Collection: Framed Paint by Numbers

Why should I use a frame for my paint by numbers?

Creating art requires time, effort, and a whole lot of love. Imagine the feeling when you finally finish your latest piece!

If you want your artwork to last, you should consider getting it framed. A framework does more than enhancing the presentation factor of an artwork, it can also protect your paintings from any damaging elements, keeping them in the best possible shape throughout time. Frames themselves can also be decors, bringing your artwork together into a uniform, beautiful, wall interior.

After all the work to complete your painting, finish it with a frame and hang it proudly for you to admire and to give a highlight to your lovely space!

The different types of canvas frames

Using a canvas frame allows you to display and elevate your artwork while protecting them at the same time. There are different types of canvas frames such as the traditional stretcher bar, wooden frame, metal frame, or floater frame.

Whether or not you pick based on personal preference, each type has its own attributing factors that should be considered when choosing what works best for your artwork.

 Canvas stretchers frame

The most popular canvas framework is to use traditional wooden stretchers. It’s done by stretching the canvas from corner to corner over wooden support and securing it on the sides. The artist then usually covers the painting with a frame.

However, if you prefer to keep it bare, many artists prefer the 'gallery wrap' method when using stretcher bars. Here, the wooden bars are shaped to have a flat back and a slanted front and are stapled tightly at the back, not on the sides. This mounting leaves the sides of the canvas smooth, neat, and free of visible staples or tacks.

It definitely provides a modern, minimalist look to any surface, making it the most ideal for galleries!

Floating frame

A floating frame, as the name suggests, gives the canvas an illusion to appear like it is “floating” within the frame. Since the framework isn’t touching the sides of the canvas due to its slight gap in between, this preserves the artwork from any damages on the surface.

Whether it’s made of wooden or metal frames, the simplicity of floater frames is perfect when you want your canvas to pop, and not overwhelm the picture contained within. Plus, a floater frame also creates an interesting visual impact and a sense of depth to the painting- definitely giving that perfect finish for your piece of art!

Ready-made frame

With retailers coming up with several styles, patterns, and designs of classic and modern frames, the options for frameworks are endless! You may find yourself checking in for a ready-made frameset as it is cheaper and almost always readily available in different colors such as black, wood, gold, and silver. It often has a glass on top to protect the artwork too!

If you do so, it’s best to measure your artwork as precisely as possible to make sure the canvas fits your newly bought frame. Always select the one you are sure of!

Custom frames

Artworks often come in unique sizes or shapes. If yours come in a non-standard size, custom-frames are the best option when considering it framed. You have the freedom to get any style you want; a framer does all the work for you!

Working with a professional framer gives you the convenience of ensuring quality workmanship for your art piece. It also ensures that the design fits perfectly with where you want it to be. This requires extra time and work, making it cost more than the other types of framework. But hey, you get more time to do another painting!

Canvas with mount frame

An easy and sophisticated technique when framing the canvas is a mounted frame. A white border between the artwork and the frame is provided for a subtle barrier that gives your canvas a chance to breathe on its own, making it stand out from the frame.

Unlike standard frames that may require cropping the edges of the paintings for them to fit the frames, mounted frames enable the artist to display their artwork as is. Only pick a frame that’s larger than your painting and have a mount placed inside that fits the frame. In the middle, is your shiny new piece of art having its moment of glory!

Choosing the best frame for your artwork

Art can quickly express a tone, mood, feelings, and views of certain things. It’s important to choose a frame that compliments the artwork and its meaning and does not overshadow its beauty.

When dealing with vintage artworks, an ancient, classic frame or baroque frame can be used because its structure gives a symbolic connection to an old image.

Meanwhile, you can also choose something timeless for a more versatile artwork. You can move it from room to room and would still match any style. Something simple like a plain thin frame or big frame might do the trick!

Do you frame the canvas before or after painting?

While some artists prefer painting directly on already stretched canvases, others prefer to paint on flat canvases laid on a solid structure and frame it later on. Pre-stretched canvases are tightly stretched unto a frame, which gives the tension in the surface an element of vibrancy, making it more enjoyable for most artists.

However, it is absolutely fine to do so afterward as long as the painting has dried down completely. A painting done on an unstretched canvas is more portable to bring anywhere, gives room to decide where you want to hang it or what type of framing you’d like for your artwork.

Framing the canvas is actually just down to your own personal preference. Whatever you feel most comfortable with, feel free to do as you wish!

How to frame a canvas painting with wooden stretchers?

Whether you need help from a professional or do it on your own, framing a canvas painting with wooden bars can be quite simple. The essentials when stretching your canvas are only your Paint by Number painting, a set of stretcher bars to hold the structure, some thumbtacks, pins or a staple gun to attach the canvas in place, and a tape measure or T square to make sure it is made as precisely as possible.

The process is easy and does not require too many materials. When you’re able to do so, the results make your painting even more beautiful.

Read more in our article: How to frame a paint by numbers using stretchers

How to attach a canvas with a floating frame?

Even with so many choices, one of the best canvas frames to consider is a floating frame.

To achieve that clean, minimalistic look, you need to prepare the tools and supplies such as the frame, drill, screws, and spacers to make sure the painting is attached perfectly in the middle. 

When you’re all set, you have to place the painting inside the frame, then place the spacers in between the artwork and the frame, making a small gap. Then, you can carefully start drilling your screws from the back of the frame, making sure you have enough wood within the stretcher bar to prevent the screw from coming out the front of the canvas.

How much does it cost to put a canvas on a frame?

There are two ways to put a canvas on a frame. You can bring your painting to a framer, or you can have it done yourself.

When it’s your first time and you don't really know much yet about framing a canvas, you can have a professional do it for you. The expenses would depend significantly on your chosen frame, and labor added.

However, if you prefer doing a DIY, it could be a lot cheaper. But you will need some basic power tools to construct the frame. This sure isn’t the easiest, but when you’re framing a lot of paintings and trying to cut down costs for the final touches, then this route is the way to go.

Can I frame an unstretched canvas?

There are plenty of ways to frame an unstretched canvas. Aside from the lesser costs, portability, and being less intimidating, you’re not really missing much when you opt for a pre-stretched canvas. When your painting has dried, you can have it stretched later to some stretcher bars, or have it mounted to a panel or matted.

Just like how art gives you the freedom to imagine anything, the frame is also art itself. You have the freedom to choose how you want your canvas to be presented. Whether you prefer to hang it in a traditional frame, or something out of the box, you can stick with what you like!

How to hang my framed canvas?

Probably the most exciting part of finishing your painting is finally hanging it in the best place you visualize it to be.

The first step is to always measure your framed canvas properly. Then you should choose a place to hang it, and calculate correctly the ideal display height. Once you have all the measurements ready, you can already install a hook on the wall in the back area of the painting. As for the back of your framed canvas, you can choose between steel wire, nails, wire hooks, or standard picture hangers.

It will be easier to do this all when you have the necessary tools for some little construction. Hanging a framed canvas is a task for at least two people. Ask help from friends or professionals to ensure the safety of your painting and you!

Should I use a glass frame?

Sometimes, frameworks would depend on the value or importance of the artwork and how the framing materials will affect it over time. Putting glass can preserve your work of art longer, making it safe from dust, water, and the dangers of scratches and punctures. But, it can also hide the rich texture of the canvas material of an oil or acrylic painting. A non-reflective coating should be considered to remove reflections that may cover the art.

But, installing a glass frame is all up to you. Just make sure there’s enough breathing room between the art and the glass to prevent messing up the art and off-gassing issues.

The perfect image to frame

A perfect image is often the one that speaks to you in one way or another. Whether it’s for a wall interior, a gift for someone, or your paint collection, go for the image that brings life to where it’s going to be.

Choose from all paint by numbers collections and get started on a therapeutic stress-reliever. Our art kit is designed for an easy and relaxing art session; filling in the template’s corresponding numbered area with an acrylic paint set that involves no mixing. Be the painter you always wanted to be and let your fingers create a beautiful gradient of colors!

 Did not find your perfect DIY framed painting?

What image makes you happy? Let’s turn it into your perfect DIY framed painting! With your custom image and our DIY Custom Paint by Numbers Kit, you can create your masterpiece, up to 16x20in size, and get a frame along with it!

You will receive a rolled canvas with your custom photo, a full set of high-pigment acrylic paint set in numbered paint pots, a set of four brushes, and an instruction guide. Easy and versatile, our art kit provides you with everything to get you started on your DIY painting!