I'm an expert in the field of art supplies and canvas preparation, and I'm here to help you understand those little pieces of wood that come with a canvas. These pieces are often referred to as "keys." They are small, angled, and designed to be inserted into the notches at the corners of your wooden stretcher bars.

The purpose of these keys is to tighten the canvas over the stretcher bars, ensuring that it remains taut and stable. When you stretch a canvas onto a frame, the keys are used to secure the corners of the canvas by being hammered into the slots. This process is crucial for creating a professional-looking finish and for preventing the canvas from sagging or warping over time.

It's important to note that there are different types of keys available, and they can be made from wood, plastic, or metal. Each material has its own advantages. Wooden keys are traditional and can blend in with the frame, while plastic keys are often more durable and less likely to damage the wood. Metal keys are the strongest and can provide the most secure hold, but they can also be the most difficult to use without damaging the stretcher bars.

When using keys, you should start by aligning the canvas with the stretcher bars and making sure it is centered and straight. Once the canvas is in place, you can begin to hammer the keys into the slots. It's essential to do this gradually and evenly to avoid putting too much pressure on one side, which could cause the canvas to become distorted.

Some artists express concern that using keys might cause the canvas to become out of square or warped. This can happen if the keys are not inserted correctly or if too much force is applied. However, with careful and even application, this is not a common issue. It's also worth mentioning that the quality of the keys and the stretcher bars can play a significant role in the outcome. High-quality materials are less likely to cause problems.

In addition to securing the canvas, keys can also serve as a decorative element. They can be painted or left natural to match the frame or the artwork itself. This adds an extra touch of professionalism and artistry to the finished piece.

In conclusion, the little pieces of wood that come with a canvas are called "keys," and they play a vital role in the process of stretching and securing a canvas to its frame. They are used to tighten the canvas, ensuring a taut and stable surface for painting. While there are concerns about potential distortion, these can be mitigated with proper use and quality materials. Keys are also a decorative element that can enhance the overall appearance of the artwork.

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Those little little angled pieces of wood, or of plastic are called "keys". Your assessment is correct, in that they ARE meant to be pounded into the open slots in the corners of your wooden stretcher bars. Some artists believe that they may tend to distort your canvas out of square, but I have never had that problem.Jun 17, 2008read more >>