FLAT FRAMING DEMO

framing on top of glass for an exposed canvas print

I learned this awesome framing method from my artist friend Hope Olson. By framing on top of the glass and exposing the print surface, you get closer to an original painting on canvas look than when the canvas is under glass.

SUPPLIES

  • ready-made frame in your print size with glass or plexi (I am just using one from Amazon for demo purposes, but you can also do this with a higher quality ready-made frame like from Craig Frames or American Frame.)

  • art print on flat, unstretched canvas

  • flathead screwdriver, putty knife, or butter knife

  • scissors

  • straight edge, cutting mat, & box cutter with a fresh blade (all optional)

  • double sided tape (I like 3M scotch)

  • tissue paper (Like the tissue that came with your print)

  • hanging hardware of choice if your frame doesn’t already have some installed

STEP 1

Prepare your print by trimming off the excess canvas. I prefer to use a straight edge for clean lines, but you can also use scissors with a steady hand. If you are using a straight edge, make sure it is clean and rotate your print to minimize contact with the printed surface of your canvas.

STEP 2

To prepare your frame, bend the framing points back using your flathead or putty knife. Remove backing board, mat board, and any other inserts from your frame. If your glass or plexi has a protective coating, go ahead and remove it from the glass.

STEP 3

Lay your glass on your work surface and begin applying double-sided tape. I start with an “x” through the middle and then proceed adding stripes between each quarter in a spider web pattern. Peel the paper off of your tape, using scissors or your box cutter to cut through any crossing sections.

STEP 4

With the front of the print facing you, carefully align the bottom left corner of your print with the bottom left corner of your glass. Moving out from that corner, slowly and gently lay your print down against the taped glass, avoiding air pockets. Lay a barrier of clean tissue paper over the surface of your print and press it firmly to the surface of your glass.

STEP 5

Place your print, taped to the glass, into your frame. Check the front to make sure everything looks good. Replace your backing board (and mat board if there was one in there), and press your framing points back down to hold the contents of your frame firmly in place. Attach your hanging hardware of choice (if not already attached to your ready-made frame).

STEP 6

Enjoy your print!

STRETCHING YOUR CANVAS PRINT

 
 

Your Bri Custer canvas print comes with a 3” boarder allowance for stretching on stretcher bars. This is the way to go if you’d like to have a deeper profile and floater frame, leaving you with a print that feels as much like an original painting as possible.

If you already have your print in hand and are interested in how to have your canvas stretched, here are a few other options.

  • If you have print/canvas stretching experience, go for it!

    I would not recommend DIYing without prior experience. If you’re handy and committed, do lots of Youtube research in advance and practice with a blank canvas before stretching your print.

    I recommend Blick Heavy Duty Stretcher Bars.

  • Framebridge will stretch your unstretched canvas print at no additional cost when you opt to frame with them.

    They will also send you packing materials and pay for shipping.

    I’ve worked with Framebridge for framing my work over the past couple of years and love them!

  • For the largest selection of frames and in-person customer service, visit your local frame shop. They will be able to stretch and frame your unstretched canvas print with maximum care and quality materials.

    If you’re in New Hampshire or Southern Maine, check out Live Free Print & Frame in Portsmouth, NH.


FRAMING YOUR PAPER PRINT

 
 

  • This is a great option for your standard size prints (4”x6”, 5”x7”, 8”x10”, 9”x12”, 11”x14”, and some square formats).

    Find standard size frames anywhere you shop for home decor. If you’re shopping online, make sure you pay attention to the interior mat size, not just the frame size. I’ve had great luck with Target, Wayfair, Homegoods, & Amazon.

    I also recommend checking out Craig Frames & American Frame.

    When in doubt, opt for a clean, simple wood or metal frame.

  • Order a custom mat to fit in a standard frame. Follow the guides at matboardandmore.com to make measuring and ordering super simple.

    I highly recommend the arctic white for a clean look.

    This is a great option for most sizes, but especially small prints that don’t quite fit into standard frame/mat combinations.

  • Skip the DIY and bring/send your print to a pro.

    For the largest selection of frames and in-person customer service, visit your local frame shop. They will be able to stretch and frame your print with maximum care and quality materials. If you’re in New Hampshire or Southern Maine, check out Live Free Print & Frame in Portsmouth, NH.

    I also love Frambridge for affordable custom framing from anywhere. They even send you a box and pay for shipping!

    This is great for any size, especially for larger prints and to have prints on canvas stretched on stretcher bars and framed.