Supporting Bars & Bespoke Stretcher Bar
Gowin supplies internal wooden Supporting Bars for canvas-frame systems and develops bespoke Stretcher Bar profiles for projects requiring a different cross-section or specification. A Supporting Bar is fitted within the outer Stretcher Bar frame when the complete frame structure requires internal support; it is not an outer bar over which the canvas is stretched.
You can select from four current Supporting Bar profiles or provide a technical drawing or physical sample for custom-profile review. Profile selection, support quantity and support layout should be confirmed from the complete frame requirement rather than from one dimension alone.
Request Supporting Bar Samples or Custom Profile Review
Current Supporting Bar Profiles
Gowin states profile dimensions as thickness × width. The four current Supporting Bars serve two selection directions: GWD1435 and GWD1635 are associated with different outer-profile structures, while GWD1635-G and GWD3828-G are confirmed options for the GW3835G frame system.
| Model | Profile: Thickness × Width | Use / Matching Note |
|---|---|---|
| GWD1435 | 14 × 35mm | Internal Supporting Bar associated with thinner or shallower outer Stretcher Bar profile systems when internal support is required. |
| GWD1635 | 16 × 35mm | Internal Supporting Bar associated with thicker or deeper outer Stretcher Bar profile systems when internal support is required. |
| GWD1635-G | 16 × 35mm | Confirmed internal Supporting Bar option for the GW3835G Deep Profile frame system. |
| GWD3828-G | 38 × 28mm | Confirmed internal Supporting Bar option for the GW3835G Deep Profile frame system. |
GWD1435 and GWD1635
GWD1435 has a 14 × 35mm profile and is the general Supporting Bar direction for thinner or shallower outer Stretcher Bar profile systems. GWD1635 has a 16 × 35mm profile and is associated with thicker or deeper outer Stretcher Bar profile systems. This distinction refers to the associated outer wooden frame profile.
For either product, confirm compatibility from the outer Stretcher Bar profile, internal span, connection requirement and complete frame structure. GWD1435 and GWD1635 can be cut to the required internal span, with final dimensions confirmed by order.
How Supporting Bars Are Used
As a practical starting point, internal support may be considered when the long side reaches approximately 60cm. This is not a mandatory threshold, and it does not mean that every frame above 60cm requires a Supporting Bar or one particular profile.
The need for internal support depends on the complete frame dimensions, outer Stretcher Bar profile, canvas specification or weight, stretching tension, support layout and final application.
| Decision | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Supporting Bar profile | Which internal cross-section matches the outer frame system and required frame structure. |
| Quantity and layout | Whether the frame uses no Supporting Bar, one Supporting Bar, multiple Supporting Bars, parallel supports or a cross-brace arrangement. |
These are separate decisions. The selected profile does not by itself determine how many Supporting Bars the frame needs or how they should be arranged.
Supporting Bar Options for GW3835G
GW3835G is a 38 × 35mm Deep Profile outer Stretcher Bar.
The GW3835G frame system has two confirmed internal Supporting Bar profile options:
| Supporting Bar | Profile: Thickness × Width | Confirmed Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| GWD1635-G | 16 × 35mm | Internal Supporting Bar option for GW3835G. |
| GWD3828-G | 38 × 28mm | Internal Supporting Bar option for GW3835G. |
Both profiles are confirmed options for the same outer frame system. Select the appropriate profile according to the complete frame dimensions, internal support layout and required frame structure. Profile selection remains separate from the required quantity and layout.
How to Select a Supporting Bar
Provide the complete frame information rather than selecting an internal profile from thickness or width alone:
- Complete finished frame dimensions
- Selected outer Stretcher Bar model or profile
- Complete outer-profile cross-section when relevant
- Internal span
- Canvas specification or weight
- Stretching tension
- Required support layout, if already known
- Final application
- Connection requirement
- Quantity
If the frame structure has not yet been finalized, confirm the Supporting Bar profile, internal span, connection and proposed layout during sampling before bulk production.
Bespoke & Custom Stretcher Bar Profiles
Gowin currently has 20 existing Stretcher Bar and Supporting Bar profiles across the complete product range. These profiles cover many common market requirements, but your project is not limited to the existing range.
Gowin can review custom profile development when you require a special thickness or width, a different cross-section or profile shape, a profile matching an existing product, or another project-specific specification. Custom development is preferably based on either a technical drawing with complete cross-section dimensions or a physical sample for matching.
Useful drawing or sample information may include:
- Complete profile thickness and width
- Full cross-section or profile shape
- Important steps, lips, recesses or other geometric features shown by the reference profile
- Required bar length
- Corner or assembly requirement for an outer Stretcher Bar
- Required Supporting Bar relationship, where applicable
- Order quantity and packing requirement
Custom Profile Development Process
- Review the technical drawing or physical sample.
- Evaluate technical feasibility.
- Confirm the profile and any tooling requirement.
- Produce a sample for confirmation.
- Begin formal production after the agreed specification and order conditions are confirmed.
Custom development remains subject to technical feasibility, sample confirmation, MOQ or order requirements and agreed tooling conditions. A new profile may require a mould/tooling charge, which is normally refundable after the agreed formal production order is placed, subject to the agreed order conditions.
Material & Manufacturing
The four current Supporting Bar products are made from pine wood. The wood is kiln-dried before machining, finger-jointed construction is used where applicable, and the finished profiles are smooth-sanded.
During production, the confirmed profile dimensions, straightness, surface condition and packing condition are checked. Regular pine may include slight sound knots. If your project requires another wood-grade standard, confirm it before sampling and quotation.
For a bespoke outer Stretcher Bar profile, the corner and assembly structure can be reviewed separately as part of the custom specification. These outer-frame requirements should not be treated as standard features of every internal Supporting Bar.
Samples, OEM & Ordering
Supporting Bar samples are available. Custom-profile sampling can be reviewed after the drawing, physical sample or required specification has been confirmed. Sample evaluation should use the intended outer frame and actual canvas where practical so that the complete frame structure can be reviewed before production.
Supporting Bars are normally specified as part of the complete Stretcher Bar or canvas-frame requirement. Their quantity follows the confirmed frame configuration and order requirement.
OEM and private-label packing and labeling can be discussed. Export packing can be confirmed according to the profile dimensions, order composition, transport method and destination. For bespoke profiles, MOQ and production conditions are confirmed as part of the agreed development requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Supporting Bar and an outer Stretcher Bar?
The outer Stretcher Bars form the perimeter over which the canvas is stretched. A Supporting Bar is an internal wooden component used within that perimeter when the complete frame specification requires internal support.
When should Supporting Bars be considered?
Approximately 60cm on the long side is a practical starting point for evaluation, not a mandatory threshold. The final decision depends on the complete frame dimensions, outer profile, canvas specification or weight, stretching tension, support layout and application.
What is the difference between GWD1435 and GWD1635?
GWD1435 measures 14 × 35mm and is associated with thinner or shallower outer Stretcher Bar profile systems. GWD1635 measures 16 × 35mm and is associated with thicker or deeper outer profile systems. Confirm the internal span, connection requirement and complete frame structure before ordering.
Which Supporting Bars can be used with GW3835G?
GWD1635-G 16 × 35mm and GWD3828-G 38 × 28mm are both confirmed Supporting Bar options for the GW3835G frame system.
Does every large canvas frame need a cross-brace arrangement?
No fixed layout applies to every frame. The completed structure may use no Supporting Bar, one Supporting Bar, multiple Supporting Bars, parallel supports or a cross-brace arrangement according to the complete frame requirement.
Can Gowin match an existing Stretcher Bar profile?
Gowin can review profile matching from a technical drawing with complete cross-section dimensions or a physical sample. Development remains subject to technical feasibility and sample confirmation.
What information is needed to develop a custom profile?
Provide the complete cross-section dimensions or a physical sample, required bar length, corner or assembly requirement where applicable, estimated quantity and packing requirement.
Is a new mould required for every custom profile?
No. Tooling requirements depend on the requested cross-section and technical review. When new tooling is required, the charge and conditional refund arrangement are confirmed with the formal order conditions.
Explore Other Wooden Stretcher Bar Solutions
Review the complete Wooden Stretcher Bars range or compare the current outer-profile families below.
| Product Range | Range Direction |
|---|---|
| Standard Wooden Stretcher Bars | Nine current pine outer-bar profiles for regular canvas-frame production. |
| Deep Profile Stretcher Bars | Outer profiles providing greater visible thickness than Gowin’s Standard range. |
| Heavy Duty Stretcher Bars | GW3836X, GW3836F, GW3860 and GW5535 outer Stretcher Bar profiles. |
Discuss Your Supporting Bar or Custom Profile Requirements
For Supporting Bar requirements, send us your outer Stretcher Bar profile, finished frame dimensions, internal span and quantity. For a bespoke profile, send a technical drawing or physical sample with the required dimensions and estimated quantity. We can then confirm any additional information needed for sampling and quotation.