Build a Giant DIY Canvas Frame Using a Drop Cloth
Large art pieces can be super expensive. The canvas alone can cost a small fortune, but not if you build it yourself! Let’s build a giant DIY canvas frame using a drop cloth and a few pieces of inexpensive lumber.
So, what life without a little ingenuity and sweat equity? I decided that we could make this happen! Step one – build a giant DIY canvas frame using a drop cloth, my favorite little secret ally!
Have you ever dreamed up an idea only to find that in reality, what you want isn’t necessarily what you can afford? But it doesn’t change the fact that you want it. Well, when was doing the foyer room makeover, I knew I wanted a massive piece of contemporary art to live in the foyer. Problem? Price, what else. The price for an 8ft by 7ft canvas alone would have taken all of my allotted budget and more.
A drop cloth can be a blank canvas just waiting to be filled with color…or it can be an annoying necessity when painting your living room. But what if we told you that drop cloths can also be used to create giant canvases for painting?
All you need is a drop cloth, a wood frame, and some paint, and you’re ready to create your own masterpiece. Plus, this project is much cheaper than buying a large canvas from a store. So whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner who just wants to have some fun, give this project a try.
If you have followed my blog for a little while, you know how BIG my crush is on drop cloths. They just complete me or should I say my projects. Ha!
*Supplies:
- Large drop cloth
- Nail gun
- Nails
- Saw
- Miter box
- or Chop saw
- Staple gun
- Staples
- Clamp
*Supply list contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Step 1:
Decide how large is large. For me, I wanted 8ft. x 7ft, so my dropcloth size was 9ft.x12ft.
Step 2:
Purchase lumber for the frame. I decided to use thinner building supplies to allow a little more (probably more perceived space honestly) since hallway that leads to the formal living room is on the narrow side.
Step 3:
Build the outer “box” of the frame. Then beef up the corners. Finally add the cross pieces.
This frame is huge so, we initially thought we could get away with just the corner braces but the frame wobbled and looked wonky on the wall. We toe-nailed the cross pieces into the frame and they made all the difference.
Step 4:
Cut your drop cloth down to your desired size plus a few extra inches on each side to ensure complete wrap around of wood frame.
My lumber thickness is 2ish inches (we made the frame out of 1×2’s which is not exactly 1×2 inches) so I have an excess of at least 2 1/2 inches for coverage.
*Once you finish stretching and stapling – you will need to cut off any bit of excess.
Step 5:
There are different theories and thoughts on stretching canvas. This method is what works for me. Place one staple in the middle of each side. As you move around the frame firmly but gently tug on the cloth to keep it taut. Then place a staple on each side of the middle staple. Continue this process until you have stapled all around the canvas. Leave the corners to last.
Corners– Pull the middle of the corner taut, diagonal and down., Staple. This will leave a little flap on each side. Take one flap at a time and gently pull taut and down towards the frame’s corner and staple. Repeat this on each corner.
I really hate that I do not have pictures of this process – I got caught up in the process and forgot. I will try to do a smaller frame so I can show you in more detail or I am sure the all powerful google can help if you do not want to wait on me.
The canvas is ready for your inspiration! If you want to see how I painted my abstract painting just click here!
Painting can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right colors and materials. But with a little creativity, anyone can create a beautiful abstract painting.
And there’s no need to break the bank: all you need is a drop cloth and a wood frame. Just add some paint and let your imagination run wild.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to create stunning works of art that will brighten up any room in your home.
Till Later Friends,
