The splits vary from each canvas but are mainly on the fronts, the back bits i dont really care about as theyre not on show. And when i say split i mean its a clean line, the worst being 4inches long, showing the white stringy bits of the canvas. Ive had cracking before when folding the corners and like you have touched them up and usually this was down to me not using enough varnish. I hand stretch too so its not like im using excessive force as im not the strongest person. The only good thing about rolling varnish on seems to be that the varnish took to the canvas better and made it pliable, almost elastic. Also, when am stapling the back cracks appear in the varnish like it was glass.
The Glamour II has arrived so im hoping the problem here has been the varnish. Fingers and toes crossed! Thanks for taking your time out to reply to me, its good to know am not alone here. I wish id found this site 2 years ago.