How to frame a canvas painting
Hey, fellow DIYers! Today I wanna show you how to frame a canvas painting in a very simple and affordable way! This is something that I wanted to be making for about two years, maybe more, but every time I let the fear of failure get in the way. But not anymore! So, let’s get started!
Want to learn how to frame a canvas painting?
Watch my tutorial video below:
And here is what you gonna need.
Supplies
- 4 pieces of pine 1 1/2″ deep by 1/4″ thick
- a miter box and a hand saw
- black acrylic paint
- sandpaper
- paintbrush
- pencil
- triangular ruler
- nail gun
First things first, I took a piece of wood and attached it to the top of the painting. I carefully aligned the edge of the molding to the corner of the painting and then marked the wood where the other corner ends.
Next, I took the second strip of wood and placed it side by side to the marked wood and then I marked with the help of a triangular ruler.
Tip
The best way to measure the painting is to measure the top and the bottom first and then the sides. That way when you attach the moldings at the sides they will then cover the end cuts, and you will end up with clear ends.
That’s what I’m doing here. I’m placing the top and the bottom strips of wood first and then at the side and then I mark the point where the two strips are meeting. Be careful, to align the molding exactly at the edge of the other corner where the other two strips are meeting.
Then I’m marking the fourth piece exactly as I did with the other pieces. I’m using the side strip of wood as a guide and a little help of the triangular ruler to get a straight line.
Next, I’m using a miter box and a hand saw to cut the strips according to my measurements. Now that I’m thinking it over I should have put the wood vertically. It would then be easier for me to cut it that way.
Now that I cut the strips, I’m using sandpaper to smooth them and to be ready for the next step which is painting. My kiddos gladly helped me with this task and I couldn’t deny their offer! At this stage, I want to point out that I poured a little bit of water in the acrylic paint and blent it to get a watery mixture in order for the wood to absorb the paint easily.
Tip
If you want to wait for the paint to dry between coats and you don’t want to let your brush dry during this time, take a plastic bag and put your brush inside and then close the bag with a rubber band. If you put it in your fridge you can even use it the next day! Trust me, guys! You will thank me for that!
Now back to the molding! As I mentioned earlier I like to put the molding at the top first and then at the bottom. Here I’m using my nail gun. Note: this is my first time using a nail gun and I think I nailed it! Finally, it wasn’t so hard as I thought it would be. That’s the reason you should always overcome the fear and go for it! After all, you will never know until you try!
Now, I’m turning my painting upside down to nail the other part of the wood strip at the bottom of my painting. Then, again, I’m turning it over to the side and nailing the side moldings.
Next, I’m using a rubber hammer to set the nails. Though, this is optional.
Afterward, I’m touching up the nails and the end grains with a little bit of the acrylic paint. And here is how it turned out!
I’m super excited because I finally made it! I absolutely love how it turned out and enjoyed every moment!
Have a nice day!