No matter how careful you are you’re probably going to hit or knock your canvases at some point and get a dent in them. As much you push the dent back out from the underside it won’t work, that’s because the fine canvas threads have been stretched in that area. Even if you fit the canvas tightening wedges that come with most canvases into the corners, it still won’t work. So let me show you what does work:
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Happy painting.
Chris
12 thoughts on “How To Get A Dent Out Of A Painting Canvas”
I bought a painting last night at Goodwill and didn’t notice until I was getting it out of the car that the painting was dented! That’s how I found your page. I was ready to take the painting back to Goodwill and get my money back, but tried your method this morning. Wow!!! Within a couple of minutes the dent was released and the painting is now proudly hanging on my wall. Thank you so much! This is why I love the internet, sharing what we know with others. It worked!
Hi Barb, yes you can. It shouldn’t effect the painting if the paint is dry ~ Chris
Miel
What can I do if the edges are bent? The wood is higher right on the edge of the canvas so it got a dent on all the corners from transportation. I can’t fix this with that method because it’s right under the wood. I’d be glad if you can help
Not sure quite what you mean Miel, if you can email me a photo of the damage I may be able to suggest a repair. ~ Chris
Vera
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for this advice! I’m a new-ish art technician and just tried this out, it worked like magic, I can’t believe I never knew this before!
Hi Vera, I’m glad it was helpful, good stuff ~ Chris
Lauren Makela
Hello
Am I able to fix “lines” in a white background canvas? Collateral damage from moving, something has pressed from the back putting the pressure of the wood mount onto the back of the canvas, creating two marked lines on the front.
Thank you Lauren
Hi Carollyn, depending on the type of varnish used, if any, you’d have to remove that first, then repaint those areas if the cracks were significant. Very fine cracks may be able to be filled with delicate brushwork. ~ Chris
I bought a painting last night at Goodwill and didn’t notice until I was getting it out of the car that the painting was dented! That’s how I found your page. I was ready to take the painting back to Goodwill and get my money back, but tried your method this morning. Wow!!! Within a couple of minutes the dent was released and the painting is now proudly hanging on my wall. Thank you so much! This is why I love the internet, sharing what we know with others. It worked!
Hi Susan, glad I was able to help. Enjoy your painting 🙂
Can I use this method on a canvas that is already painted and has gone saggy on the edges
Hi Barb, yes you can. It shouldn’t effect the painting if the paint is dry ~ Chris
What can I do if the edges are bent? The wood is higher right on the edge of the canvas so it got a dent on all the corners from transportation. I can’t fix this with that method because it’s right under the wood. I’d be glad if you can help
Not sure quite what you mean Miel, if you can email me a photo of the damage I may be able to suggest a repair. ~ Chris
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for this advice! I’m a new-ish art technician and just tried this out, it worked like magic, I can’t believe I never knew this before!
Hi Vera, I’m glad it was helpful, good stuff ~ Chris
Hello
Am I able to fix “lines” in a white background canvas? Collateral damage from moving, something has pressed from the back putting the pressure of the wood mount onto the back of the canvas, creating two marked lines on the front.
Thank you Lauren
Hi Lauren, if the lines are indentations, then try this https://www.chrischalkart.com/painting_blog/how-to-get-a-dent-out-of-a-painting-canvas/ If the white has been stained or colour marked then you can repaint the white areas. If the painting is varnished, you may have to remove this first however ~ Chris
Hi Chris,
I was curious about fixing cracks in the actual paint on as piece of wall art- please advise.
Hi Carollyn, depending on the type of varnish used, if any, you’d have to remove that first, then repaint those areas if the cracks were significant. Very fine cracks may be able to be filled with delicate brushwork. ~ Chris