How to Mount an Original Oil Painting to a Subframe

Mounting an oil painting to a subframe allows an artist to easily change frames without damaging the painting.

A painting's subframe is any device that provides structure to the piece so that it can be mounted within a frame without potentially damaging the surface of the painting. Two common types of subframe are the canvas stretcher and the archival mounting board. The subframe for any particular oil painting is determined by the type of surface on which it has been composed. Once the subframe is chosen and the painting is mounted, it can then be framed without worry.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Canvas stretcher or strainer
• Wax paper
• Staple gun
• 1/4 inch stainless steel staples
• Sharp scissors
• Mounting board
• Archival adhesive
• Foam paint brush
• Brayer

Instructions

Canvas

1. Measure the oil painting. Take 1 inch away from both the length and width to account for the amount of canvas that will need to be pulled around and behind the stretcher during mounting.

2. Purchase a canvas stretcher or strainer in the appropriate size. If there isn't one in the size you need, you can order a custom frame for a reasonable price.

3. Lay a large piece of wax paper on a hard, smooth surface. Place the oil painting face down on the wax paper and center the stretcher on the back of the canvas.

4. Pull one side of the canvas over the stretcher and staple it in place with 1/4 inch stainless steel staples. The staples should be placed no more than two inches apart so there is no slack in the canvas.

5. Pull the opposite side of the canvas around the stretcher so that the painting is taut. Staple this in place in the same manner as the first set of staples.

6. Secure the other two sides of the painting in the same manner as the first two. There will be extra canvas in the corners. You can either fold this over and staple it down behind the subframe or trim it off with sharp scissors.

Paper

1. Measure the oil painting. Do not make any adjustments to the size. The mounting board must be purchased at the same size as the area of the painting to be displayed.

2. Purchase an archival mounting board. These are available at most local arts and crafts stores. Some will come with adhesive already applied. These need to be heated to activate the adhesive.

3. Apply a thin layer of archival quality adhesive to the front of the mounting board with a foam paint brush.

4. Lay the oil painting, face up, on the mounting board and cover it with a piece of wax paper.

5. Flatten the painting with a brayer. This will eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed in the adhesive during the application process. Let the mounted painting dry on a horizontal surface for 24 hours before attempting to hang it.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use archival adhesive when direct-mounting a painting. Other adhesives can yellow and add an unnatural coloration to the oils in the painting.

References

• Ginger Cook Studios: How to Stretch Fine Art Canvas Painting Gallery Wrap
• ArtBoards.com: Archival Mounting Panels