What's the "canvas" on an FB print dryer made from?

michael stevens · Mar 21, 2012

I've just got hold of an old 14x11" print dryer but the "canvas" seems to have been replaced at some point with some thinner, stretchier material. As the print dries it distorts the cloth and defeats the whole object of the exercise.

I could probably make a new canvas myself but having never seen another one am not sure what sort of material I should be looking for. Would a fine textured (unprimed) artists' canvas be suitable? Or some sort of linen maybe?

Paul Howell · Mar 21, 2012

Last time I had replaced my canves I just took the old belt to a fabric shop and they found what I needed. As you dont have the orginal all I can say is that my canves seems to just like old fashion tent canvas, but I dont know what weight to ask for.

pbromaghin · Mar 21, 2012

Right, mine feels like plain, old-fashioned, cotton tent canvas.

wildbill · Mar 21, 2012

I have one in good shape with original canvas if you're interested. All boxed up and ready for shipping.

artonpaper · Mar 21, 2012

For the record, canvas is usually cotton, sometimes linen, was traditionally hemp. (Canvas>cannabis)

nworth · Mar 21, 2012

I believe the usual material is cotton, in a heavy canvas weave. The white material is needed to avoid stains.

bdial · Mar 21, 2012

For weight something about the same as Levi jeans, or possibly somewhat lighter would be about right.
It needs to be pliable enought to conform to the platen, and heavy enough to keep the paper flat, and absorbant.

michael stevens · Mar 21, 2012

Thanks everyone. Looks like I need something with very little 'give' in it but a fine weave.

bluejeh · Mar 21, 2012

canvas on print dryers

The canvas on the print dryers are easy to wash - use the washing machine and hang to dry.

Gerald C Koch · Mar 24, 2012

Check with companies that make sails. Sometimes they have a odd piece left over that they might give you.

ic-racer · Mar 24, 2012

Gerald C Koch said:
Check with companies that make sails. Sometimes they have a odd piece left over that they might give you.

I do not think one would want to use dacron, nylon or Honeywell Pentex (yes, a synthetic sailcloth by that name!) on a heated print dryer unless you want a gooey melted mess

Gerald C Koch · Mar 25, 2012

ic-racer said:
I do not think one would want to use dacron, nylon or Honeywell Pentex (yes, a synthetic sailcloth by that name!) on a heated print dryer unless you want a gooey melted mess

They do still make cotton sailcloth. Not everything is plastic and cotton has certain unique qualities that synthetic ones do not.

Rick A · Mar 25, 2012

Go to the local paint supply and buy a small canvass drop cloth, They are untreated and you only have to cut and sew a new cover.

Whiteymorange · Mar 25, 2012

Judging by what is on my print drier, you'll want about 7 to 10 oz. cotton canvas. 12 oz. will probably be too heavy. Luckily, light/medium weight canvas like this is easily obtained at any art supply shop. It's the cheap stuff when it comes to stretching canvas for oil paintings. Linen is a lot more expensive, as is the heavy "wagon cover" canvas that is necessary for large paintings or floor cloths. The trick will be to seam the edges very neatly so they don't take up too much of your drying area.

Here is the Dick Blick reference, but you can probably get a smaller roll or blanket at a local shop. Try any hobby painter, or one who works on small paintings, one who stretches his own canvases. He or she will probably have scraps and give you some.

steven_e007 · Mar 26, 2012

I think it depends what part of the world you live in.

In the UK a fabric that is plain, unbleached cotton but less stiff than canvas - just the thing you are after - would be called 'Calico' in a fabric suppliers.

In America I think calico is usually used to describe cloth printed with floral designs?

What's the "canvas" on an FB print dryer made from?

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