Information for other artists

In my canvas-stretching tutorial video (the first of my tutorial DVDs, which you can buy here) I mentioned that I deliberately avoided commercialism in the video by not endorsing any particular brand names of tools or other products, which I consider a fault in many other tutorial DVDs (although I did so mainly because no manufacturer has bribed me to hawk their products yet). However, for anyone interested in the brands and models of tools and materials that I prefer myself, I said in the video that I would provide this information on my website, and, true to my word, here is that information:

CANVAS PLIERS: My compound-action canvas pliers are from the John Annesley company, and can be seen or bought at this link: When I last looked they cost $100.00 (ordinary canvas pliers can be bought from any art supply company for around $20.00). The compound action of the Annesley pliers give them great gripping power while requiring far less effort than ordinary canvas pliers, and are thus easier on the hand, making them worth the extra money to me.

STAPLE GUN: My little pneumatic stapler is a Senco model SFW10XP, a light, powerful little air gun that shoots fine-wire crown staples (staples that have a slight upward curve that is supposed to be better for fabric than straight staples). A recent Google search on this Senco model revealed prices ranging from $135 to $185, depending on the seller. This staple gun is great for canvas stretching work, but you have to be careful and wear safety goggles when using it, because it does not have the safety feature often seen on power staplers consisting of a tongue or tab that must be depressed against the work before you can shoot it. In other words, it can shoot anytime the trigger is pulled, whether it's touching anything or not, and it also has a sensitive or "hair trigger," so use it with caution.

AIR COMPRESSOR: My compact or hobby-type air compressor is nothing special, similar to many others in its size and price range (around $100), a little Campbell Hausfeld with a 2-gallon tank, advertised by the manufacturer as being "for home use." It has a cooling fan for the motor, something many small compressors lack, and which ought to extend its life by preventing overheating. Mine has model FP204000AV written on it, but it looks exactly like a Model FP209000RB that was being sold reconditioned by the factory for $65, here. A compressor this size is adequate to run the small air tools commonly used around an art studio, such as a stapler for canvas stretching, air nozzles to blow off dust, a spray gun for airbrush painting or spraying varnish, a light-duty nail gun for building wooden panels to paint on, etc., as well as other minor tasks around the home such as inflating car and bicycle tires, basketballs, etc. I also like it because it runs relatively quietly, which is a plus inside a home or studio. However, to operate larger air tools, such as big framing nail guns, air grinders, wrenches, sanders, or other tools that use air more frequently, or nearly continuously, or at higher pressure than a small compressor like this can furnish, I advise buying a larger air compressor. Little ones like this just can't keep up with heavy-duty air tools.

CANVAS: I have been buying Belgian linen oil-primed canvas by the roll from the Utrecht art supply company, here, and been quite satisfied with it.

Thomas Baker Oil Painting

Information for Other Artists