How to Frame a Canvas

Picture frames allow you to hang a canvas while protecting it. They also provide decoration and can draw the eye to the canvas. You can buy all of the materials to frame your canvas at an art supply store or a crafts store. Use these tips to frame a canvas.

1. Measure your canvas. Use a tape measure to determine the length, width and depth of the canvas.
2. Select your frame. Choose a frame with measurements that fit the dimensions of your canvas.
   • Match the depth of the frame's inner lip with the depth of the canvas.
   • Measure the frame from one inner lip to the inner lip on the opposite side to determine its length and width.
3. Insert the canvas into the frame.
   • Place the frame on a flat surface. The front side of the frame should face down.
   • Place the canvas into the frame. The decorated side of the canvas should face down. Ensure that the canvas sits on the frame's lip. Ensure that you do not scratch the decorated side of the canvas when setting it into the frame.
4. Attach the canvas clips.
   • Place the spiked end of the canvas clip in between the frame and the canvas.
   • Draw the other end of the clip across the stretcher bar to which the canvas is stapled. The other end of the clip should hook onto the inner edge of the stretcher bar.
   • Push down on the clip to ensure that it stays in place.
   • Attach all of the clips to the canvas. Space the clips evenly around the canvas.
5. Attach the hanger screws.
   • Use a ruler and pencil to mark a point on the inside of each stretcher bar approximately � of the way below the top edge of the canvas.
   • Screw each eye screw into the stretcher bar at the point marked. Ensure that you do not press on the decorated area of the canvas while attaching the screws.
6. Attach the hanger wire.
   • Add 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm) to the width of the canvas. This is the length of hanger wire you will cut. If your canvas is 24 inches (61 cm) wide, then your hanger wire will be 30 to 32 inches (76.2 to 81.3 cm) long.
   • Use long-nose pliers to cut the desired length of hanger wire.
   • Loop one end of the wire 2 times around 1 of the eye screws.
   • Wind the end of the wire around the main length of the wire to secure the loop in place.
   • Loop the other end of the hanger wire 2 times around the other eye screw.
   • Twist the end of the wire around the main length of the wire to secure the loop in place.
   • Ensure the wire that runs behind the canvas is not completely taut. The wire should be slack enough to move 1 inch (2.5 cm) when hung on a nail.
7. Hang the framed canvas. Place the hanger wire on the wall over a nail or hook. Ensure that the nail or hook is able to support an object twice as heavy as the canvas. For large canvases, use 2 nails or hooks to hang the canvas.

• Most canvases will require 4 to 6 canvas clips to secure the canvas in the frame. If the canvas is 24 by 36 inches (61 by 91.4 cm) or larger, use 8 canvas clips.

• Canvas
• Tape measure
• Picture frame
• Canvas clips
• 2 eye screws
• Woven picture wire
• Long-nose pliers
• Nail or hook