Double check the measurements to make sure they are exact.
Many craft or hardware stores will carry a range of standard sizes that correspond to common canvas sizes, but you may need to order a custom frame for irregular canvases. Consult a store clerk in this case. For complex or busy artwork, select a simple canvas frame. Conversely, select a slightly more ornate frame for simpler artwork. You want the art and the frame to balance each other! Additionally, aim for a bit of color contrast between the art and the frame, like bright frames for dark pieces, and dark frames for bright pieces. Avoid frames that have colors similar to the art itself. [3] X Research source
Screwless canvas clips are best for canvases that rest more or less flush with the frame. Canvas clips that do require screws are called “offset clips” and are best for canvases that don’t sit flush with the frame. They come in 3 common sizes: 0. 125 in (0. 32 cm), 0. 25 in (0. 64 cm), and 0. 5 in (1. 3 cm). If the canvas is 24 by 36 inches (61 by 91. 4 cm) or larger, buy 8 canvas clips.
Keep in mind that every frame will be different; some fit very tightly, and others are looser. Both are fine; your canvas clips will secure the art.
Space the clips evenly around the canvas, with an equal number of clips on each side.
Take your canvas to the hardware store and ask a customer service representative to help you find wood strips that will suit your needs.
Measure the thickness of the strips themselves, and add this to the measurement when you cut the strips, so that each strip is a little longer than the sides of the canvas. This will ensure the strips completely surround the canvas. Hammer each nail about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
As with the half-width strips, add the thickness of strip itself to the length measurement of the respective side of the canvas, to allow the frame to fully encompass the canvas. For example, the strip affixed to the top of the canvas will measure equal to the length of the top of the canvas, plus the thickness of the strip.
Your new frame will have a gap between the canvas and the frame itself. This is a style of frame called a “floating frame,” and is commonly used to display canvas artworks.
A dust cover is essentially a piece of paper, usually strong kraft paper, taped to the back of the canvas to protect it from dust and other particles.
To install a wire hanger, screw D-ring hanger clips to the back edges of the frame, about ⅓ of the way down from the top. Then, loop a length of hanging wire through each ring and twist the wire around itself to secure it. Your wire should have about 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) of slack.
Hang sensitive mediums like watercolors out of direct sunlight. Hardier mediums like oil paints can stand a little sun. If you’re hanging multiple frames, think about how you want to arrange the pieces before you commit to putting any nails in the wall. Make light, erasable pencil marks to plot their possible positions. For gallery-like displays, avoid meticulously lining up the frames on the wall. A little flow and unevenness can make a space feel more organic.
To support heavy frames, find a wall stud to secure your nail, or use a wall anchor to hang a painting on drywall. If you’re unsure or undecided how high to hang your frame, shoot for eye-level. This is a standard height for galleries, and allows you to easily view the art. [17] X Research source
