By: Mitra
Firsts, Sculpting, , ,

A simple guide making​ custom frames for canvas paintings in 2019

I made inexpensive custom frames for my canvas paintings with help from Ben.  Whether you have the same woodworking studio or not, this information can give you the information you need to get started. You can also share this information with someone who can help you so that they can see what you would like made. I have a second post on stretching canvas if your painting is not already in a wood frame. If you have any questions, join a free webinar sometime and I can answer them from you. (it’s free=)

Materials:

Step 1: Measure your paintings width x height and calculate how much wood you need.

It’s always a good idea to have extra material. We used 1x3x8 pieces of wood. It’s good to inspect each piece to make sure the wood is not bent or warped.

It's good to inspect each piece to make sure the wood is not bent or warped.
It’s good to inspect each piece to make sure the wood is not bent or warped.

Step2: Ruff cut the wood pieces to size with a 45-degree angle on one side.

We used a table saw with a handy device to make the 45. You can also use a miter saw.

Cut at 45...
Cut at 45…

Step3: Fit the wood pieces to the paintings and make final cuts to size.

The paintings can be a little warped – so it’s a good idea to measure the 2nd cut to the painting.

It's a good idea to have a big flat surface to place everything on.
It’s a good idea to have a big flat surface to place everything on.

Step 4: Glue and nail frame together.

We used wood glue and a nail gun to secure the corners.

You need to use clamps to hold the pieces while you nail them together.
You need to use clamps to hold the pieces while you nail them together.

Step 5: Fill the holes and sand the frame.

It’s nice to hide the nails by filling the holes with wood filler. After everything has had a chance to dry sand everything to make it nice and smooth.

Step5
It’s a good idea to wrap sandpaper around a spare chunk of the wood block.

 

Step 6: Add finish

I added a clear gloss finish.

2 coats did the trick.
2 coats did the trick.

Step 7: Attach painting to the frame.

We used 4 screws in each painting to secure the frame around the painting.

Don't forget to add hardware to fram so that you can hang the painting on the wall!
Don’t forget to add eye screws to frame so that you can hang the painting on the wall!

Step 8: Enjoy your framed paintings!

These paintings still need to find a home...
These paintings still need to find a home…