How to Make a Frame for Stretching Canvas On
- 1). First, decide what size of painting you will want and then go buy or cut the boards to fit that size. Make sure the board you buy is at least 1-1/2" wide and ½" thick.
Example: If you want an 8 x 10 painting, go buy two 8" boards and two 10" boards OR one 38" board (add two inches for leeway) that you should cut into two 8" and two 10" boards. - 2
Diagram A
Next, cut the boards using the protractor and saw. A miter saw is the best tool for this, but if using a hand saw, use the protractor and measure a 45 degree angle at the edge of each board. Trace the line all the way across the board and then cut along that line. Make the angles go towards each other. (Use diagram A for reference). - 3
Diagram B
Now, for putting the pieces together you can either use small nails, wood glue, corner braces, or a combination of them all. Using diagram B for reference put the cut side of a smaller piece of wood to the cut side of one of the larger pieces. For example, I would put the cut side of the 8" board against the cut side of the 10" board. Then nail the pieces together with a nail on each side; or glue the center and clamp the pieces; or nail in a corner brace (you can use the extra pieces from cutting the angles as corner braces). Use the arrows in diagram B to locate where the nails should go.
Do this for all four corners. - 4
Image One
Large pieces over 24" on each side should have a bracer bar in the center. All you will need for this is a straight piece of the same type of wood you made your frame out of. The length should be equal to the inside width or height. For really large pieces, cross bars should be installed using corner braces. (See image for details). - 5
Diagram C
Once the frame is built and dried (if using glue), use sandpaper to sand each corner edge in order to round off the edges. This way you are less likely to tear your canvas when stretching it over the frame. (See diagram C.)
After that is done, you are ready to stretch your canvas over the frame. See the EHow article: How to Stretch Canvas over a Frame.
