How to Fix a Dented or Loose Canvas

Last Updated: June 16, 2020

There is truly little that is more frustrating when you are ready to start a painting than to find your canvas had been dented from accidentally placing something under or on it. But there is an easy fix, and the same tools and method will also tighten a canvas that is loose from being pressed on or just old.

Steps

1
Gather your materials. To mend the dented or loose canvas you will need water, a spray bottle or a dishcloth, and a blow dryer.
2
Prepare the canvas. Place the dented canvas face down on a flat surface.

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3
Prepare your water. You can use either the spray bottle or the dishcloth instead. Set your spray bottle to mist instead of a direct stream. Alternatively, use a damp dishcloth. Dip the dishcloth into water without entirely soaking it.
4
Wet the back of the canvas. Wet the entire back of the canvas or just in one place about 1 inch wider than the dent. Use the spray bottle or the dishcloth pressing the water into the canvas.
- Note:Be careful not to leave puddles or stripes of water. This will cause the canvas to welt up when it dries.
5
Turn on your hair dryer with heat. It is fine if your dryer has no setting beyond on and off. If it is an option, do not use cool air.
6
Dry the canvas. Use slow even strokes at least 4 inches away from the canvas.
- Note: Do not touch the heated blow dryer to the canvas as it may burn.
7
Flip the canvas back over. The fibers of the canvas will have retracted like jeans coming out of the dryer. The dents will be gone, and the canvas should be taut again. You are ready to paint on it!
8
Assess damage to a canvas that was already painted. This process should not hurt a canvas that was already painted on in acrylic. But thick areas of paint may have cracked when it was dented.