Ethan Clarke
Framing a plastic canvas print is a simple process that can be done cheaply and quickly. The first step is to stretch the canvas over stretcher bars, which can be done at home or by a professional framer. Once the canvas is stretched, it can be placed into its final frame. The frame can be made of wood, metal, or plastic, and should complement the artwork. The frame should be slightly larger than the canvas and can be attached using clips, screws, or glue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Framing a plastic canvas print can be expensive. However, there are DIY methods that can cost less than $8. |
| Complexity | Framing a canvas can be simple, but it can also be complex and overwhelming. |
| Materials | Common materials include wood, metal, glass, acrylic, and plastic. |
| Tools | Tools used include a staple gun, scissors or scalpel, glue, screws, and clips. |
| Techniques | Techniques include stretching, wrapping, and centring the canvas, as well as using a mat board to create a polished appearance. |
| Benefits of DIY | DIY framing allows for customisation and can be more cost-effective. |
| Benefits of Professional Framing | Professional framing reduces the risk of sagging and damage, and ensures the canvas is perfectly taut. |
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What You'll Learn
Stretching the canvas
Stretching a plastic canvas print is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Materials and Preparation:
Firstly, gather the necessary materials. You will need a plastic canvas print, a wooden frame, a sharp utility knife or X-Acto knife, a ruler or measuring tape, canvas pliers, and a heavy-duty staple gun with staples. It is also recommended to have canvas tacks, a rubber mallet or hammer, a pencil, and a straight edge for marking and cutting the canvas. Ensure your work area is clean and free of dust to protect the artwork.
Cutting and Measuring:
Measure the dimensions of your frame, including its width, height, and depth. Add about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) to each side of the frame's dimensions to determine the size of the canvas you need. Cut the canvas to size using the utility knife, following the grain of the canvas for a straighter cut. If needed, make small diagonal slits in the canvas to help achieve tighter corners when stretching.
Centering and Stretching:
Lay the canvas on a flat surface and center the frame on top. Stretch the canvas over the frame, pulling it tight with the canvas pliers. Ensure the canvas is smooth and taut, with no creases or strange pulling. Use the staple gun to secure the canvas to the back of the frame, stapling all sides. Flip the canvas over and check for any tightness issues. If there are creases or pulling, remove the staples and repeat the stretching process.
Final Touches:
Use a hammer to gently pound the staples, ensuring they are flush with the frame. Check the corners for a clean, tight appearance. If desired, add a coat of primer to the stretched canvas. You can also attach the frame to a wall using D-rings and wire, or by nailing the boards directly to the sides of the canvas for a custom look.
Stretching a plastic canvas print is a straightforward process that requires careful measurements and attention to detail. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional and sophisticated result for your artwork.
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Choosing a frame
Choosing the right frame for your plastic canvas print is essential to enhance the artwork and protect it from dust and damage. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a frame:
Frame Material
The material of the frame can complement the style of your artwork. Popular choices include metal, wood, and plastic frames. For instance, a sleek metal frame can accentuate a contemporary abstract piece, while a classic wooden frame might suit a traditional landscape painting.
Frame Design and Colour
Consider a simple frame for complex artwork and a more ornate frame for simpler pieces. Aim for colour contrast between the art and the frame. For example, choose a bright frame for a darker canvas and a darker frame for a lighter canvas. Avoid frames with colours that closely match the artwork.
Frame Size
Measure the width, height, and depth of your canvas print. Select a frame that is slightly larger than your canvas, allowing for a slight overlap. Ensure the frame's rabbet (the groove that holds the canvas) is deep enough to accommodate the stretched canvas. If using a metal frame with a deeper rabbet, you may need spring clips to secure the canvas.
Framing Techniques
You can attach the canvas to the frame using various methods, such as clips, screws, or glue. Screwless canvas clips are ideal for canvases that sit flush with the frame, while offset clips with screws are better for canvases that don't sit flush. You can also create a floating frame effect by leaving space between the canvas and the frame, giving the illusion that the print is floating.
Glass or Acrylic Sheets
Using glass or acrylic sheets over your canvas can protect it from dust and damage. Ensure these sheets are clear and free of any scratches or blemishes. Place the sheet directly on top of the canvas or use a mat board to create a polished look and add depth to the artwork.
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Attaching the canvas to the frame
When attaching a plastic canvas to a frame, there are a few methods you can use. The first is to use a staple gun to secure the canvas fabric to the back of the frame. This method is best if you want to ensure equal pressure distribution across the frame to avoid future warping of the canvas.
Another option is to use mounting hardware such as clips or screws. Canvas clips, also known as offset clips, are best for canvases that don't sit flush with the frame. These clips come in three common sizes: 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). If you have a large canvas, you may need to purchase eight canvas clips. To use these clips, lay the canvas face down into the lip of the frame and rest it on the inner lip. Then, attach the clips to the frame or the canvas stretcher bars, depending on the type of clip you have.
You can also attach the canvas to the frame using screws. First, measure the height, width, and depth of the canvas and purchase a frame that is the same size. Then, screw the half-width moulding sticks to the outer edges of the canvas. Finally, glue the larger sticks to the half-width sticks to create a floating frame.
If you're using a metal frame with a deeper rabbet than your print's stretcher bar, you may need to use spring clips to hold it in place.
For a more custom look, you can build the frame around the canvas by attaching the pieces directly to the sides. This method may require nailing the boards to the side of the canvas, as well as painting the frame to match the desired look.
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Using glass or acrylic sheets
Acrylic sheeting, commonly known as plexiglass sheeting, is a popular alternative to traditional glass for framing. It has superior resistance to discolouration, impact, and chemicals, making it a good option for preserving your plastic canvas print. If you opt for acrylic sheeting, you can choose between single and double-panel frames. Single-panel frames use magnets to hold the artwork in place and are ideal for standard canvas prints. Double-panel frames, on the other hand, are recommended for thicker or heavier artwork, providing maximum protection with two pieces of acrylic sheeting.
If you prefer the traditional look of glass, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. Glass can cause damage to certain types of artwork, especially those created with graphite, charcoal, or soft pastel, due to its static nature. Additionally, glass acts as a humectant, absorbing moisture from the air and potentially causing mould or deterioration of the canvas fabric over time. To mitigate this issue, you can use spacers to separate the glass from the artwork, ensuring that there is no direct contact.
When framing with glass or acrylic sheets, you have the option to create a tabletop display or mount your artwork directly on the wall. Tabletop frames are well-suited for smaller pieces and temporary setups, such as art shows or home staging. They can be designed with straight or curved shapes that stand on their own, providing a stable and portable display option. For wall mounting, acrylic frames offer a more durable alternative to traditional wood frames and allow for easy replacement of artwork.
To enhance the protection of your plastic canvas print, consider using UV-protective glazing. Acrylic glazing is a safer option than glass, as it won't shatter, and it provides effective dust and UV protection. You can also use a protective coating of photo spray to create a barrier against contaminants and UV light, ensuring the longevity of your artwork.
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DIY vs. professional framing
Framing a plastic canvas print can be done via DIY or by hiring a professional framer. There are several differences between the two methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
DIY framing is appealing for its personalization and possible cost-effectiveness. It can be a fun and creative project, allowing you to select your own materials and add a truly personalized touch. For instance, you can build a basic frame in any color for a canvas for less than $8. However, it often lacks the precision and skill of professional work. Without proper training, tools, and expertise, it is easy to make mistakes that can damage your artwork or lead to a subpar final product. Misaligned mats, uneven cuts, and improper mounting are common issues that can detract from the beauty of your piece. Moreover, the glass or acrylic used in DIY frames may not provide enough UV protection, which can result in possible fading and damage to your artwork.
On the other hand, professional custom framing brings many benefits, especially for those who value quality and longevity. Experts in framing have years of experience and training, allowing them to handle all types of artwork and ensuring every piece gets a perfect frame. They select top-notch archival materials that are free from acid and can resist UV rays, humidity, and pollution, thus safeguarding and maintaining the artwork's quality and value over time. Professional framers also seal the frame to protect against dust and dampness. Additionally, they offer enhanced display options, such as museum-quality glass that reduces glare, allowing the artwork's true colors and details to shine through. While professional framing may be more expensive, it is an investment in the preservation and protection of your valuable items.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a frame, canvas clips or screws, and possibly wood glue, wood filler, and a staple gun. If you are stretching the canvas yourself, you will need stretcher bars.
Choose a frame that complements your artwork. Consider the frame's design, colour, and material. Metal frames complement contemporary abstract pieces, while wooden frames are better suited to traditional landscapes. You can also paint or spray-paint wooden frames to achieve a particular colour or effect.
First, lay the canvas face down into the lip of the frame. You can attach the canvas using canvas clips or screws. If using clips, buy screwless clips for canvases that sit flush with the frame, and offset clips for canvases that don't. If using screws, screw the half-width moulding sticks to the outer edges of the canvas, then glue the larger sticks to the half-width sticks to create a floating frame.
