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Artists tutorial

How to Frame a Canvas (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to frame a stretched canvas in minutes using a Pop-up Frame. This guide covers measuring, assembly, hanging and choosing the right frame size for your artwork.

What you'll need

  • Small or Medium Pop-up frame

  • Ruler or tape measure

  • Pen or pencil

  • Push pins or staple gun

Step-by-step assembly

  • 1: Prepare your workspace

    In each pack you’ll find 4 side pieces and 5 sticky pads. You’ll need a pen or pencil, a pair of kitchen scissor, and a clear work area.

  • 2: Watch assembly video

    The assembly process to mount a canvas is similar to a regular artwork, so we recommend watching the assembly video for an overview of how the Pop-up Frame works.

  • 3: Measure your canvas

    Measure the outer dimensions of your stretched canvas. Add 5mm to each measurement and choose your frame dimensions — use the sizing calculator for this if you're not sure.

  • 4: Connect your first corner

    Take two of the sides and, making sure that the diagonal end of one side sits on top of the squared end of the other, gently slide the corners together while tucking in the corner tab.

  • 5: Lock your corner in place

    Holding the two sides in place, carefully flip the frame over so the back is facing upwards. Use a pen or pencil to firmly push in the corner anchor tab.

  • 6: Apply sticky tab

    Flip your sides back so that the front is facing up. Peel off a sticky pad from the strip and stick it down across the diagonal line with the removable side facing upwards. Remember to position the sticky pads within the boundary of the canvas. Don’t peel off the cover yet.

  • 7: Repeat for the other corners

    Repeat the process for the other two sides. When adding the final side, first slide both corners together, tuck in both corner flaps, and link the tabs before locking the corners and adding the sticky pads. Remember that the diagonal ends always sits on top of the square ends.

  • 6: Position your canvas

    Peel the covers off the four sticky pads and position the canvas in the frame. Please note that our sticky pads to secure the frame and are for mounting light artworks. For a wooden canvas, we are using them for positioning purposes only at this point.

  • 7: Secure your canvas

    While holding the canvas in place
    carefully flip the frame over. Use
    drawing pins or a staple gun to secure
    the back of the Pop-up Frame to the
    wooden canvas frame.

  • 8: Hang your frame on the wall

    The 5th sticky tab will not be strong enough to hang an A4 or larger wooden canvas frame to the wall. To hang the frame simply punch out the centred hole on the back with a pen then use a small nail or panel pin to hang. Adhesive nails are also an option.

Frequently Asked Framing Questions

Can you frame a stretched canvas?

Yes. Pop-up Frames can be fitted around most stretched canvases. Simply measure the outer dimensions of your canvas, cut the frame pieces to size, and secure the frame to the wooden stretcher bars using drawing pins or staples.

What size frame do I need for my canvas?

Measure the outside dimensions of your stretched canvas and add 5mm to each measurement. You can then use our sizing calculator to find the correct Pop-up Frame size and cutting dimensions.

How do you hang a framed canvas?

Once assembled, punch out the hanging hole on the back of the frame and hang it using a picture nail, panel pin, or adhesive picture hook. Larger canvases are best hung using a nail or adhesive hanging system.

Can you frame a canvas without a custom-made frame?

Yes. Traditional bespoke framing can be expensive, especially if you create work in different sizes. Pop-up Frames are cut to size, allowing one frame format to fit multiple canvas dimensions.

Do canvas frames need glass?

It depends on what you're trying to achieve — and how protected your artwork needs to be.

However, stretched canvases are normally displayed without glass. This avoids reflections and allows the texture of the canvas and brushwork to remain visible.

What’s the best way to frame artwork for exhibitions and art fairs?

Many artists use adaptable frames because they can be cut to different sizes as new work is completed. This makes it easier to prepare artwork for exhibitions, markets, galleries and online sales without keeping multiple frame sizes in stock.

You can learn more about how Pop-up Frames are helpful for up and coming artists here.

Why artists use the Pop-up Frame

  • One frame fits multiple canvas sizes: Keep a stack in the studio and cut to size when you need one.
  • Faster than buying bespoke frames: Frame new work in minutes before exhibitions, markets and online listings.
  • More affordable for displaying lots of work: Multipacks reduce the cost of framing and help protect your margins.

Ready to frame your next canvas?

Keep a stack of multisize frames in your studio and frame artwork whenever it’s ready to display.

Artists Picture Frame Multipack

  • 6 Medium Pop-up Frames
  • Fits 10 artwork sizes including A4 and A3
  • £7.50 per frame
  • Free UK delivery

Why artists love Pop-up Frames

  • Frame easily

    Frames that adapt to your artwork, not the other way around.

  • Assemble quickly

    Don't spend ages looking for the right sized frame — frame when you need to.

  • Save money

    Buy multisize frames in multipacks and protect your profits.