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 does not 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 have 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 is 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.
How to Mount a Canvas Painting on a Wooden Frame Without Damage
Mounting a canvas on a wooden frame is a very simple process once you know the steps. If your painting is on a rolled canvas, you need to fix it tightly on a wooden structure called a canvas stretcher.
Start by laying your canvas face down on a clean surface. Place the wooden frame on the back, making sure it is centred. Gently pull the canvas from one side and staple it to the wooden frame. Then pull the opposite side tightly and do the same. Repeat this on all four sides.
Tip: Do not stretch too hard, or the painting may crack. This method helps you mount your painting neatly and keeps it safe from damage.
Choosing the Best Canvas Framing Kit for Beginners
If you are new and do not know where to start, a canvas framing kit is the best solution. These kits usually come with wooden stretcher bars, corner wedges, and sometimes even a staple gun.
You do not need professional tools to use them. Everything you need comes in the box. You match the bars by size, connect them, and you have your wooden frame ready. Then you can stretch your rolled canvas on it.
Framing kits are great because:
- They are budget-friendly
- Easy to assemble
- Made for DIY framing at home
Many artists and home decorators use these kits when they want to frame a canvas print without going to a shop. You can find them online or in art stores. Just make sure to match the kit size with your canvas size.
Floating Canvas Frame vs Traditional Frame: Which One Is Better?
You have framed your canvas. A floating canvas frame and a traditional wooden frame both have their own style.
A floating frame gives your art a modern, clean look. It leaves a small space between the canvas and the outer frame, making the painting look like it’s “floating.” This design is very popular in galleries and minimalist homes.
A traditional frame covers the edges of your canvas. It gives a more classic, cosy feel, great for home walls or gifts.
So, which one is better?
- Use floating frames for modern rooms or photo canvas prints.
- Use classic frames for detailed artwork or warm home settings.
Choose the one that matches your style and space. Both are beautiful — it depends on the look you want.
Can You Frame a Rolled Canvas Without Stretching?
A common question is: Can I frame a rolled canvas print without stretching it first? Technically, yes. But should you? Not really.
If you try to frame a loose, rolled canvas without stretching it, the canvas may wrinkle or sag inside the frame. The final look won’t be neat or professional. That’s why stretching is so important.
Stretching gives your canvas a tight, smooth surface. It also protects the artwork from damage over time. If you skip this step, you may end up unhappy with how your framed canvas looks on the wall.
So what should you do?
- Always stretch the canvas using a frame or stretcher bars first.
- Then place it in your chosen frame—either a regular frame or a floating one.
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Final Thoughts
So guys, in this article, we have covered how to frame a rolled canvas print in detail. Framing your canvas at home not only saves money but also gives a personal touch to your wall art. If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with a canvas framing kit; it is simple, affordable, and beginner-friendly. Just take your time, follow each step carefully, and don’t skip the stretching part.
Ready to give your artwork the frame it deserves? Try it today and let your creativity shine! And hey, if you found this guide helpful, do not forget to share it or drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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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
