Can you frame an unstretched canvas painting? Absolutely! You can frame an unstretched canvas painting by preparing it for display, either by stretching it first or by using a specialized frame designed for unframed canvases. This guide will walk you through the most popular and accessible methods for framing your beautiful artwork.
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The Allure of Unstretched Canvas
Many artists prefer to work on unstretched canvas. It’s lighter, easier to transport, and offers a different tactile experience. However, once the masterpiece is complete, the question of how to display it arises. Simply leaning an unstretched canvas against a wall isn’t ideal. It can get damaged easily, and it doesn’t showcase the artwork in its best light. Framing is the answer, and it’s more achievable than you might think, even if you’re new to art presentation.
Why Frame Your Artwork?
Framing does more than just make a painting look finished. It provides:
- Protection: A frame shields your artwork from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.
- Enhancement: The right frame can complement the colors and style of your painting, making it pop.
- Presentation: It gives your artwork a professional, gallery-ready look.
- Mounting Surface: It provides a secure way to hang your painting.
Method 1: Stretching and Then Framing
This is the most traditional and widely used method for presenting canvas paintings. It involves stretching the canvas taut over wooden stretcher bars and then placing it within a frame. This creates a rigid surface that is easy to handle and hang.
Step 1: Gathering Your Supplies for Stretching Canvas
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools. This will make the process smooth and efficient.
- Unstretched Canvas: Your finished painting.
- Wooden Stretcher Bars: These are wooden strips, usually with beveled edges, that form a frame for your canvas. They are sold in various lengths and can be joined to create the desired size. For larger canvases, cross braces might be needed for added support.
- Canvas Pliers: These are essential for gripping the canvas and pulling it taut.
- Staple Gun Canvas: A heavy-duty staple gun is used to attach the canvas to the stretcher bars.
- Staples: Choose staples appropriate for your staple gun and canvas thickness.
- Measuring Tape: For ensuring the canvas is centered and the stretcher bars are the correct size.
- Scissors or Utility Knife: To trim excess canvas.
- Gloves (Optional but Recommended): To keep the canvas clean.
- Frame: The outer frame you’ll place the stretched canvas into.
Step 2: Preparing the Stretcher Bars
- Assemble the Stretcher Bars: If your stretcher bars are not already joined, connect them to form a rectangle or square. Ensure the beveled edges face upwards (away from the painting surface).
- Check for Squareness: Use a measuring tape to measure diagonally from corner to corner. The two diagonal measurements should be equal. If they aren’t, gently adjust the bars until the frame is square.
Step 3: Positioning the Canvas
- Lay the Canvas Face Down: Place your unstretched canvas painting face down on a clean, flat surface. A large table or the floor is suitable.
- Center the Stretcher Bars: Place the assembled stretcher bars on top of the canvas, ensuring they are centered. The stretcher bars should be positioned so the canvas will wrap around their edges.
- Leave Enough Excess Canvas: Make sure there’s enough canvas extending beyond each edge of the stretcher bars to allow for canvas mounting. A good rule of thumb is 2-3 inches of excess canvas on each side. This extra material is crucial for creating a tight stretch.
Step 4: The Stretching Process: Using Your Staple Gun Canvas
This is where the staple gun canvas and canvas pliers become your best friends. The goal is to create a drum-tight surface without distorting the image.
- Initial Stapling: Start by placing a staple in the center of one edge of the canvas onto the stretcher bar. Then, move to the opposite side.
- Using Canvas Pliers: Grip the canvas on the opposite side of your first staple, pull it taut with your canvas pliers, and place a staple in the center of that side.
- Working Towards the Corners: Continue this process, working from the center outwards towards the corners on each side. Pull the canvas firmly with the pliers before stapling.
- Folding the Corners: The corners require a bit more attention. Fold the excess canvas neatly, like wrapping a gift. Some prefer a simple fold, while others create a small pleat. Ensure the folds are crisp and lie flat against the back of the stretcher bars. Staple these folded corners securely. You want a clean, professional finish.
- Check for Tightness: Periodically step back and check the front of the canvas. It should be smooth and taut, without wrinkles or sagging. You can tap the canvas gently to test its tension.
Step 5: Trimming Excess Canvas
Once the canvas is securely stretched and stapled, use sharp scissors or a utility knife to trim away any excess canvas from the back. Leave just enough to cover the sides of the stretcher bars.
Step 6: Framing the Stretched Canvas
Now that your canvas is stretched, it’s ready for its outer frame. This is the traditional canvas framing process.
- Choosing Your Frame: Select a frame that complements your artwork. Consider the style, color, and depth. Frames designed for gallery wrap canvases are often slightly deeper to accommodate the stretched surface.
- Fitting the Stretched Canvas: Many frames come with a lip or rabbet on the inside edge that the stretched canvas will sit into. Place your stretched canvas into the frame.
- Securing the Canvas: There are several ways to secure the stretched canvas to the frame:
- Glazier Points or Framing Points: These small metal clips are hammered into the edge of the frame, pushing against the stretcher bars to hold the canvas in place.
- Staples: You can also use your staple gun to staple the canvas directly to the back of the frame’s lip, particularly if the frame is made of wood and you are using a simpler frame style.
- Turn Buttons or Sawtooth Hangers: For heavier frames or if you plan to hang the artwork without glass, you can attach turn buttons or sawtooth hangers to the back of the frame, securing the stretcher bars.
Step 7: Adding Hanging Hardware
Attach appropriate hanging hardware to the back of the frame. This could be wire, D-rings, or a sawtooth hanger, depending on the weight of the framed piece and your preference.
Method 2: Framing Without Stretching (Floating Frames and Canvas Clips)
What if you prefer to keep your canvas unstretched but still want a polished look? There are excellent options for this, too. This method is often referred to as DIY canvas frame assembly for unframed pieces.
Option A: Floating Frames
Floating frames are incredibly popular for modern art. They create an illusion that the canvas is “floating” within the frame, with a small gap all around. This method often works best with canvases that have painted edges or a gallery wrap style where the sides are also part of the artwork or are painted to a finished edge.
Step 1: Selecting a Floating Frame
Floating frames are specifically designed for stretched or thick canvas pieces. They consist of two main parts: an inner rabbeted frame and an outer decorative frame. The stretched canvas sits within the inner frame, and the outer frame is then attached around it, leaving the signature “float” gap.
Step 2: Preparing the Canvas and Frame
- Canvas Preparation: If your canvas has uneven or rough edges from the original stretching canvas attempt (or if it’s just the raw edge), you might want to tidy them up. Some artists paint the sides of the canvas a solid color or black to enhance the floating effect.
- Frame Assembly: Floating frames usually come in sections that you assemble. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Mounting the Canvas
- Positioning: Place your unstretched canvas (or a canvas that has been stretched but you want the floating effect) face down on your work surface.
- Placing the Inner Frame: Carefully place the inner frame onto the back of the canvas. The depth of the inner frame should be slightly less than the thickness of your canvas, or designed to cradle the edge.
- Securing with Clips: Floating frames typically come with special clips or brackets. These are usually screwed into the back of the outer frame and then extend to grip the edges of your canvas, holding it in place within the frame. This is a less invasive method than stapling directly onto the canvas.
Step 4: Attaching the Outer Frame
Once the canvas is secured within the inner part of the frame (or held by the clips), the outer decorative frame is then attached, usually from the sides, securing the entire unit.
Option B: Canvas Clips and Moulding
For a more rustic or minimalist look, you can use simple moulding and canvas clips. This is a very accessible DIY canvas frame approach.
Step 1: Choosing Your Materials
- Moulding: Select wooden moulding that complements your artwork. You’ll need four pieces to create a rectangular frame. The width and depth of the moulding will determine the overall look.
- Canvas Clips: These are small metal clips designed to grip the edge of a canvas and attach to a frame. They are a clean alternative to staples when you want to avoid puncturing the canvas edge.
- Screws or Nails: For assembling the moulding.
- Saw: To cut the moulding to size.
- Measuring Tape and Pencil: For accurate measurements.
- Wood Glue (Optional but recommended): For stronger joints.
- Sandpaper: To smooth edges.
- Paint or Stain (Optional): To finish the moulding.
Step 2: Cutting and Assembling the Moulding
- Measure and Cut: Measure the dimensions of your unstretched canvas. You’ll want to cut the moulding pieces so that when assembled, they create a frame that the canvas can rest against or within. For a flush frame, the inside edge of the moulding should be the exact size of your canvas. For a frame that cradles the canvas, cut slightly larger.
- Mitre Cuts: For a professional look, cut the ends of your moulding at a 45-degree angle (mitre cut) so they join neatly at the corners.
- Assemble the Frame: Apply wood glue to the mitred edges and join the pieces to form a rectangle. Secure them with small nails or screws. You can reinforce the corners with corner brackets if needed.
- Finishing: Once the glue is dry, sand down any rough edges. You can then paint or stain the moulding to your desired finish. This step is crucial for the overall aesthetic of your framing a painting project.
Step 3: Attaching Canvas Clips
- Position the Canvas: Lay your unstretched canvas face down.
- Place the Frame: Place the assembled moulding frame on top of the canvas, ensuring it’s centered and the canvas edges are aligned with the inside of the frame.
- Attach Clips: Place the canvas clips along the edges of the canvas, gripping both the canvas and the moulding. Typically, you’ll use 2-4 clips per side, spaced evenly. Screw the clips into the moulding, ensuring they are flush and securely holding the canvas. This method allows for easy removal if you ever need to adjust the canvas mounting.
Step 4: Adding Hanging Hardware
Attach your chosen hanging hardware to the back of the frame.
Method 3: Custom Framing and Specialty Services
For valuable or delicate works, or if you simply desire a museum-quality finish, custom framing services are an excellent option.
What is Custom Framing?
Custom framing involves working with a professional framer who will help you select materials and construct a frame specifically tailored to your artwork. They have access to a wide range of moulding, matting, glass (or acrylic), and mounting techniques.
When to Consider Custom Framing
- High-Value Artwork: If your painting is particularly valuable, professional framing provides the best protection and presentation.
- Delicate Mediums: If your painting uses delicate materials or has textured surfaces, a professional can advise on the best glazing and mounting to prevent damage.
- Unique Sizes: If your unstretched canvas is an unusual size, custom framing ensures a perfect fit.
- Complex Designs: If you want a complex matting design, multiple openings, or intricate framing, professionals have the expertise.
- Conservation Framing: This involves using acid-free materials and techniques to preserve the artwork for the long term.
What to Expect from a Custom Framer
A professional framer will discuss your artwork, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget. They will then present options for:
- Moulding Styles: From ornate gold leaf to minimalist metal.
- Matting: Using archival mat board to create a border around the artwork. This can be single, double, or custom-cut.
- Glazing: This can include regular glass, UV-protective glass, anti-reflective glass, or acrylic.
- Mounting: How the canvas will be secured within the frame, often using archival methods. This could involve mounting to a rigid board or using a system that allows the canvas to breathe.
While this is the most expensive option, it guarantees the highest quality and often the most visually stunning results for your framing a painting project.
Tips for a Professional Finish on Your Canvas
Regardless of the method you choose, a few extra touches can elevate your framed artwork.
Cleaning the Canvas
Before framing, gently clean the surface of your canvas. Use a soft, dry brush or a specialized art duster to remove any loose dust or debris. For tougher grime, a slightly damp (not wet) cloth with distilled water can be used very carefully, but test a small, inconspicuous area first. Ensure the canvas is completely dry before proceeding.
Painting the Edges (Gallery Wrap Consideration)
If you’re using a floating frame or a frame that leaves the sides of the canvas exposed, consider painting the edges. This creates a clean, finished look that is often referred to as gallery wrap when the painting extends around the sides of a stretched canvas. Even with unstretched canvases, painting the sides neatly can enhance the presentation significantly.
Choosing the Right Frame for the Art
- Modern Art: Often suits minimalist, clean-lined frames, or floating frames.
- Traditional Art: Can be enhanced by ornate, gilded, or darker wood frames.
- Abstract Art: Can work with a wide range of frame styles, depending on the colors and mood of the piece.
Secure Mounting for Longevity
Ensure your canvas mounting is secure. For stretched canvases, make sure the staples are fully embedded and the canvas is taut. For unframed canvases in clips, ensure the clips are firmly attached and not damaging the canvas. This ensures your artwork remains in place and is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I have to stretch my canvas before framing?
A1: No, you don’t have to. You can frame unstretched canvases using methods like floating frames or by securing them with canvas clips and moulding.
Q2: What is a gallery wrap?
A2: A gallery wrap is a technique where the canvas is stretched tightly over stretcher bars, and the image or painted edges wrap around the sides of the stretcher bars, providing a finished look without the need for a traditional frame. However, the term is also used to describe a canvas that is mounted with a small gap in a floating frame, giving the appearance of it floating.
Q3: Can I use a regular staple gun for stretching canvas?
A3: While a regular staple gun can work for small, light canvases, a heavy-duty staple gun canvas is recommended for better penetration and a more secure hold, especially for larger or thicker canvases.
Q4: How do I make sure my canvas is stretched tightly?
A4: Use canvas pliers to grip and pull the canvas firmly as you staple it to the stretcher bars, working from the center of each side outwards towards the corners.
Q5: What are wooden stretcher bars?
A5: Wooden stretcher bars are the wooden frames that unstretched canvas is stretched over to create a rigid support for painting and framing.
Q6: Is framing a painting difficult?
A6: The difficulty depends on the method. Stretching and framing can be moderately difficult, especially the first time. Using clips and moulding or floating frames can be easier for beginners. Professional custom framing takes the difficulty out of the equation entirely.
Q7: Can I frame a canvas painting that has already been stretched?
A7: Yes, if your canvas is already stretched, you can then place it into an outer frame, using methods described in the “Framing the Stretched Canvas” section.
Q8: What is the best way to frame an unstretched canvas without damaging it?
A8: Using canvas clips or a floating frame that grips the canvas edges from behind is often the least invasive and safest way to frame an unstretched canvas without causing direct punctures or excessive tension.
Q9: How much excess canvas do I need for stretching?
A9: For proper canvas mounting and to ensure a tight stretch without pulling the image, aim for at least 2-3 inches of excess canvas on each side of where the stretcher bars will sit.
Q10: What is the difference between a regular frame and a floating frame?
A10: A regular frame typically encloses the edges of the artwork. A floating frame creates a visual gap between the artwork and the frame, making it appear as if the artwork is floating within the frame. This is particularly popular for gallery wrap styles.
By following these methods, you can confidently frame your unstretched canvas paintings, transforming them into beautifully presented pieces ready to adorn your walls. Whether you choose the traditional route of stretching canvas or opt for simpler DIY canvas frame solutions, the result is a professionally finished artwork that you can be proud of.