A canvas print is a beautiful addition to a home.You're in luck if you want to save money or practice your craft skills.There are several ways to make your own canvas prints, from mounting photos on canvas to transferring the image to the canvas.All you need is a few simple materials and a little time.
Step 1: Purchase or gather supplies.
The supplies you need to mount a photo or other print to a canvas panel are readily available from hobby or craft stores as well as many department stores.If you use a canvas panel that is smaller than the print, you will need the photo or other print.
Step 2: If you want, you can paint the edges of the panel.
Once mounted, your print will only cover the front of the canvas panel.Many pre-made canvas panels are mounted on wood frames so that there is a small side on all sides.You can either leave the canvas blank or use a quick-drying paint to make them your own.For a classic look, choose a dark color of paint.The sides can be painted in a color that matches the print you are mounting.The sides of the canvas panel can be painted with a foam brush.Before moving on to the next step, let the panel dry.If you want more shine, you can add an additional layer of Mod Podge.
Step 3: The front of the canvas needs to be painted.
The front of the canvas panel should be painted with a thick coat of Mod Podge.Make sure the panel is coated all the way to the edges if you want the medium to not dry.You can use regular white glue or white wood glue.Since glue dries faster, you may have to work more quickly.
Step 4: The front of the canvas panel has a print on it.
Carefully lay the photo/print on the front of the canvas panel, image side up, while the Mod Podge or other medium is still wet.The print should be the same size as the front of the canvas panel.You can lay the photo down on a hard surface, then put the canvas panel on top of it.If the medium is still wet, you may be able to remove the print if you mess up laying it down.If your print is larger than your canvas panel, you should glue or staple it down.
Step 5: Put the print down.
Press down firmly if you're sure that the canvas panel is lined up the way you want it.All areas of the print should be pressed down.Press the canvas down if there are air bubbles between the print and canvas.Once the print is fastened to the canvas panel, you can flip it over, set it on a hard surface, and press down on the back of the panel to make sure it sticks.
Step 6: Mod Podge is used to coat the print.
Using a foam brush, coat the front of the photo or print in a light coat of Mod Podge, using long, even strokes.It might look like you are covering the print, but remember that the Mod Podge or medium will dry clear.
Step 7: If you want, you can add texture.
While the print is still wet, lay a piece of scrap canvas fabric on top of it.Pull it away when you press down gently.A simulation canvas texture will be left behind.If you don't want this texture on your print, skip this step.If you don't have a scrap piece of canvas to use, you can roll a foam roller over Mod Podge to create a similar effect.
Step 8: Once the print is finished, hang it.
When the paint is dry, your print is ready to hang.canvas panels have a "lip" or overhand that makes them easy to hang on a wall using a nail, wire, or other common methods.
Step 9: Purchase or gather supplies.
Transferring a photo to canvas doesn't require a lot of supplies, just a little more time.You can find supplies at hobby, craft, and department stores.If you use a canvas panel that is smaller than the print, you will need the photo or other print.
Step 10: Prepare your picture.
Print the image on regular paper for this method.You can transfer the image onto the canvas by removing the excess paper.If there is wording on the image, you should first create and print a reverse image so that it will transfer correctly to the canvas.If you have a digital file with a scanned image, you can use most photo and image processing software to reverse an image.
Step 11: Mod Podge is used to coat the canvas.
The front of the canvas panel should be painted with a thick coat of Mod Podge.Make sure the panel is coated all the way to the edges if you want the medium to not dry.
Step 12: The canvas panel has a print on it.
Carefully lay the photo/print down on the wet Mod Podge/medium.The canvas panel should be lined up exactly with the print.
Step 13: Put the print down.
Make sure that the print is firmly fixed to the Mod Podge/medium and canvas panel by not rubbing the paper too hard.If there are any air bubbles, smooth them out with your hands.
Step 14: Let the panel dry.
The best time to let the panel dry is 24 hours.Don't worry, your print will look like a piece of paper attached to the canvas, but things will come together soon.
Step 15: Rub the print with a damp sponge.
Put a sponge in the water.The canvas panel has a paper print on it.The paper will rub off as it gets wet.The image from the print will remain on the panel.If you are using a spray bottle of water, rub the paper with your fingers.
Step 16: Mod Podge is used to coat the panel.
A light coat of Mod Podge or gel medium is needed to coat the front of the canvas panel.The image will be protected by this.
Step 17: Once the print is done, hang it.
You can hang your print if the top coat of Mod Podge is dry.canvas panels have a "lip" or overhand that makes them easy to hang on a wall using a nail, wire, or other methods.