How to Frame A Canvas, The Easy Way

Incorporating canvas prints into your home decor can make a great statement and is simple to do. Once basically stretching the canvas, learning how to frame a canvas isn’t a complicated task that anyone can do in a few simple steps. Whether you already have a canvas or are looking for some unique canvas ideas, you can easily frame a canvas yourself. A suitable frame will complement the colors and style of your canvas prints and showcase them beautifully.

There are two ways in which to frame a canvas, you can either purchase a pre-made frame or build one yourself. Below is the step-by-step process for framing your canvas print or painting yourself. 

Step 1: Measure your canvas

To ensure that your canvas will properly fit the frame you will purchase or build, make sure to measure your canvas. You will want to record the exact length, width, and depth of the canvas using a measuring steel tape. 

Source: WikiHow

Step 2: Choose a frame

Whether you are building a frame or purchasing one from a store, you should choose a frame that compliments the artwork. While classic colors like black and white go with anything, you can add to a minimalist canvas with a frame that has a pop of color or texture. Look for something that contrasts the image and isn’t too similar. 

Step 3: Buy or build a frame

You can purchase a frame at a craft store or take on building one yourself. The frame should be the same size as the length, width, and depth of your canvas. 

Frames can be built using any type of wood. Measure the lengths of wood to match the canvas then cut the edges to 45-degree angles. Also, check out this easy guide from A Pretty Fix to learn how to build a canvas frame on your own.

Source: A Pretty Fix

Step 4: Purchase canvas clips

Depending on the type of frame you have, you will either need to purchase canvas clips or flat braces and screws. Canvas clips work best with frames that have an inner lip that the canvas will sit in. These canvas clips can fit 1 ½” to 1 ¾” wide stretcher bars.

Source: AmericanFrame

Flat braces and screws work best with frames that are open and do not have a lip. How you frame a canvas print will depend on what is on the image. 

Source: A Pretty Fix

If the stretcher bars are larger than 1 ¾” wide, offset clips are the best choice for you.

Source: AmericanFrame

Step 5: Insert the canvas into the frame and attach the clips

Lay the frame with the decorative side down being careful not to scratch it. Carefully place the canvas inside the frame and secure with either canvas clips or the flat braces and screws. 

Source: A Pretty Fix

Step 6: Attach a hanging wire

With the canvas in the frame still flipped over, mark where you want the hanging wire to go by marking ¼ to ⅓ of the way from the top of the frame in the center of the edges of the frame.

Next, affix the two screws to the spots marked on each side of the frame. Cut a length of hanging wire that is six to eight inches longer than the width of the frame. Tie each end of the hanging wire to the screws and twist the excess. 

For better instruction, check out this helpful tutorial video from Fixaframe on YouTube to know more about the tying technique.

Step 7: Attach a dust cover

Source: Artists Network

Framing a canvas can also include a dust cover on the back. You can cut a piece of kraft paper that is equal to or larger than the actual frame. Then, using double-sided tape, secure the kraft paper to the back of the frame. 

Step 8: Hang your artwork

To hang your canvas print like a pro, check out our instruction on how to hang a canvas with or without nails.

There are many different ways to frame a canvas for your home, whether your own art or a custom canvas wall art. When picking out your frame, you should also consider ways to choose a suitable canvas size for specific locations in your home. For example, a large open wall would do well with one large statement piece or a mixture of smaller pieces.