With a canvas frame, you can hang and protect the canvas. The way to frame a canvas is different from framing a photo, because a canvas doesn't need glass or a frame with a back cover. You can buy all the materials needed to frame a canvas at an art supply store.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Choosing a Frame
Step 1. Measure the canvas
Use the tape measure to determine the length, width, and depth of the canvas. Record these measurements and take them with you when choosing a frame. These measurements can help you choose the right frame.
- Most meters are marked in multiples of 1/16. Be careful when measuring.
- Even a small error, such as 1/8 inch, can make your frame not fit properly.
- Double check. Make sure your measurements are correct.
Step 2. Choose a frame that fits the canvas
The frame varies, as does the canvas it holds. Choose a frame that suits your liking for the final result. It is recommended that you choose a frame that shows a slight contrast between the contents of the canvas and the frame.
- Avoid frames that are very similar to the colors on the canvas.
- Create a contrast between the canvas fill style and the frame style.
- A simple painting will look impressive with an ornate frame. Modern paintings will look cooler with simple frames.
- Broadly speaking, the simpler the frame, the better. Avoid frames that distract from what's on the canvas.
Step 3. Purchase canvas at an art supply store
Now that you've measured your canvas and know what style you want, it's now a matter of buying a frame at an art supply store. Find a frame that is the same size as your canvas.
- Standard frame sizes (in inches) are 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 18x24, 20x24, 24x30, and 30x40. However, there are shops that provide other sizes such as 10x20.
- If you're going to the store, call the store first and ask if they have a size that fits your canvas. Thus, you do not have to go back and forth to different shops.
- Take note of the prices that these stores offer. This makes it easier for you to find the best price.
- You can also buy frames online (online). Websites usually list the dimensions of the frames they sell.
Step 4. Purchase a canvas clothespin
Clamps like this are usually sold in packs of four. You can find these clothespins at art supply stores or online. One pack of four is enough for one canvas.
- Usually, canvas clasps do not require bolts.
- Some canvas clip sizes that require bolts are 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/4.
- Measure the length of the back of the frame and the back of the canvas spanram (wooden frame behind the canvas) to determine the size of the stapler you need.
Part 2 of 5: Framing the Canvas
Step 1. Insert the canvas into the frame
Place the frame on a flat surface, face down. Then place the canvas inside with the painted side down.
- When laying down the canvas, make sure you don't scratch the painting.
- The canvas should fit into the lip of the frame.
- If the canvas doesn't fit in perfectly or is uneven, adjust it so that it fits in perfectly.
- Remember that each frame will be different. Some frames hold the canvas tightly and some don't.
Step 2. If you purchased one, attach the canvas clip without the bolts
Choose a side. Pay attention to the point where the edge of the canvas meets the edge of the frame. Insert a sharp canvas staple between the edge of the frame and the canvas. Then, pull the canvas clip over the spanram and press it tightly.
- The canvas spanram is a wooden frame behind the canvas to which the canvas is stapled with a stapler.
- Press the clip firmly. Make sure the clip stays in place.
- Attach the other three clips in the same way.
- Leave the same distance between each clip.
Step 3. If you purchased it, attach the canvas clips with screws
Place the tongs where you want them. Just one in the middle of each spanram frame.
- Then, mark the four bolt holes with a pencil.
- Make sure this sign is self-explanatory. Drill a small hole in each of the marks. Do not penetrate the frame or spanram.
- Place the canvas clips over the holes you made, then secure them with bolts.
Step 4. Turn the painting over carefully
Now, you can check the finished result. The frame should fit neatly around the canvas. If the canvas slips away, you'll need to press the canvas clamp even tighter.
Part 3 of 5: Installing the Wire Hangers
Step 1. Lay the canvas face down
Make sure the top side of the canvas is up. If you're not sure, lift the canvas and watch. Use a pencil to mark the top spanram, so you always know where the top is. Your wire hanger will be on the right side, if the canvas top is up.
Step 2. Mark the point of the wire hanger bolt
Make a mark on the frame 1/4 to 1/3 of the way from the top point you've made. Look at the canvas size for the exact location of this point.
- For example, the hanging point of the wire on a 40.7 cm (16 in) painting is 12.7 cm (5 in) from the top. To get this number, you just need to calculate the length of the canvas divided by 3.
- Use the tape measure to draw marks at 1/4 or 1/3 points on either side of the frame.
- Make sure both points are the same distance from the top.
Step 3. Install the hanger bolts
Install the hanger bolts at the two marked points. Do not damage the painted part of the canvas.
Step 4. Cut the hanger wire
Add 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) to the length of the canvas to determine the length of wire you need.
- For example, if your canvas is 61 cm (24 inches) long, then your hanger is 76 to 81 cm (30 to 32 inches).
- Measure the length of the wire with a tape measure.
- Use wire-cutting pliers to cut the required size.
Step 5. Attach one end of the wire hanger
First, lay the wire horizontally on the back of the canvas. Start from one side. Make the bond: first, pull the end of the wire so that it bends at the bottom of the bolt. Then pull the wire up to 1.25 cm on the other side of the bolt.
- Then, take the end of the wire, and make a "P" shape by winding the wire under the wire. Do this with the half-inch wire you have left.
- Push the end of the wire through the circle of the "P" shape.
- Then, pull the wire tight. The "P" shape will disappear into a bond.
- Repeat on the other side.
- This wire must be loose enough to be able to move 2.5 cm (1 inch) when hanging on a nail.
Part 4 of 5: Installing Dust Protection
Step 1. Cut the kraft paper to the size of the canvas
The dust protection of the canvas and frame is usually just a piece of paper, usually tough kraft paper, which is tapered to the back of the canvas. This is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your canvas.
- Make sure the sheet of kraft paper you buy is larger than or equal to the size of the canvas on which it is framed.
- If the kraft paper curls after cutting, flatten it with a large, heavy, flat object such as a book or glass.
- Once the kraft paper is flat, you can attach it to the canvas.
Step 2. Attach double-sided tape to the back side of the frame
Attach double-sided tape to each back of the frame about 1/2 cm from the left and right. Do this on all four sides of the frame. Be careful that all four tapes are straight.
Step 3. Attach the kraft paper
Place the kraft paper over the back of the frame and make sure that each side of the kraft paper is aligned with the left and right sides of the back of the frame.
- Press until it sticks tightly.
- If there is excess paper, cut it off with a knife or scissors.
- Now, you are ready to hang the canvas!
Part 5 of 5: Hanging a Framed Canvas
Step 1. Choose a place to hang the canvas
If you want this picture or painting to be seen by people, choose a place that people often pass by, such as near a door or in the middle of a room. If this image is less important, choose a place where people don't pass by too often, such as a hallway or corner of a room.
Step 2. For large pictures, hang them on a wall frame
For small to medium sized pictures, you don't have to hang them on a wall frame. However, for large images, hang them on a wall frame for safety.
- From the center of the wall, the wall framing is usually 40 to 60 cm apart.
- Use the tape measure to find your wall truss wood.
- Some people can hear the frame of the wall by tapping on the wall. When the sound changes, it means that near the place of the knock there is a wall frame.
Step 3. Hammer a nail into the wall
Grasp the nail with your thumb and forefinger, then hammer the nail into the wall. Release your fingers when the nail is firmly attached to the wall. Continue hammering until you have a few inches of nail left.
- Just use a standard 16 ounce hammer.
- One 5 cm (2 in) nail will hold the weight of most paintings.
- Hammer the nails in a 45 degree angle.
- The standard height is 1.5 m (57 in) from the ground. This is the average human eye height and is often used in galleries and museums.
Step 4. Put the frame on the nails
Lift the frame, then place the hanging wire on the wall, above the nails. Then, slowly release your hand, and the frame will hang.
- Make sure the frame hangs securely and is not too heavy for nails.
- If the frame is too heavy, attach another nail to help it.
- Make sure the frame is attached straight. If not, tidy up.
Tips
Most canvases require 4 to 6 canvas clips to secure the canvas in the frame. If your canvas size is greater than or equal to 61x91 cm (24x36 inches), use 8 canvas clips
Things You Will Need
- The canvas you want to frame
- Meter
- Frame
- Canvas clasps (note: canvas clasps that require bolts will usually require 2 bolts each)
- Two bolts
- Wire
- Wire cutting pliers
- Nails or hooks
- hammer
- 5 cm (2 inch) nail
- Brown or black paper
- Glue
- Double-sided tape (double-tape)
- Screwdriver
- Small drill
