Canvases - what are those little bits of wood that come with them?

[IntergalacticHussy]

been wondering for ages,and don't wanna advertise my ignorance by asking someone in RL.

Seriously, what am i supposed to do with them? build a little wooden boat? scrape the oil paint about with them? give them to dd2 to chew?

spreaders i think

Thanks for posting, OP!

nailak - so they put them in just in case my paint requires spreading? what if i'm a Jackson Pollack style painter?

stealthsquiggle - yay, nice to know i'm not alone

stretchers? Do they go in the corners of the back of the canvas? [never bought one so not sure]

i thouht they were for spreadin the paint like for the backround,

thats what ive used them for neway!!!

They are for stretching the canvas if it starts to go a bit slack once you've started painting on it. You just knock them in at the corners to tighten it up.

oh i see! thanks littlenicci and mirage. i feel like a veil has been lifted and after all these years of silent wondering.

Thank you, clever people.

I shall report back to DS, who has never been satisfied with my ignorance on the subject.

Although they are for stretching the canvas again I just collect them and use then in my (bad) DIY projects.