DIY Canvas Framing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
By Wall of Art | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to frame a canvas at home with this beginner-friendly tutorial. We cover measuring, mounting, and finishing with practical tips to avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
To frame a canvas at home, start by measuring your canvas and choosing a frame that fits its depth. Then, secure the canvas with offset clips or a simple wooden frame, and finish with hanging hardware. This guide walks you through each step, including common mistakes to avoid.
What you need before you start
Before you begin, gather your materials: a canvas print, a frame (either a pre-made frame or a DIY wooden frame), offset clips or staples, a screwdriver or staple gun, and hanging hardware. If your canvas is not stretched, you'll also need a backing board and adhesive.
Check the depth of your canvas. Most canvas prints are either 1.5 inches or 2 inches deep. This affects the type of frame you need—a standard frame may not fit a thick canvas, so look for a frame with a deeper rabbet or use a floating frame.
Choosing the right frame for your canvas
Frames come in two main types: a traditional frame that covers the canvas edges, and a floating frame that leaves a small gap between the canvas and the frame, making the canvas appear to float. Floating frames are popular for modern interiors and work well with abstract art like the 'Canvas - Verona sky' or 'Canvas - Nexus Moss'.
For a minimalist look, a simple wooden frame in a neutral color complements earthy palettes. If your canvas has a bold design, a slim black or white frame can keep the focus on the art.
Measuring and preparing your canvas
Measure the height, width, and depth of your canvas. Write down these numbers—you'll need them to choose a frame. If you're using a pre-made frame, compare these measurements to the frame's inner dimensions. The frame should be slightly larger than the canvas to allow for expansion or to fit the canvas's depth.
Clean the canvas surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust. Do not use water or cleaning solutions, as they can damage the print.
Step-by-step framing process
- Step 1: Measure your canvas: Measure the height, width, and depth of your canvas. Write these down. If you're using a pre-made frame, compare these to the frame's inner dimensions. The frame should be slightly larger to accommodate the canvas depth. Common mistake: buying a frame that is too shallow for your canvas. Always check the depth.
- Step 2: Prepare your frame: If your frame comes in pieces, assemble it according to the manufacturer's instructions. For a DIY frame, cut wood to size, miter the corners, and join them with wood glue and corner clamps. Allow the glue to dry completely. Checkpoint: Ensure all corners are square by measuring diagonally—they should be equal.
- Step 3: Mount the canvas: If using a traditional frame, place the canvas face down and lay the frame over it. Secure with offset clips or staples along the inside edge of the frame. For a floating frame, insert the canvas into the frame from the back, leaving a small gap around the edges. Common mistake: Over-tightening clips can warp the canvas. Tighten just enough to hold it securely.
- Step 4: Attach hanging hardware: Attach a sawtooth hanger, D-rings, or a wire to the back of the frame. For larger canvases, use two D-rings placed about a third of the way down from the top. Ensure the hardware is centered. Checkpoint: Use a level to ensure the hanger is straight before hanging.
- Step 5: Hang and level: Mark the wall where you want the canvas, insert a nail or screw, and hang the frame. Use a level to adjust it. Step back and check the alignment from a distance. Common mistake: Hanging too high or too low. The center of the artwork should be at eye level (around 57-60 inches from the floor).
Canvas prints that work well with DIY framing
- Canvas - Verona sky: This canvas art print features an abstract spray painting of a sky in olive and forest green shades, by artist Annika Hultgren. It is available in sizes from 30x40 to 100x150. The larger sizes give you more flexibility in framing, but also require a sturdy frame and hanging hardware to support the weight.
- Canvas - Nexus Moss: Canvas art print with soft, flowing forms in green, beige and white. An abstract and minimalist artwork in an earthy color palette. The earthy tones pair well with natural wood frames, which you can easily build or buy for a DIY project.
