Building your own frame for stretching canvas is inexpensive.
Buying canvas frames from craft stores and other art suppliers can be very expensive. While most experienced painters prefer to stretch their own canvas, many amateur artists do not realize how much money they can save by completing this task themselves. Constructing your own frame will cost only a small fraction of what it would cost you to buy one that is already manufactured. On top of that, you will be able to decide the exact dimensions of your frame.
Instructions
1. Cut the ends of your 1 by 2 by 24 inch board at a 45-degree angle. The angle should be cut across the board as the board lies flat, and the angles should be leaning toward each other forming a trapezoid when the board lies flat. The original length of the board should not be altered. Repeat this process with the other three 1 by 2 boards.
2. Lay the four 1 by 2 boards so they form a rectangle with the outside measurements of 16 inches by 24 inches. The 45-degree cuts should be next to each other and flush for each corner. Drive three staples across the seam for each corner.
3. Nail your 1/2 inch by 24 board along the outside 24-inch edge of the frame. Repeat this process on the other side with your last 24-inch board. Nail your 15-inch boards along the outside 16-inch edge between the 24-inch boards, one on each side.
4. Stretch your canvas over the 1/2-inch boards and staple to the other side of the frame.
