How to Affix a Canvas to the Wall

The art of affixing canvas to walls is not new. In fact, it has a name: marouflage. According Dictionary.com, the process is, more specifically, "a method of attaching a canvas to a wall through adhesion." This process is one that artists and others have used for over 3000 years. While affixing canvas to walls can be used for mural painting, it has practical applications as well: covering up cracked and damaged plaster. This is a process that can be useful when restoring old homes, or when you wish to add a certain flair to your homes.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Vacuum with HEPA filter
• Container
• Patching plaster or plaster of Paris
• Water
• Putty knife
• Sponge
• Paint pan
• Wallpaper paste
• Brush
• Wooden roller or scrap wood
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Inspect the walls to which you wish to affix canvas. When it's possible to affix canvas to walls that are cracked but still mostly sound, the process can proceed smoothly. However, if the walls have holes or are badly damaged, they should be patched first before proceeding.

2. Use a chisel to get rid of any loose plaster from the walls should repair be called for. Use the chisel to slightly enlarge any cracks that need to be patched. This will allow the patching to adhere more effectively. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any dust and thoroughly clean the area.

3. Mix water and patching plaster or plaster of Paris according to the manufacturer's directions. Dampen the areas to be patched with a wet sponge. Apply the patching plaster to the holes with a putty knife. Be careful to fill the holes only half-way, for the plaster will expand as it dries. Smooth the surface with the putty knife.

4. Lay the canvas on the floor face down. Use a brush to apply wall paper paste to the back of the canvas. Try to apply the paste evenly and thoroughly. You don't want to risk lumps that will cause the canvas to look lumpy when it's on the wall. You also want to make sure you put enough paste on the back of the canvas so the canvas does not pull away because there's not enough paste to hold it in place.

5. Press the canvas against the wall, pressing it firmly to get rid of any bubbles behind the canvas. You can do this either with a clean, wooden ruler or a piece of scrap wood. Draw the roller or wood slowly against the canvas while you apply even pressure. This will help to evenly distribute the paste as well as make the canvas look smoother.

6. Reaffix canvas to the walls by making small incisions in areas of the canvas where it has pulled away from the wall. Apply wall paper past to the back of the canvas with a brush and some to the wall as well. Press the canvas back in place against the wall, and smooth it thoroughly. When the past dries, any sign of the incision you made will disappear.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to create a mural with the canvas you wish to affix to the walls. You can lay the canvas on the floor, face up, and paint a mural on it. When the paint has dried, affix the canvas to the walls using the steps outlined above. When you move to a new house, you don't have to leave your art behind. Gently remove the canvas from the wall, roll it up, and affix it to the walls in your new house.

References

• Marouflage
• Patching Plaster Walls
• Walls and Molding: How to Care for Old and Historic Wood and Plaster By Natalie Shivers