How to Frame Your Oil Painting

Frame your own oil painting using basic hardware supplies.

Oil paintings are both decorative and delicate, and will requiring special care in order to frame them properly for hanging. When an oil painting is not properly framed, it can potentially warp the canvas and can affect the overall appearance of your painting. In order to frame an oil painting correctly, it is important to set and secure the canvas inside of a deep-set frame using a few basic supplies available at any craft or hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Wooden picture frame, 2 inches deep
• Hammer
• Small nails, 1/2 inch long

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the oil painting. Purchase a wooden picture frame that is 2 inches deep with the same length and width measurements.

2. Take the backing off the wooden picture frame and discard it.

3. Place the frame onto a flat surface with the bottom side facing upward.

4. Put the oil painting into the frame. Allow the canvas frame to sit against the frame bumpers inside the casing.

5. Hammer 8 to 12 small 1/2-inch-long nails around the inside edge. Angle the nails at 45 degrees so the end of each nail prevents the canvas from moving. Space the nails out evenly around the inside perimeter of the frame.

6. Hang the picture frame onto the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a frame that complements the colors in the oil painting.

• Keep sharp nails away from young children.

References

• Art Corner: Framing an Oil Painting –- See How We Do It