Native (and not so native) English speakers - what does this mean?
 

I'm looking at websites that sell oil paintings, most of them in their FAQs have:

Q. Are our paintings framed?
A. No, they're not.

ok, no problem understanding that one ;)

Q. Are our paintings streched?
A. No, they're not.

now, what does that mean ????

paintings are on canvas "stretched over a wooden frame" and then put into a decorative frame. (i thinks therefore i am)

why don't you ask them?

the sites are Chinese, depending on where in China they're I guess it's sometime late in the evening or late at night, I'll prob. have to wait 24 hours for a reply by email

its opgerekt ;)
anyhow.. see what Pinkz said

They take 4 pieces of wood and form a square. Then the canvas is stretched onto that and stapled into place. This is just to provide support when painting it, and also what the actual frame is attached to.

ok, so basically I am to understand that the paintings will be sent to me rolled in a tube most probably, but I actually don't have to do anything after I receive them?

I was thinking that that 'stretching' might be something that is done so the paint dries properly or something of the sort, and that if they dont stretch them I have to do some stretching

you will have to re stretch them is thet were panted stretched to begin with as canvas contracts

actually stretching a painted jessuped canvas is a real bitch... take it to a real framing store to have it done, other wise you'll get back a warped painting with flaking paint. This of course only applies for oil on canvas. On the other hand if what you're getting is giclee and giclee with hand painted highlights, anyone can stretch it... just give it a day to come up to room temperature and let the humidity stabalize and you'll be fine....