when the canvas is loose on the stretchers will you actually need them.

GRhyno · #5 07-30-2012, 01:00 PM

Yes, perhaps there is 8, for some reason I just thought 4, but haven't had them in my hands a while. Okay...got it...Thanks! appreciate it.

AllisonR · #6 08-01-2012, 04:22 AM

Do NOT glue them. They may be needed more than once over time. When done with your canvas, hammer them lightly in the back. Over time if your canvas begins to sag, then hammer them a bit more. I think an issue on really large canvases. I have some that are 1, 2, even 3 meter (like 6 feet) and they do sag after a year or two, no matter how tight I originally made the painting. Then again, I can use some really heavy, thick paint.

I actually don't know the proper name, in english or danish. I call them wedgie-things.