An oil painting only comes to life once it hangs on the wall properly stretched and — if you wish — framed. Many people underestimate this step: a loose canvas ripples, a badly stretched one loses its shape, an ill-fitting frame overwhelms the subject. That's why at ArtMinded you can order your painting cleanly stretched on a sturdy stretcher frame — and if you like, you can add a matching full frame. Here you'll learn what's behind the two terms, when you need which, and how our service works in Switzerland.
Stretcher frame or full frame? The difference in one minute
The two terms are often confused, but they mean completely different things:
- Stretcher frame: This is the wooden structure behind the canvas, onto which the fabric is stretched. It gives the picture shape, stability and a flat surface. Without a stretcher frame, a canvas is just a loose piece of cloth.
- Full frame: This is the visible decorative frame around the picture – made of wood, lacquered, in gold, black, natural wood, or as a modern shadow gap. It is optional and serves both looks and edge protection.
In short: the stretcher frame is a must (it carries the picture), the full frame is the finishing touch (it refines it). At ArtMinded, you choose both in the configurator: the stretcher frame and the full frame are charged separately, and you see the final price right away.
Having a picture stretched on a stretcher frame – why it should be done professionally
Stretching a canvas cleanly sounds simple, but it is handwork with pitfalls. If the fabric is pulled unevenly, waves and dents appear that show up in raking light. If it is stretched too tightly, the paint layer can crack over time. If it is mounted too loosely, the picture sags.
What matters in professional stretching:
- Even tension across all four sides – worked from the center outwards
- Clean, fold-free corners, so the edges look sharp and straight
- Sturdy stretcher bars made of dried solid wood that won't warp
- Wedges in the corners, which allow the tension to be readjusted later if needed
- A flat surface, so the picture sits against the wall without bulges
That is exactly what we do in our studio. If you choose the stretcher frame in the configurator, your oil painting is stretched on a high-quality stretcher frame and arrives ready to hang at your door. No stretching, stapling or aligning left for you to do.
Have your own canvas stretched
Even if you bought a rolled canvas or a loose oil painting elsewhere, we stretch it professionally onto a stretcher frame – from CHF 75, depending on the format. Just tell us the dimensions and send us a photo – we'll advise you on the right stretcher depth and the next steps. Contact us about it here.
The full-frame service: your picture gets the frame it deserves
Many modern oil paintings look outstanding even without a decorative frame – the stretched canvas with visible edges is a distinct, contemporary look. But a well-chosen full frame can further elevate a picture, give it depth and embed it in your living environment. On request, we frame your picture – matched to subject and interior style.
These are the frame styles we offer
- Shadow gap frame (floater): The picture appears to float in the frame – a narrow gap separates canvas and frame. Ideal for modern, minimalist rooms.
- Classic wooden frame: Warm and timeless, in natural wood or lacquered – suits almost any subject.
- Gold frame: For portraits and classic subjects that deserve a distinguished, gallery-style appearance.
- Lacquered black or white: Reduced and graphic – puts the focus entirely on the picture.
We've covered which frame suits which subject in detail in the guide «Which frame suits an oil painting?» . If you're unsure, we're happy to advise you personally.
How the ordering process works at ArtMinded
Whether portrait, pet picture or free custom motif – you choose stretching and framing right in the configuration:
- 1. Choose subject & size: In the configurator for portraits or in the custom painting you set the format and picture size.
- 2. Choose your frame option: Without a frame, stretched on a stretcher frame (ready to hang) or with a full frame in your preferred style.
- 3. Upload your photo: You upload your favorite photo, and our artists paint it in oil.
- 4. Delivered ready to hang: After 2–5 weeks your picture arrives – unframed, stretched on a stretcher frame or framed, as you chose – with a certificate of authenticity.
Care: keeping the stretched picture and frame beautiful for years
A properly stretched oil painting stays stable for decades. A few simple rules help:
- Don't hang it in direct, blazing sun – this protects both colors and tension.
- Avoid strong temperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g. directly above a radiator or in the bathroom).
- Remove dust only dry, with a soft cloth or brush.
- If the tension loosens minimally after years, it can be gently readjusted via the wedges in the corners.
You'll find more on this in the post «Care and hanging of your oil painting».
Frequently asked questions about stretching and framing
Is stretching on a stretcher frame included in the price?
No, the stretcher frame is charged separately. You choose it in the configurator and see the final price right away. With a stretcher frame, your picture arrives ready to hang.
Can I have a picture just framed or stretched, without ordering a new painting?
Yes. Stretching on a stretcher frame costs from CHF 75, depending on the format – and we can frame any picture for you, from canvas to poster. The easiest way is to send us the dimensions and a photo via our Contact Form.
Do I even need a full frame?
Not necessarily. A cleanly stretched canvas with visible edges is a modern, self-sufficient look. A full frame is a visual upgrade – nice, but not a must.
Your picture – cleanly stretched, perfectly framed
From the first brushstroke to the fully stretched and framed canvas, ArtMinded takes care of everything from a single source – hand-painted by our specialised studio artists — with Swiss quality control. Upload your photo now and choose in the configurator whether your oil painting should arrive stretched only or framed as well.
