Q&A for How to Repair Canvas

Depending on the type of inks used, you might be able to use a wash to lighten the entire canvas or provide a "burning in" effect to lighten one area by washing it. The wash is a very thin, even application of a lighter color that has been diluted. If the print has been sealed, it might be hard to get the wash to stick. If the print hasn't been sealed, the thinner (even just water) for the wash might cause the print itself to run. If it is canvas, there might be an area on the side of the canvas, under the frame, where you can test some acrylic or other paints to see if they will stick and how stable the print is.

If, when scratched, the paint has come off, use a thin brush brush to paint on it. If it is torn, you can stitch at the back and paint on top of stitches from front, tape it with strong adhesive at the back and cover it up, or if it is a print, you can use ink to cover up the scratched part.

First, remove the staples from the back of the old stretcher to free the canvas. Place the new stretcher (which may be larger or smaller than the original) onto the back of the loose canvas. Make sure it's centered on the canvas, with the painting face-down. Fold the raw edges of the canvas over and around each side of the stretcher, and secure them in place with 1 staple in the middle on each side. Pull the canvas taut around the stretcher as you continue adding staples all along each side of the stretcher.

If a small section of a canvas print or painting has gotten stretched out or dented, use a spray bottle to spray water onto the back side of the misshapen area to dampen it. Rub the water into the canvas to make sure it soaks into the fibers. The canvas should start to shrink and tighten up as it dries.

Marine suppliers often sell these in a variety of sizes and materials. Search online or visit a local boating repair shop to purchase oval grommets. If you're replacing grommets, be sure to use the same size and material as the original.