How Do You Frame Canvas Art: DIY Methods & Expert Tips

Can you frame canvas art yourself? Absolutely! Framing canvas art yourself is a rewarding and often more affordable way to showcase your artwork. Whether you have a cherished painting or a vibrant print, learning to frame it can elevate its presentation. This comprehensive canvas framing guide will walk you through various DIY canvas art framing methods and provide expert tips to achieve professional-looking results. We’ll explore everything from basic canvas mounting options to more advanced techniques like stretching canvas for display and using floating canvas frames.

Why Frame Your Canvas Art?

Framing your canvas art isn’t just about aesthetics; it serves several practical purposes. A frame protects your artwork from dust, UV light (which can cause fading), and physical damage. It also adds a finished look, making the piece stand out and integrate seamlessly into your home decor. For many artists and art enthusiasts, the frame becomes an integral part of the artwork’s overall impact, guiding the viewer’s eye and enhancing the piece’s mood and style.

Popular Canvas Framing Methods

There are several popular ways to frame canvas art, each offering a distinct look and level of protection. We’ll delve into some of the most accessible and effective DIY approaches.

1. The Classic Frame: Adding a Traditional Border

This is what most people envision when they think of framing. A traditional frame surrounds the entire canvas, with the artwork set back slightly within the frame’s opening. This method offers excellent protection and can dramatically change the perceived style of the artwork.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Canvas Art: Your unframed canvas.
• Picture Frame: Choose a frame that is at least 2 inches larger than your canvas on all sides to accommodate the canvas and any mounting materials.
• Mounting Tape or Archival Adhesive: To secure the canvas to the frame’s backing.
• Staple Gun and Staples (Optional): For securing the canvas to a backing board if the frame isn’t deep enough.
• Glass or Acrylic Sheet (Optional): For added protection, especially if the canvas is not varnished.
• Dust Cover (Optional): To seal the back of the frame.
• Frame Wire and D-rings or Sawtooth Hangers: For hanging.
• Measuring Tape and Pencil.
• Screwdriver.

DIY Steps:

1. Prepare the Frame: Remove the backing board and any existing artwork or glass from your chosen picture frame. Clean the glass or acrylic sheet if you are using it.
2. Position the Canvas: Carefully place your canvas artwork face down on a clean, flat surface. Position the frame face down on top of the canvas. Center the canvas within the frame opening, ensuring an equal border on all sides.
3. Secure the Canvas:
   • Method A (For frames with sufficient depth): If the frame has a rebate (the groove where the glass and backing sit) deep enough to hold the canvas, you can carefully place the canvas into the rebate. Then, place the backing board on top. You might need to add a thin piece of mat board or cardboard between the canvas and the backing to create a snug fit.
   • Method B (Using mounting tape): Lay the canvas face down. Place the frame’s backing board (or a sturdy piece of acid-free mat board cut to size) on top of the canvas, centered. Use archival mounting tape to secure the edges of the canvas to the backing board. Work from the center outwards, ensuring the canvas is taut and free of wrinkles.
   • Method C (For shallower frames or extra security): If the frame’s rebate is shallow, or you want extra security, you can slightly extend the canvas onto the back of the frame’s backing board. Lay the canvas face down, then place the backing board over it. Using a staple gun, carefully staple the edges of the canvas to the backing board, working from the center of each side outwards. Ensure staples are hidden by the frame’s lip.
4. Add Glass/Acrylic (Optional): If using glass or acrylic, place it carefully over the canvas after securing it to the backing.
5. Reassemble the Frame: Place the backing board (with the canvas attached) back into the frame’s rebate. Secure the backing board using the frame’s retaining clips or by adding small screws or staples along the edge.
6. Attach Hanging Hardware: Screw D-rings into the sides of the frame (about one-third of the way down from the top) and attach picture wire. Alternatively, use a sawtooth hanger screwed into the center of the top edge of the frame.
7. Clean and Hang: Wipe down the glass or acrylic. Your framed canvas is ready to hang!

2. Gallery Wrap Canvas: A Modern, Edgy Look

Gallery wrap canvas refers to a method where the canvas is stretched tightly over a wooden stretcher bar frame, with the artwork extending over the sides of the stretcher bars and stapled on the back. This creates a clean, borderless look that is very popular in galleries.

DIY Gallery Wrap Process:

This process primarily involves stretching canvas for display. You’ll typically be working with a blank canvas you intend to paint on, or a printed canvas that has ample bleed area.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Canvas Print or Raw Canvas: Ensure it has at least 1-2 inches of extra canvas around all sides.
• Wooden Stretcher Bars: Available in various sizes. You’ll need four bars that fit the dimensions of your artwork.
• Canvas Pliers: These specialized pliers help stretch the canvas tightly.
• Heavy-Duty Staple Gun and Staples: Preferably a pneumatic stapler for the best results, but a good quality manual one will work.
• Hammer and Small Wood Blocks (Optional): For tapping stretcher keys.
• Stretcher Keys (Optional): Small wooden wedges used to tighten the canvas later.
• Gloves (Optional): To keep the canvas clean.
• Measuring Tape and Pencil.

DIY Steps:

1. Assemble the Stretcher Bars: Interlock the stretcher bars to form a rectangular frame. Ensure the angled corners are facing the correct direction so the canvas can be stapled to the back.
2. Position the Canvas: Lay your canvas print or raw canvas face down on a clean, flat surface. Place the assembled stretcher bars on top of the canvas, aligning them with the printed image or your intended painted area. Ensure you have an even border of canvas extending around all sides.
3. Initial Securing:
   • Start by placing the canvas over one stretcher bar. Pull it taut and staple it to the back of the stretcher bar, about 2 inches from the corner.
   • Move to the opposite side. Pull the canvas very tightly using your canvas pliers, then staple it to the back of the stretcher bar.
   • Repeat this process for the remaining two sides, ensuring the canvas is evenly tensioned.
4. Stapling the Corners: The corners are crucial for a neat finish. Fold the excess canvas neatly, creating a sharp corner, similar to wrapping a present.
   • Hospital Corner Method: Fold the canvas on one side tautly against the edge of the stretcher bar. Then, fold the canvas from the adjacent side over the first fold, creating a clean, triangular flap. Staple this flap securely to the back of the stretcher bar. Repeat for all four corners.
5. Tensioning and Stapling: Go around all the sides, pulling the canvas with canvas pliers and stapling it to the back of the stretcher bars every 1-2 inches. Ensure the image remains straight and free of wrinkles.
6. Adding Stretcher Keys (Optional): If your canvas appears slightly loose or you want to maintain optimal tension over time, insert stretcher keys into the small pre-cut slots at the corners. Gently tap them in with a hammer. This will expand the frame slightly, increasing the canvas tension.
7. Finishing: Once you are satisfied with the tension and all edges are stapled, trim any excess canvas if needed. Your gallery wrap canvas is ready to hang directly on the wall, as the sides are finished.

3. Floating Canvas Frame: The Illusion of Suspension

A floating canvas frame creates the effect of the canvas “floating” within a slightly larger frame, with a small gap between the canvas and the frame’s edge. This adds depth and sophistication to the artwork.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Gallery Wrapped Canvas: This method works best with a canvas already stretched and wrapped around stretcher bars.
• Floating Frame Kit: These are specifically designed for this purpose and typically come with a frame, mounting brackets, and screws.
• Screwdriver or Drill.
• Measuring Tape.
• Pencil.

DIY Steps:

1. Prepare the Canvas: Ensure your canvas is securely gallery-wrapped and ready to be framed.
2. Measure and Mark: Lay your canvas on a flat surface. Measure the exact dimensions of the canvas (width and height). Your floating frame kit will be slightly larger than these dimensions.
3. Attach Brackets to the Canvas: Floating frame kits usually include L-shaped brackets. These brackets attach to the back of the canvas stretcher bars, offset from the edges by a small amount (typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, depending on the kit). This offset creates the visible “float” gap. Position and screw the brackets onto the back of the stretcher bars, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4. Assemble the Floating Frame: Most floating frames require some assembly. Follow the kit’s instructions to connect the four frame pieces to create a rectangular or square border.
5. Attach Frame to Canvas: Once the frame is assembled, carefully position your canvas inside it. The brackets attached to the canvas should align with pre-drilled holes on the inside of the floating frame. Screw the brackets into the frame.
6. Hang Your Floating Frame: Attach hanging hardware to the floating frame itself, not the canvas. Use picture wire or a French cleat system for secure mounting.

4. Canvas Mounting Options: Beyond Traditional Framing

Sometimes, you might want a simpler or more affordable canvas framing solution, or you might be looking for an alternative to a traditional frame.

a) Canvas Panels and Mount Boards:

• What are they? These are rigid boards (like foamboard, MDF, or acid-free mat board) onto which you can adhere your canvas print or painting.
• DIY Method:
  1. Cut a mount board to the desired size, usually slightly smaller than your canvas if you want a border, or the same size if you want the canvas to go edge-to-edge.
  2. Use a spray adhesive or double-sided archival tape to adhere the canvas to the mount board. Ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free application.
  3. You can then drill holes in the mount board to hang it directly, or attach a sawtooth hanger to the back.

b) Stacking Frames (Shadow Box Effect):

• What is it? This involves placing a canvas inside a deeper frame, creating a shadow box effect where the canvas is recessed.
• DIY Method:
  1. Choose a frame with a deeper profile than a standard picture frame.
  2. Follow the steps for a classic frame, ensuring the canvas sits well within the depth of the frame. You might need spacers to position the canvas correctly if the frame is too deep.

c) Stretcher Bars with No Frame:

• This is essentially the gallery wrap canvas method described earlier. For many contemporary artworks, simply stretching the canvas over stretcher bars and leaving the sides unfinished or painted is a complete presentation.

Framing a Painting on Canvas: Specific Considerations

When framing a painting on canvas, especially one you’ve created yourself, preserving its integrity is paramount.

• Archival Materials: Always use acid-free tapes, adhesives, and backing boards. This prevents yellowing and deterioration of the artwork over time.
• Varnish: If the painting is not yet varnished, consider doing so before framing. A varnish protects the paint from dust, UV rays, and environmental damage.
• Breathing Room: If using a traditional frame with glass, ensure there is a small gap between the painting surface and the glass. This can be achieved with a mat or spacers. This prevents the paint from sticking to the glass, especially in humid conditions.
• Frame Style: Consider the style of the painting. A traditional oil painting might suit an ornate, gilded frame, while a contemporary abstract could look striking in a minimalist floating frame or a simple gallery wrap.

Custom Canvas Framing vs. DIY

While DIY offers significant savings, custom canvas framing provides a tailored solution with professional expertise.

Feature	DIY Canvas Framing	Custom Canvas Framing
Cost	Generally lower	Higher, but offers professional results
Time	Requires your time and effort	Faster, handled by professionals
Skill Level	Varies by method, can be learned	No skill required from you
Material Choice	Limited by availability and your knowledge	Wide range of high-quality, archival materials
Flexibility	High – you can experiment and adapt	Professional guidance on best choices
Result Quality	Can be excellent with practice and care	Consistently high-quality, professional finish
Complexity	Some methods are simple, others more involved	Professionals handle complex framing needs

Expert Tips for Framing Canvas Art

• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Always double-check your measurements before cutting any materials or purchasing frames.
• Choose the Right Frame Size: The frame should be proportionate to the canvas. A frame that is too small can overpower the artwork, while one that is too large can make it look lost.
• Consider the Artwork’s Style: The frame should complement, not compete with, the artwork. Think about colors, textures, and the overall mood of the piece.
• Test Different Frames: If possible, use online framing tools or hold up different frame samples next to your artwork to see which one works best.
• Protect Your Investment: For valuable or sentimental pieces, always opt for archival materials and methods.
• Lighting: Where you hang the framed art matters. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors. Consider specialized art lighting.
• Cleanliness: Work in a clean environment to prevent dust and debris from getting trapped in the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I frame a stretched canvas in a regular picture frame?

Yes, you can, but it often requires some adjustments. The depth of the canvas (the stretcher bars) might be thicker than a standard photo. You might need to remove the backing board and glass from the frame and rest the stretched canvas directly inside the rebate. If the canvas is too thick, you might need to use a shadow box frame or create a custom solution.

Q2: What’s the difference between a gallery wrap and a regular canvas print?

A gallery wrap canvas has the image printed or painted so it wraps around the sides of the stretcher bars and is stapled on the back. A regular canvas print typically has the image only on the front surface, with white or unprinted edges.

Q3: How do I prevent my canvas from sagging after framing?

Ensure the canvas is stretched very tightly during the gallery wrap process. For traditional framing, make sure the backing board is secure and the canvas is held tautly with archival tape or staples. Periodically check the tension and use stretcher keys if necessary for gallery-wrapped canvases.

Q4: Is it okay to put glass over a canvas painting?

It’s generally recommended only if the painting is not textured or if it’s a print on canvas. For oil or acrylic paintings with thick impasto (texture), glass can press against the paint, causing damage. If you do use glass or acrylic, ensure there’s a mat or spacer to keep the artwork from touching the glazing. A UV-filtering acrylic is often a better choice than glass for protecting artwork from fading.

Q5: How do I clean a framed canvas?

For framed canvas with glass or acrylic, use a glass cleaner on a soft cloth to clean the glazing. For the canvas itself (if it’s a print), a dry microfiber cloth can be used for dusting. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions directly on the canvas painting, as this can damage the paint. If the painting is valuable, consult a professional conservator.

By following these DIY methods and expert tips, you can successfully frame your canvas art, enhancing its beauty and longevity. Whether you’re aiming for a gallery wrap canvas, a classic framed piece, or the illusion of a floating canvas frame, the satisfaction of a well-presented artwork you framed yourself is immense. Happy framing!