How to Frame a Rolled Canvas Print: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Published: 13 Jun 2025
Framing art is more than just putting it in a box. It is about protecting it and making it look its best. If you have just bought or received a rolled canvas print, you might be wondering what to do next. Do not worry. In this post, we will explain how to frame a rolled canvas print in simple steps, using easy words and clear ideas. This guide is perfect for beginners, and you do not need any special skills to follow along.
What Is a Rolled Canvas Print?
A rolled canvas print is a piece of art or photo printed on canvas material, but it is not yet stretched or framed. You receive it rolled up in a tube. This makes it easier to ship and store, but to hang it on your wall, you need to frame it properly.
Why You Should Frame a Canvas Print
Framing your canvas print keeps it safe from dust, moisture, and damage. It also helps the artwork stand out on your wall. A good frame can change the look and feel of a room. If you leave the canvas rolled, it may get creased or damaged over time.
Step-by-Step: How to Frame a Rolled Canvas Print
Let’s walk through the process. This guide is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require fancy tools.
Step 1: Stretch the Canvas
Before framing, you must stretch the canvas on a wooden frame. This gives it a flat, tight surface, just like how paintings look in galleries.
What You Will Need:
- Canvas stretcher bars (you can find them online or at an art supply store)
- A staple gun or strong tacks
- Scissors
- Clean surface to work on
How to Do It:
Lay the canvas face down on a clean table. Put the stretcher bars together to form a rectangle or square shape. Make sure they fit the size of your canvas. Place the wooden frame over the back of the canvas.
Now, pull the canvas gently but tightly over the bars. Start from the middle of one side and use a staple gun to attach the canvas to the frame. Then go to the opposite side, pull tightly again, and staple. Repeat this on all sides. Work your way toward the corners while keeping the canvas tight.
Fold the corners neatly, then staple them down too. Now you’ve stretched your canvas on a frame. It should look smooth and firm.
Step 2: Choose the Right Frame
Once your canvas is stretched, it is time to pick a frame. You have different choices depending on the look you want.
Here are some common canvas framing ideas:
- Floating canvas frame – This makes the canvas look like it’s floating in the frame. It’s a modern, clean style.
- Traditional wood frame – A classic style that fits all kinds of home decor.
- No frame (gallery wrap) – You can also hang the stretched canvas without an outer frame. This is called a gallery wrap, and it looks great for modern homes.
Tip: If you want to keep the painting safe from dust or damage, you can also use a glass cover. But many artists do not use glass on canvas because it takes away the texture. If you prefer this style, you can search for how to frame a canvas painting with glass for more information.
Step 3: Mount the Canvas into the Frame
Now it’s time to put the stretched canvas into your chosen frame.
If you’re using a canvas framing kit, it will usually come with all the screws and clips you need. Follow the instructions that come with the kit. If you’re doing it yourself, here’s a simple way:
Place the frame face down. Put your stretched canvas inside the frame. Make sure it fits snugly. Use clips or small nails to hold the canvas in place from the back. Don’t hammer too hard, just enough to keep it steady.
Check the front to see if everything looks even. If the canvas is sitting well and there is no gap, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Add Hanging Hardware
The final step is to attach something so you can hang your canvas on the wall.
You can use:
- D-rings with wire
- Sawtooth hangers
- Wall hooks
Attach the hanging hardware to the back of the wooden frame. Now your art is ready to be displayed!
Real-Life Example
Let’s say you bought a rolled canvas print of a landscape from an online art store. It came rolled in a tube. You also bought a canvas stretcher and a floating canvas frame.
You unroll the print and stretch it on your canvas stretcher. You use a staple gun and follow the method mentioned above. Then, you gently place the canvas inside the floating frame and secure it with clips. You add a wire hanger at the back.
The result? A beautiful piece of diy art projects, now ready to hang in your living room. It looks like something straight from a gallery, and you did it all by yourself.
Tips to Make the Process Easy
- If you don’t want to do it yourself, search canvas framing near me and visit a local framer.
- Try using a canvas framing kit if you are a beginner. It includes everything you need.
- Always work on a clean surface so your canvas does not get dirty.
- If you want to save money, look for DIY stretcher bars for canvas online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people try to frame a canvas while it is still rolled. That does not work. Always stretch your canvas before framing.
Also, avoid using too much force when stretching. Pull the canvas just enough to make it tight, but not so much that it rips or warps.
Final Thoughts
Framing a canvas print might sound like a hard job, but it is not. With a bit of time and patience, you can do it at home even if you’ve never tried it before.
Now you know how to frame a rolled canvas print easily and correctly. If it is a photo, painting, or gift from someone special, framing your canvas helps you enjoy it for years. It also adds beauty to your space.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
