Ken Bromley's Perfect Paper Stretcher 13.5"x20.5" (1/2 Imperial)

Was slightly sceptical about buying this having been used to brown gum paper on drawing boards or marine ply of sorts for some years, so had to get one to test it. It arrived really well packaged and the online video as well as printed instructions are clear. Couldn't resist stretching some 300 gsm Bockingford paper right away and the great thing is that the whole board is the working area , flat and pristine looking ( i.e. no brown gum paper border), making the paper a bit 'special' looking.I was concerned a little about long term damaging the hard rubber strips used for holding the paper at the edges - the act of hammering them into the grooves, thinking that a metal hammer might damage them eventually. The video shows the use of a wooden mallet so I went to buy something similar from a tool shop but chose a hard rubber mallet with slightly rounded ends. That worked really well and is less rigid a surface than wood or metal so shouldn't damage the rubber strips at all, even though this is an 'imagined' concern of mine!So, although artists don't generally want to buy ready made 'hobbyist' gadget solutions , and the cost seems a lot for a bit of wood with grooves, the thing works really well and decent board is expensive anyway, so unless you have access to a well equipped wood workshop its a decent product and as an illustrator, often rushed, I found it really useful,

I have a smaller paper stretcher which I live. Since I bought this larger size my larger paintings have improved considerably. An excellent buy for anyone who wants to improve.

Got it for a gift, the person I got it for was very pleased, all though it was on the large size. Very fast delivery, considering it was so close to Christmas

Very good, tended to tear the paper when putting rubber strips in, but this will disappear with wear

This is perfect. I love it and it really does make life so much better when you get to see the end product of your painting. I have not painted for over 20 years and for me now that I have really come on leaps and bounds this really has made a difference. The service was quick and packing was very good. I have now purchased the other 2 via Ken Bromley direct and again so pleased... Love the Ken Bromley Cataloug which also came and again so much info for my next purchases.

Impractical for Artists working on larger scale work.

Better than tape.

excellent in every way