Jack Richeson - Cross Brace Brackets
Adjust canvas tension precisely without dismantling your stretcher frame
Large canvases sag without proper support, and traditional cross braces can be awkward to install and adjust. These brackets transform how you brace stretched canvas, using a slotted design that lets you fine-tune tension after stretching rather than hoping you got it right the first time. The system works with any size Richeson cross brace and any depth of stretcher bar, eliminating the guesswork from sizing components.
Sturdy construction holds braces firmly in position while the adjustment slots provide precise control over canvas tension. You can tighten a slightly loose canvas or redistribute tension across the surface without removing keys or restretching. This matters particularly for large-format work where even slight sagging becomes visible and affects how paint sits on the surface.
Installation is straightforward: position the bracket, insert your cross brace, and adjust. The design accommodates the dimensional variations you encounter with different stretcher bar profiles and canvas thicknesses. For painters working at scale, these brackets eliminate one of the frustrating variables in preparing supports, letting you focus on establishing a taut, stable painting surface that stays that way.
