Canvas prints are a really nice choice for wall art. Whether it be a print of a painting or an actual photograph printed on canvas, they are a really affordable and good looking option.
Perhaps you’re an artist looking at different ways to display your work, or maybe you have already purchased a canvas print, either as a wrap, mounted or rolled, and now you’re thinking you’d prefer it in a frame.
So you're wondering if a canvas print can be framed? Yes, most certainly you can, and there's a few framing options available depending on the type of canvas print you have.
You may think the frame is just the border around the print, but it’s also the backing that provides the structure and support.
Framing Options for a Wrap, Mounted or Rolled Canvas Print.
Whichever choice you’ve made for your print you will be able to frame it. The only difference will be the style of frames you can use.
Options for Framing a Canvas Wrap
The most widely used would be the floating frame or sometimes called a floater frame. When purchasing or ordering a canvas print, most times this option is available. But in this case you may already have your canvas wrap, but you can still give it a floating frame.
There is no need to remove the print from the stretcher bars at all. You could simply take it to a framers and they will sort it for you. The money saving alternative, if you’re a bit handy, is to do it yourself.
I had a good look around for the clearest explanation and instructions on making a floating frame and thought this video was the best. Even if you don't have access to the equipment he uses, the process is well explained.
Canvas or Box Frame - this style of frame is specifically sized to the depth of the canvas wrap. Basically they are a frame with a front lip, the wrap fits in from behind and the lip holds it from falling outward. Again, you could make one yourself or use a framer, but you may also be able to find them online to the size you require.
You could also use a standard picture frame, either a shop bought or second hand frame from a charity store or garage sale, but you need to make sure it is deep enough so the canvas wrap doesn’t protrude when viewed from the side. And obviously you need to make sure it’s the right size. If your wrap is a standard picture size it shouldn’t be too much of a problem finding a frame you like.
Simply slip the canvas into the frame as usual, then use frame clips or offset clips to secure in place. These fittings can normally be found in your local hardware store or framers, or you can order them online.
Make your own frame. Unlike a floater frame, you can make your own frame that fits directly to the edges of the canvas wrap. Many people recommend lattice as it’s a good wood to work with, but you can get experimental and try any material you like. As long as it can be cut to size and painted if necessary. If you’re going to make a wide enough frame, you can even do mitred corners which looks very professional.
Framing a Mounted Canvas Print
Flat Canvas Print - if your canvas print is already mounted, then it’s simply a case of finding the right size frame. These are standard picture frames that have a rabbet or inner lip at the rear which the mounted canvas simply rests on and is held into place with clips, the same as a mounted photograph.
But you need to make sure that the rabbet sits well enough over the print so as it doesn’t slide out of place. The good thing with canvas is you don’t need to use glass or acrylic in front of the print.
Can a Rolled Canvas be Framed?
Yes, a Rolled Canvas can be framed but you will first need to mount it. This requires using a suitable mounting board.
There’s a few different mounting boards you can use, but the most recommended is Gator board. It doesn’t warp over time and is highly durable.
As for the actual mounting process itself, again I’ve found what I believe is one of the best video tutorials. He's actually mounting a photo print, but same method applies. If you’re not used to doing this it may be best to hand it over to an expert, especially if it’s a large print or one you can’t afford to ruin.
You may have bought a rolled canvas print for a number of reasons. They're cheaper, but you may have bought it direct from the artist or at an art fair and that's just how it came. But it can still be stretched and mounted as a wrap, you could try it yourself, but again if you’re new to this it may be best to hand it over to a framer.
Tip - it’s a good idea whichever frame you go with to have a backing paper or dust cover. This is usually made with an acid free Kraft paper and prevents dust building up in the back of the print as well as stopping airborne contaminants.
The Cost of Canvas Framing
Canvas prints are one of the most affordable types of wall art to own. Way cheaper than metal or acrylic printing and still significantly less expensive than framed photographic prints.
Just because they’re the cheaper option doesn’t mean they’re inferior. Personally, I feel there are certain images, especially photographs, that suit the canvas medium more than a high quality photographic print.
That doesn’t mean canvas printing is of a lesser quality either, there’s been leaps and bounds made in printing on canvas, it’s just a different medium with its own qualities.
The cost of framing a canvas print will vary depending on the style of frame chosen and the size. But because canvas prints are so affordable, it makes spending a bit more on a frame very viable.
Having your print custom framed will be the most pricey choice, but the finished product will look amazing and still great value compared to other mediums.
The DIY approach to framing is not only going to save you some pennies, you get to be hands on and creative with the final product, a great sense of satisfaction, especially if it’s an artwork or photograph that you’ve taken or made yourself.
What Type of Frame is Best for Canvas Prints?
Now you know the different options available depending on whether your canvas print is already mounted or not mounted, the best frame is the one that suits your needs.
A valid point to remember though, is the frame should do the artwork justice. Sure, you may want a certain colour so as to match existing decor. You may also be creating a statement piece and deliberately want a bright or vivid coloured frame. But you don’t want the frame colour to detract or clash with the canvas print itself.
A predominately green landscape image for instance is going to look pretty awful with a bright orange frame. Matching complementary colours is a technique used in various design disciplines. The use of a colour wheel is a handy tool for working out which colours compliment each other.
As well as using it for choosing your frame colour, a colour wheel can be used for working out your overall decor.
Another factor to take into consideration is the style of frame. For instance, an abstract modernist painting is going to look out of context in a decorate and ornate style frame, and vice versa, a classic print by one of the great masters may not quite work in a modern frame.
So matching the frame to the era of the artwork is something to consider as well as colour. But hey! It’s art, your creativity doesn’t have to be restricted by rules. But you know the old saying, you’ve got to know the rules before you can break them.
Conclusion
Canvas prints are an affordable way to get great looking wall art for your home. Depending on the print and the choice of framing, it may cost a bit more than the canvas.
But it's still great value compared to the price of other print mediums
Please feel free to post links in the comments to your own framing success, have you gone with a subtle approach or created something really eye-catching that works? Or did you make your own frame? Would love to see what you’ve done.
Looking for a huge range of quality canvas prints? I highly recommend checking out CanvasFreaks.com
You can learn why I only promote certain companies here.
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