Canvas boards are a popular way to display art or photography. Framed canvas boards can be hung on a wall, used as a large print for decorating your space, or even made into a room divider.
Whatever the reason may be, framing a canvas board is not always as easy as it seems. The best thing to do is learn about how to frame a canvas board before tackling the project yourself! In this article, we will answer common questions with detailed tutorials and tips on framing canvas boards.
Should I Frame My Canvas Painting?
Canvas boards are typically meant to be displayed unframed. However, if you would like your art to look more professional and polished, then framing is the way forward!
But remember that canvas painting was designed for easy transportability; don’t go overboard with its display by using a frame that’s too large or heavy.
What Size Should I Go With?
That depends on how big of an area you want to fill up with your artwork! If you’re hanging the artwork in a small space (for example above the bed), make sure it doesn’t cover too much empty wall space.
Oversize frames tend to overpower the painting which is not an ideal outcome; this also happens because too much empty space around the art will create distractions making people look at those instead of what’s important – the main subject itself! If possible, try experimenting before finalizing things until you find something that works best.
Remember, if there isn’t enough room between the edge of your painting and the inside border then nobody will be able to see your artwork clearly!
How Much Does It Cost to Frame Canvas?
An unframed canvas board costs around $12 -$20, depending on size and style. The price of framing a canvas painting can vary depending on the size, materials used for mounting, and whether you want to add any additional features like plexiglass or backboard.
You may also need special tools in order to make sure it’s done properly! Roughly speaking though, expect to pay at least $20-30 per piece.
Are There Any Special Tools Needed for Framing?
Yes, depending on what materials you choose to use for mounting (and whether you want professional results).
For example: If using plexiglass as protection then make sure to get good-quality plastic cutters; also pick up some corner mounts which will make things look more polished and finished if absolutely necessary (although we don’t recommend them!).
Wood frames usually require saws like jigsaws in order to cleanly cut out pieces of wood to fit the canvas board.
What Type of Frame Works Best?
There are many different types of frames available for purchase: wooden, plastic, metal… Just pick what you like!
But make sure that no matter which one you choose, there’s enough depth to hold all those layers together without allowing light to leak through in between them at awkward angles. If you’re not sure, ask a worker at the store and they can help you find one that will suit your needs.
With so many design options available today, choosing canvas board frames can seem overwhelming! Luckily, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
Wood Frames
Wood frames are durable and classic; they usually come in dark colors like brown or black. This material can also be painted if you’d like something more colorful (for example, gold-painted wood).
This type of frame can add warmth and elegance while also allowing you to incorporate more color/designs than other options may allow. Wood is typically considered the most traditional option, but if that’s not what you’re going for then acrylic or aluminum might work better instead.
Metal Frames
Metal framing is lightweight but still sturdy enough to hold up even heavier artwork without bending.
Aluminum often looks very modern yet eye-catching depending on how it’s done.
Plastic Frames
Modern plastic framing is inexpensive yet has an equally high level of durability so it’s great for temporary displays! Plastic comes in a variety of different colors along with darker tones which makes them ideal for bright color schemes.
Plexiglass mounts provide extra protection to the painting by preventing scratches on your canvas board surface due to dust accumulation over time. It tends to give off a frosted look to the artwork. Plexiglass is often combined with other types of mounting like backboard (for example, black wood) for additional protection and stability.
The backboard provides support at all sides while also making sure that it’s not too flimsy or bending out of shape over time! They come in a variety of different colors (usually matching your frame style, but you can always paint them yourself if necessary).
Acrylic paintings should always have their edges covered because this detail will show when viewed from an angle; so make sure there’s at least one centimeter of extra space along with all four sides-covering them with plexiglass would help protect against damages during shipping as well.
Useful Tips for Choosing Canvas Board Frames
Your frame style will depend heavily on your personal taste but there are some general guidelines that nearly everyone follows!
- Avoid oversize mats.
- Avoid using too many different colors since these tend to overwhelm people (or more specifically their eyes). Instead, opt for a monochromatic color scheme if possible.
- If you do want to use multiple colors then make sure they are all of equal value and intensity!
- Use either matte or glossy surfaces depending on your personal preference, but be careful not to mix them together as best practice dictates that paintings done in oil should only have matte surfaces while acrylics can handle both options just fine!
- Make sure there’s enough depth around the artwork by avoiding hangers that aren’t large enough-you may need larger hangers or spacers. You can always use a larger piece of wood to make it work (so that you don’t have to pay for new ones).
How to Frame a Canvas Board: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step #1
Find a wood board that perfectly matches your painting measurements (most likely half an inch bigger on each side but be careful to check before cutting).
Cut out pieces from this larger piece until everything fits together nicely with at least one centimeter extra space along all four sides! Place spacers between them during gluing if necessary.
The traditional way would have been to use nails for joining boards, however, nowadays we recommend getting more long-lasting waterproof glue or stronger magnets instead since these will hold better in place while also having fewer chances to damage your painting.
Step #2
Use a clean cloth and rub down the edges of each board carefully so that there are no rough or jagged points.
Step #3
Let dry overnight before adding any kind of mounting techniques!
Apply some glue along one side and press them all together until they’re straight; make sure not to leave gaps between boards as this can warp everything out of shape.
You always want spacing on both sides because you don’t ever want anything moving around once mounted inside a frame; if needed then use more pieces cut to size in order to fill up any extra space.
Step #4
Use a leveler on the top of all frames and make sure that they’re perfectly even (otherwise you may end up with an uneven painting surface after mounting). If necessary then add more glue and clamp them together; we recommend using rubber bands or other heavy-duty clamps along with some weight placed over it for maximum strength.
You can also use screws instead but be careful not to bend your boards when screwing each one into place! This is why nails are less preferable, although still possible if done right (just take care not to let them move while drying since this will warp everything out of shape again!)
Step #5
Add a wire (or whatever hanging mechanism you prefer) on each side of the frame, making sure that it’s straight and centered before clipping or screwing them into place! You should be able to remove these wires if needed for future cleaning purposes while also being easy enough so they don’t take up too much space inside when not in use.
Be careful not to bend any corners out of shape during installation otherwise everything will start coming apart again! If using screws then add rubber washers beforehand which will serve as extra padding along with preventing metal from touching the board directly.
The same goes for mending plates-use them if necessary but they shouldn’t be required for very lightweight paintings.
Step #6
Now, place the artwork into the frame using wood glue or double-sided tape before folding it over each corner for a clean finish. Place some heavy objects on top while your work dries overnight; be careful not to get any glue on surfaces that may stick.
Once dry, use nails/staples along parts where spacers won’t fit due to size constraints or where the wood is too thin.
Step #7
Your artwork should now be ready to hang on your wall for everyone at home to enjoy forever more (as long as you take care of it properly). Just make sure not to ever place anything directly over top without using spacers first, including other paintings and frames themselves which can scratch or otherwise damage each other if too close together.
Step #8
You can also go the extra mile and include some custom framing to really give your painting that professional look along with an expensive feel! Just make sure not to take this too far because you want them to be able to clearly see what it is, otherwise, they may miss out on something amazing just because of how much work went into making it happen in the first place (and we wouldn’t want that now would we?).
You don’t have anything else left except for showing off all your hard work at home or wherever else you decide from here onwards! We wish you the best of luck but remember not to rush through any part of this process or else you’ll be starting over again from scratch just like before.
Tips on Framing a Canvas Board
Follow these useful tips when framing your canvas painting:
- Always choose high-quality materials made specifically for frames. This will ensure both durability as well as professional results!
- Choose color scheme carefully so it doesn’t overwhelm your artwork.
- Keep the surrounding area around your canvas board clear and free of other decorations since this may distract from its beauty!
- Make sure that it’s not too large or heavy so you can easily hang it on a wall without bending or warping over time.
Final Words
That’s all there is to know about how to frame a canvas board! It may seem daunting at first, but with practice comes perfection. And don’t forget that framing can always add value when selling art over online marketplaces such as Etsy or eBay! Now get out there and start making some beautiful things!