How to Frame a Canvas - Easy Steps To Do It Right

A canvas doesn’t have a conventional frame, which is what makes it incredibly difficult for some people to understand that it has to be framed to begin with. You see, a lot of people who have never owned canvas art in their home just see it stretched on the wall, but they don’t really stop to wonder how it stretches so seamlessly.

They need to learn how to frame a canvas, and this task is a bit more difficult than you think.

Here’s a step-by-step procedure and a few tips to help you with it.

Why do people frame canvas art?

The first thing you need to understand about framing canvas art is that it helps prevent the edges from fraying. It also protects the artwork from dust, dirt, and potential physical impact.

Then, there’s the issue of presentation. A framed canvas art looks like something displayed in a gallery. Most canvases are rolled in, but this can distort the image or even damage the paint. With a good frame, this will never be the case.

Then, there’s the issue of the structural support. According to specialists from Number Artist, the paint on the canvas is usually heavy, especially if it’s acrylic paint, which means that, under pressure, it might start folding or cracking. With adequate structural support, it won’t fold over time, and the paint won’t add pressure to the canvas.

How to make a frame?

First, you need to learn how to make a frame. This starts by supplying yourself with adequate materials:

• Wooden stretcher bars (typically 1x2 inches or 2x2 inches, depending on the size of the canvas)
• Corner braces or wood glue (for extra stability)
• Canvas (unprimed or pre-primed)
• Staple gun and staples
• Saw (if cutting the wood yourself)
• Measuring tape
• Wood screws or nails (for additional support)
• Hammer or screwdriver (depending on the fasteners used)
• Canvas pliers (for stretching the canvas tightly)

Keep in mind that corner braces and wood glue, wood screws and nails, and canvas pliers are all optional. They’re only there if you aim to tighten things additionally and provide extra support. Even then, the materials are quite inexpensive.

How do you frame a canvas: Step by step

First, you have to measure and cut the wood. The simplest procedure is to cut the wooden bars to the desired lengths and then lay them out to form a rectangular or square frame. It’s essential that you measure the square and ensure that the corners are exactly 90 degrees. The simplest tool for the task is a carpenter’s square (you don’t have to actually measure the angles).

Then, you have to attach the canvas. This is done simply by laying the canvas down on a clean, flat surface. Sometimes, you’ll have to lay a sheet on the floor to do so. It doesn’t matter if it’s original work or if you used one of those high-quality custom paint by number canvases to create art. What matters is that you wait for the paint to fully dry so that it doesn’t remain on the surface or smudge all over.

After you lay it on a clean, flat surface, you need to stretch it with canvas pliers and tightly pull it before stapling it to the wood.

Once you’re done, you can add staples or tacks to the back for extra security and add corner braces inside the frame for extra strength.

When you’re done with these finishing touches, you can also hang the canvas.

Pick the right location

Finding the right location for your canvas art is just as important as learning how to make a frame for a canvas. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a replica of a painting of a famous woman from history or if you’re just looking to frame your paint-by-number art piece, you want the right place for the image.

Pick the room according to the theme

Start by considering the room's purpose and theme. When you're deciding where to hang your canvas art, start by thinking about the room itself. What’s the space used for? A serene landscape might be the perfect touch for a bedroom where you want a calming atmosphere.

In contrast, a bold, abstract piece could add just the right amount of energy to a living room or home office. The key is to let the art reflect the vibe of the room. If you have a minimalist space, for example, a piece with clean lines and neutral tones might blend seamlessly, while a more eclectic room could handle something colorful and dynamic. This is also something you should consider when considering how to make a frame for a canvas. The frame itself becomes a part of the piece, even if it’s less visible when the canvas is in question.

Consider the size of the wall

Next, think long and hard about the wall size and art proportion. Consider the size of the wall and how your canvas will fit within it. You want the artwork to feel like it belongs, not too overpowering and not too tiny that it gets lost.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for the art to take up about 60-75% of the wall space if it’s going to be the focal point. If you have a large, empty wall, a big canvas can make a dramatic statement, while smaller canvases might work better in a tighter spot or as part of a gallery wall arrangement. The proportion between the wall and the art really helps set the balance in the room.

Take lighting into consideration

Ultimately, focus on the lighting as another crucial factor when hanging your canvas. Ideally, you want the artwork to be well-lit but not in direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time. Natural light is fantastic, but be mindful of where the sun hits throughout the day.

If the natural light isn’t quite right, consider adding a picture light or spotlight to make the piece stand out, especially in the evening. Good lighting can really make the colors in your art pop and highlight the details, drawing the eye right to it. Since there’s usually no glass over canvas, you won’t have to consider how to frame a canvas picture to avoid glare.

A frame is an important element of the painting

Figuring out how to frame a canvas is more than just a technical question. It’s an action that will help you use and utilize your art to the best of your abilities. It will allow you to get the most out of every piece you create. It’s a simple DIY project that you only do once, and have your painting immortalized on your walls for as long as you don’t mind keeping it in your eyesight.