How do you stretch a canvas onto a wooden frame?

To stretch a canvas onto a wooden frame, lay the canvas painted side down on a clean table, place the frame on the back, fold the edges over and fix them starting from the middle of each side, alternating opposite sides, then finish with the corners. Our canvases keep 3 to 4 cm of white margin for this.

1. Place the canvas face down on a clean, flat surface.
2. Centre the wooden frame on the back of the canvas.
3. Fold one edge over the frame and fix it at the middle of that side.
4. Repeat on the opposite side, pulling gently to keep the tension even.
5. Work through the remaining two sides in the same alternating way.
6. Finish by folding and fixing the corners neatly.

You do not strictly need a wooden frame to mount a canvas, but it does make stretching easier and keeps the canvas taut while you paint. It also lets you show the finished picture like a real decorative piece at home. Suitable frame kits are also available among our paint by numbers accessories.