How does edge lining strengthen a weak canvas painting?

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In the field of art conservation and restoration, edge lining—also known as "strip lining"—is a targeted technique used to reinforce the structural integrity of a canvas painting.1

Rather than performing an overall lining, which involves attaching a new canvas to the entire back of the original, edge lining focuses specifically on the perimeter of the work. It is used to strengthen areas where the canvas has become weak or torn and is prone to giving way. By applying reinforcement strips only to these vulnerable edges, conservators can provide necessary support while avoiding the risks associated with wholesale treatments, such as altering the painting's surface texture. This practice is frequently employed in conjunction with other localized treatments, such as those performed using a suction table or suction plate, to address specific condition problems in a precise and limited manner.1