FAQ List

Can I get student discount on my order?

Yes, we offer students a 10% with a valid student ID.

You'll need to apply for this on-line by filling in the form here.

We normally can approve this within a day or so and you'll be set up to automatically receive discounted prices when you next log in.

Can I use acrylic primer over rabbit skin glue size?

No, acrylic primer is not compatible with a fabric that has been sized with rabbit skin glue.

Either use an oil primer over the rabbit skin glue, or if you want to use an acrylic primer then size with a clear acrylic size.

Cross-bars Sizes

We list cross-bar sizes the same as the outer bars that they will be paired with to make it easier to choose the required bars.

They are cut shorter than the given size to fit with the relevant outer bars.

Do I have to order wedges for my stretcher bars?

No, wedges are included in the price of the bars, and we will supply the correct number of wedges for your order.

Wedges can be purchased seperately. Please call us on 020 7836 7521 for details.

Do prices on the website include VAT?

Yes, all the prices displayed on the website include VAT.

If your delivery address is outside the EU or in the Channel Islands, VAT will be removed automatically in the checkout.

If you are a EU customer with a VAT number, please contact us directly so that we can remove the VAT from your order.

How do I find the width of the roll?

The width of the roll is written in the product name in both inches and centimetres.

If there is more than one width option for this fabric the differnt widths will instead be itemised once you click on the item and bring up further details.

How much wrap around do I need for my canvases?

We advise planning for 10cm of excess canvas to wrap around each edge of your stretcher frame, so add on 20cm to the dimensions of your stretcher to determine the amount of canvas you require.

I have a deadline

If you have a deadline please let us know in the order comments box or by phone and we will do our best to meet this.

No order-confirmation received

After placing an order online an automated confirmation email will be sent to the email address you have provided.

If you have not received this please check in any junk/spam mail boxes as further communications about your order may appear here.

Packaging of fabric - Rolled or Folded?

We send all fabrics folded where possible. If this is not possible then fabrics will be rolled.

Primed canvases are always rolled.

If you would specifically like your fabric rolled, then please specify in the order comments box. We will endeavour to do this, but there may be additional shipping charges.

Quantity Discounts For Fabrics

We offer quantity discounts which usually fall at the half roll and full roll meterage.

These prices are displayed when you click on a product, and if you order over over a certain amount the discounted prices are automatically added to the basket.

Stretcher Bar Pricing

Bars are priced individually, not in pairs.

There are quantity discounts available when buying over 20 or 50 bars.

Password re-set not working

After following the steps to retrieve your password through the log in screen you should receive an automated email at the email address we have on file with a link to reset your password.

Please check in junk/spam folders if you have not received this.

If you are having further technical difficulties please call us on 02078367521.

What does the quantity box represent?

Our fabrics are ordered in linear metres, so the quantity box represents the number of metres you require. Unless the quantity exceeds the length of a full roll of fabric this would be sent as one continuous length, so no need to be alarmed when the shopping basket describes the number of metres as the number of items.

When do I need cross-bars for my stretcher frame?

Crossbars are added to stretcher frames to give additional strength. We recommend that cross-bars are used if any dimension is over a metre or 36 inches. Our pre-made stretcher bars reflect this. If you would like to see when cross-bars are added, please use our Stretcher Builder.

Standard profile do not have cross-bars.

Branded profile are mortised to take cross-bars from 36” upwards, and when over-lapping cross-bars this profile requires a mated ‘front’ and ‘back’. ‘Front’ cross-bars are indicated with a green tenon and ‘back’ cross-bars with a red tenon.

Exhibition profile bars are mortised to take cross-bars from 100cm upwards and cross-bars are notched to allow for over-lapping bars from 120cm and above. At 210cm stretcher bars are double-mortised to fit two cross-bars and cross-bars are double-notched to accommodate two overlapping bars.

When will my order arrive?

Whilst we aim to deliver all standard stock items within 2-4 working days. Many of the items we sell are heavy and often fragile, so require special packaging.

Please allow an additional 7-14 working days for special order items and bespoke (made to measure) frames and canvases.

This delay is due to the manufacturing process, details of which can be found online

When will I receive my VAT invoice?

VAT invoices are created after your order has been completed and received by you, these should arrive in the post to your billing address. If you have not received your VAT invoice you can speak to our accounts team and we will email over a PDF copy. Please call us on 02078367521

Why should I use aluminium stretcher bars?

Aluminium stretcher bars are ideal for larger works, as there is no possibility that the bars will warp.

Aluminium is very strong, so the bars can be thinner than wood over long lengths.

You should also consider using aluminium bars in places that experience high humidity levels, where wooden bars would be susceptible to warping.

Aluminium frames are also cheaper to join, so often work out better value than wood on over-sized custom frames.