How to Frame a Paint by Numbers Canvas？

Framing a canvas, more commonly known as stretching a canvas, can be costly and time-consuming if you get it done professionally. And while some paintings are too precious to be treated with anything but the utmost care, you can easily stretch and frame your paint-by-numbers canvas at home with the wooden frames we sell along with the painting kits.

Traditionally, paintings do not come with a canvas frame, and it can be unclear to figure out the correct frame dimensions to buy or get made. Lucky for you, this is fine if you buy one of our paint-by-number kits that come with a complementary frame in the correct size. All you have to do is stretch the canvas, and you’re good to go.

Framing a Paint by Numbers Canvas is relatively easy.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to stretch a canvas correctly. It’s a relatively simple process that won’t even take the time equivalent to painting a quarter of the painting but will elevate its presentation by leaps.

The first thing to do is figure out when to frame the canvas, before or after painting it. While preparing the canvas before painting is ideal, it is OK to do so afterward as long as the image has dried down completely.

So, let’s discuss the materials. You are provided four wooden stretcher bars and thumbtacks to fix the canvas onto the back of the frame. But we would advise you to use a staple gun for larger canvases to ensure a taut and evenly stretched canvas.

Now that you know what you need before stretching the canvas, let’s get to the work.

STRETCHING THE CANVAS PRE-PAINTING

1. If you have decided to frame the canvas before painting it, you should start by spreading it on a covered, flat surface (the numbered side facing down).
2. Join the stretcher bars together correctly to make a frame.
3. Place the frame on top of the canvas, front side facing down.
4. Make sure the sides of the frame match the grain of the canvas, or the canvas will keep moving even after being stapled into place. Also, ensure that you have around 1 ½” of material left on each side of the frame. Otherwise, your canvas may not be as taut as you want.
5. Once you have made sure of the canvas measurements and placed the frame on the grain, place one of the longer sides of the frame (and canvas) in front of you. Stretch the canvas as much as possible (but make sure to stay on grain!) and fold it over the frame.
6. Once it is evenly folded, use the thumbtacks or the staple gun to fix the canvas onto the frame. At this stage, only select the middle part of the canvas and leave the sides alone.
7. Move to the opposite side of the frame, and this time, stretch the canvas as much as you can without ruining the print on the canvas. Fold it similarly over the edge and fix the middle of the canvas onto the frame again.
8. Turn over to one of the smaller sides and stretch and fold similarly. Fold the corners of the canvas to tuck one corner under the other while stretching evenly, and staple the corners, too.
9. Repeat this on the other side, and touch the front to see if your canvas is nice and taut.
10. Add a few more thumbtacks if needed.
11. Staple the thumbtacks in place to make sure they’re tight.
12. Trim off any excess canvas that may look unsavory and ruin the look of the canvas.
13. This part is optional but will add an extra oomph to your paintings. Apply Gesso (or any primer of your choice) onto the canvas to slightly tighten it. Trust us, you’ll feel the difference.
14. And voila! Your canvas is framed and ready to be painted on. If you did it right, no one could tell the difference between a pre-stretched canvas and yours.

Now, you can start painting by numbers on your framed canvas. Here is a guide to get you started with paint by numbers. Take advantage of the tips. We have the best 19 Tips For Painting By Numbers for you.

Remember: Do not spray your canvas with water to help tighten it, as that may mess up the printed numbers on the canvas.

STRETCHING THE CANVAS POST-PAINTING

If, for any reason, you did not stretch your canvas before painting on it, don’t worry; it is still possible. However, if you cut off the excess canvas after painting on it, you may have to sacrifice the outer edges of the image to the corners of the frame.

Stretching the canvas post-painting is similar, with the minor difference of ensuring your painting is arid. Once you are sure of it, follow the steps above, and you’ll have a stretched canvas painting ready to hang.

ATTACHING THE HOOKS TO THE FRAME

Once your painting and stretching are done, it is time to hang the picture where you can admire it, and others can also appreciate it regularly. We provide hanging hooks and screws with all our paintings, so all you have to do is use a corresponding size of the screwdriver to screw the clips onto the frame.

Screw the hooks a few inches away from the corners, making sure there’s equal distance between them. Screw them in such a way that they cannot be seen once the painting is hung up.

Once you have screwed the hooks in tightly, all you have to do is find the right home for your painting.