How to Make Paint Canvases

Artists often use stretched canvases to create original oil paintings. A stretched canvas is made from natural fiber fabric which has been stretched and attached to a wooden frame. A primer is usually applied to the fabric to prepare the canvas for painting. While you can purchase prefabricated canvases, it is also possible to make your own paint canvas which can be more cost effective to an artist.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Canvas fabric Staple gun Wood frame White canvas primer Scissors Ruler

1. Gather the necessary supplies. You will need a large roll of canvas, a staple gun, a wood frame (this can be purchased at an art supply store or you can obtain your own wood frame elsewhere), a ruler, scissors and white canvas primer.

2. Determine how large your canvas will be. Once you have determined the size of your painting, assemble the wood frame in the desired size. If you have purchased a pre-made frame, follow the manufacturer's directions to snap each wood piece into place.

3. Cut the canvas for the wood frame. Add two inches to each dimension of the wood frame to calculate the size needed. Roll the canvas out on a large, flat surface. Mark the canvas with a light pencil mark and cut.

4. Place the canvas over the wood frame. Starting in the center top of the frame, staple the canvas to the frame. Stretching the canvas as much as possible, staple the center of the remaining three sides of the frame. Then continue to stretch and staple the canvas, making sure to pull the canvas as taut as possible.

5. Flip the canvas frame over and use a pair of scissors to cut any extra canvas off the back of the frame. Apply at least one coat of paint primer to the canvas. Once the primer is dry, the canvas is complete and ready to be painted.