How To “Fake” a Gallery-WrappedCanvas Print
This tutorial is inexpensive, easy, and best of all: low-risk. I was in need of some art for our bathroom, and it needed to be rather large and until I can afford what I’ve really got my heart set on — rather cheap.
I decided to take a poster that I liked (picked up at a craft store for around $10) and skip the large expensive frame. Instead, I made it look like a wrapped canvas, using a cheap old thrift store canvas I had lying around. Warning: this project is not for the perfectionist! If you’re looking for large-scale art on a budget, and can accept some minor flaws, this is the project for you! I completed this project in less than 20 minutes.
What You Need
• poster
• canvas just a bit smaller than the poster
• adhesive such as mod podge
• brush
• staple gun or stapler
Instructions
1. Lay out your poster.
2. Place canvas on top to be sure you have enough room to fold the edges around.
3. Spread out your adhesive.
4. Starting at the bottom or top, carefully press your poster onto the gluey canvas, taking care to smooth out air bubbles. Note: I didn’t photograph this step because I needed both hands — and you will too!
5. Flip the whole thing over and smooth it out.
6. Flip back over and use your fingers, a dry towel, or a brayer to smooth out any extra wrinkles.
7. Flip back over, and carefully wrap the edges around to the back of the canvas. Secure in place with staples.
8. Fold corners neatly like wrapping a present and secure with staples.
10. Hang, and enjoy!
(Images: Sarah Dobbins)