How to Make Your Own Canvas Prints
Purchase or gather supplies., Paint the edges of the canvas panel, if desired.Your print, once mounted, will cover only the front surface of the canvas panel., Coat the front of the canvas in Mod Podge.Using a foam brush, paint a thick coat of Mod...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Purchase or gather supplies.
The supplies you need to mount a photo or other print to a canvas panel are readily available from hobby or craft stores, as well as many department stores.
For this project, you will need:
The photo or other print you would like to mount (printed on regular photo paper) A pre-made blank canvas panel the same size as the print you would like to mount (if you use a canvas panel that is smaller than the print, you will have to cut the print to size, or wrap and glue/staple its edges to the sides of the panel)Gel medium or decoupage glue such as Mod Podge Foam brushes or rollers Acrylic paint (optional, to be used if you want to paint the sides of the canvas panel) A scrap of canvas fabric, if you want to add texture to your print. -
Step 2: Paint the edges of the canvas panel
Many pre-made canvas panels are mounted on wood frames so that there is a small side (about
0.5 inches thick) on all sides.
You can leave these sides unpainted canvas (usually white), or use quick-drying acrylic paint to make them any color you like.
For a classic look, choose a dark color of paint, such as black or brown.
You can also paint the sides in a color that matches or complements a color in the print you are mounting.
Once you have chosen a color, simply use a foam brush to paint the sides of the canvas panel.
Let the panel dry before moving on to the next step.
You can add an additional layer of Mod Podge over the acrylic paint if you want extra shine. , Work quickly so that the medium does not dry, but make sure the entire front of the panel is coated, all the way to the edges.
You can use regular white glue or white wood glue instead of Mod Podge or gel medium.However, you may have to work more quickly, since glue tends to dry faster. , Make sure that the print lines up exactly with the edges of the front of the canvas panel (they should be the same size).
Alternatively, you can lay the photo down on a hard surface (image side down), then lay the canvas panel on top of it.If you mess up when laying the print down (such as by not lining it up correctly with the canvas), you may be able to remove it if the medium is still wet, and try again.
If your print is larger than your canvas panel, wrap its edges over the sides of the panel and glue or staple them down. , Make sure that all areas of the print are pressed down.
If there are any air bubbles trapped between the print and canvas, gently push them to the edge of the panel and press the canvas down again.
Once the print is fastened to the canvas panel, you can flip it over, set it on a hard surface, and press down on the back of the panel to make sure that the print sticks well., It might look like you are covering up the print, but remember that the Mod Podge or medium will dry clear. , Press down gently, and then quickly pull it away.
This will leave behind a simulated canvas texture.
If you do not want this texture on your print, just skip this step.
If you don’t have a scrap piece of canvas to use to create texture, you can use a piece of another kind of cloth, or roll a foam roller over the Mod Podge/medium for a similar effect., Most canvas panels have a “lip” or overhand that makes them easy to hang on a wall using a nail, wire, or other common methods. -
Step 3: if desired.Your print
-
Step 4: once mounted
-
Step 5: will cover only the front surface of the canvas panel.
-
Step 6: Coat the front of the canvas in Mod Podge.Using a foam brush
-
Step 7: paint a thick coat of Mod Podge (or whatever medium you are using) on the front of the canvas panel.
-
Step 8: Place the print on the front of the canvas panel.While the Mod Podge or other medium is still wet
-
Step 9: carefully lay the photo/print on the front of the canvas panel
-
Step 10: image side up.
-
Step 11: Press the print down.When you are sure that the print is lined up on the canvas panel the way you want it
-
Step 12: press down firmly so that it sticks to the Mod Podge or medium underneath.
-
Step 13: Coat the print in Mod Podge.Using a foam brush
-
Step 14: coat the front of the photo or print in a light coat of Mod Podge (or whatever medium you are using)
-
Step 15: using long
-
Step 16: even strokes.
-
Step 17: Add texture
-
Step 18: if you want.While the Mod Podge or medium you coated the print in is still wet
-
Step 19: lay a piece of scrap canvas fabric on top of it.
-
Step 20: Hang the print once it is finished.When all of the paint and Mod Podge/medium is dry
-
Step 21: your print is ready to hang.
Detailed Guide
The supplies you need to mount a photo or other print to a canvas panel are readily available from hobby or craft stores, as well as many department stores.
For this project, you will need:
The photo or other print you would like to mount (printed on regular photo paper) A pre-made blank canvas panel the same size as the print you would like to mount (if you use a canvas panel that is smaller than the print, you will have to cut the print to size, or wrap and glue/staple its edges to the sides of the panel)Gel medium or decoupage glue such as Mod Podge Foam brushes or rollers Acrylic paint (optional, to be used if you want to paint the sides of the canvas panel) A scrap of canvas fabric, if you want to add texture to your print.
Many pre-made canvas panels are mounted on wood frames so that there is a small side (about
0.5 inches thick) on all sides.
You can leave these sides unpainted canvas (usually white), or use quick-drying acrylic paint to make them any color you like.
For a classic look, choose a dark color of paint, such as black or brown.
You can also paint the sides in a color that matches or complements a color in the print you are mounting.
Once you have chosen a color, simply use a foam brush to paint the sides of the canvas panel.
Let the panel dry before moving on to the next step.
You can add an additional layer of Mod Podge over the acrylic paint if you want extra shine. , Work quickly so that the medium does not dry, but make sure the entire front of the panel is coated, all the way to the edges.
You can use regular white glue or white wood glue instead of Mod Podge or gel medium.However, you may have to work more quickly, since glue tends to dry faster. , Make sure that the print lines up exactly with the edges of the front of the canvas panel (they should be the same size).
Alternatively, you can lay the photo down on a hard surface (image side down), then lay the canvas panel on top of it.If you mess up when laying the print down (such as by not lining it up correctly with the canvas), you may be able to remove it if the medium is still wet, and try again.
If your print is larger than your canvas panel, wrap its edges over the sides of the panel and glue or staple them down. , Make sure that all areas of the print are pressed down.
If there are any air bubbles trapped between the print and canvas, gently push them to the edge of the panel and press the canvas down again.
Once the print is fastened to the canvas panel, you can flip it over, set it on a hard surface, and press down on the back of the panel to make sure that the print sticks well., It might look like you are covering up the print, but remember that the Mod Podge or medium will dry clear. , Press down gently, and then quickly pull it away.
This will leave behind a simulated canvas texture.
If you do not want this texture on your print, just skip this step.
If you don’t have a scrap piece of canvas to use to create texture, you can use a piece of another kind of cloth, or roll a foam roller over the Mod Podge/medium for a similar effect., Most canvas panels have a “lip” or overhand that makes them easy to hang on a wall using a nail, wire, or other common methods.
About the Author
Patricia Torres
Experienced content creator specializing in lifestyle guides and tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: