These painting canvases are made from 1-1/2" by 3/4" or 2-1/2" by 3/4" select pine lumber. I used pocket holes to fasten the corners and then reinforced the corners with metal L-brackets for canvases smaller than 36" and with 1/4" or 1/2" plywood triangles to reinforce corners on frames larger than 36". Once the frames are made, canvas can be stretched over them and fastened with staples on the back side.
This is also a great way to create acoustical panels to help muffle sound in a room - or for those at home Zoom calls!
The lengths of the boards are up to you to decide the size of your canvas. Check out the tips below in the steps section for how to reinforce smaller or larger frames.
Tools
Kreg Tools
Other Tools
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Circular saw
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Staple gun
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Canvas pliers
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Hammer
Materials
Wood Products
- 1 Select pine lumber , 3/4"x1-1/2" (for smaller canvases) , Length varies depending on the size of your canvas
- 1 Select pine lumber , 3/4"x2-1/2" (for larger canvases) , Length varies depending on the size of your canvas
- 1 Plywood , 1/4" or 1/2" (for larger canvases) , For the triangle reinforcements
- 1 Select pine lumber , 3/4"x1-1/2" (for the exterior frame of larger canvases) , Length varies depending on the size of your canvas
Hardware & Supplies
- 4 L-brackets (if your canvas is smaller than 36"x36")
- 1 Roll of canvas
- 1 Box of 3/8" staples
- 1 Box of 1-1/4" Kreg zinc screws (see tools list)
- 1 Box of wood screws
- 1 Box of 1-1/2" long finish screws
Directions
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For canvases smaller than 36"
1-1/2" select pine lumber with 2 pocket holes at each end.
Metal L-brackets to reinforce the corners.
Tip:
Ben's notes:
The side is 1 1/2"x3/4".
The inner frame is 2 1/2"x3/4".A general rule of thumb is that you'll need two sets of sides with the same measurements.
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Canvases larger than 36"
2-1/2" select pine lumber with 2 pocket holes at each end.
8"-10" plywood triangles 1/4" or 1/2" thick to reinforce the corners.
Screw triangles to the back side of the pine frame.
A perimeter frame of 1-1/2" by 3/4" select pine makes the frame stronger and gives it a thinner and more premium edge for stretching the canvas.
Tip:
Ben made a 36" canvas, so your sides need to be a 36" x 36"