Mounting A Painting the Easy Way :: Canvas to Board

[@bhinderbinder]

I definitely appreciate your succinctness. No unnecessary information or babbling.

[@jamesp8255]

I agree! I've seen videos with this information that are 45 minutes.

[@Deliciousobsessions]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed. My brother passed away and left behind some beautiful paintings he did on canvas sheets. I've been trying to figure out how to mount/frame them for the family to enjoy. This is much easier than I had expected!

[@thehappypotter9612]

Maybe you could paint the sides of the cradled panel black before the time, then it would looked nicely finished even without a frame

[@MichaelKingArt]

Great idea. Saves framing them.

[@MarkowskyArt]

That's a very interesting method! Often I will do this but staple the extra fabric around the sides (because I rarely frame my paintings). However, I think I might try doing this because I like the look of the canvas appearing to float right on top of the panel! Thanks for being so generous and sharing this great idea!

[@eastcoastmz]

Excellent! I'm going to try this. Seems simple and easy enough.

[@cmaculet80]

You can also use some carbon transfer paper underneath. I use a closed pen and mark around the outside of the canvas. The carbon paper leaves a black line or mark where you pressed.

[@dianehansma1725]

I never tried painting on canvas first~~what an amazing idea. I was looking for a video on~~ how you would mount your larger size paintings? If it's easy enough, I would love to try it. I am 65 and the arthritis in my thumbs makes it impossible to stretch my own canvas. I would love it, if you have a video on it. Buying large canvases is way too costly. I am playing with abstract for my own use and trying to do one for my son and his wife in a large size. Warm greetings from Canada.

[@marciablake8705]

I used your technique for mounting a canvas we had purchased in Rio in 2013. Your instructions were very helpful.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Stephanie-bd9ly]

Won't the glue BLEED through the canvas ???

[@MichaelKingArt]

With raw canvas I can see it bleed through but if the canvas is primed or has paint on it, it wouldn’t.

[@RimaMilligan]

thank you- I am going to sublimate a child's crayon drawing to a polyester coated canvas sheet. Thank you for showing me the next step!

[@natalieparham3142]

This is exactly what I was looking for!!!! Thank you so very much❤❤❤❤

[@MichaelKingArt]

My pleasure!

[@vickiyoung9191]

Excellent teaching..I can do this now...Thank you

[@cthomaswilliamson8945]

Excellent solution!!!

[@KawaiiGlitterful]

Great technique! The thing is a lot of my paintings are huge, about 60x70 in. how would you approach mounting those?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I would have planned a 3” to 4” border around the edge so I could stretch them. I wouldn’t trust myself to mount that size on a board of any type. :D. Best of luck.

[@KawaiiGlitterful]

@@MichaelKingArt thank you!

[@adityachatterjee8839]

May I ask why you chose cutting the excess rather than folding them around the edges of the panel the way they do when stretching canvas? Just curious if there's some particular reason

[@MichaelKingArt]

Cutting is easier than gluing the sides and dealing with the extra canvas at the corners.

[@laurenr8388]

I have a oil painting on loose canvas and wanted to do this. My question is, will the glue seep through the canvas to the painted side since canvas is essentially cloth?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I have not had that happen. I can understand the worry though. After spreading the glue onto the wood base, let it sit for a few minutes to let some of the moisture be absorbed by the wood. Just don’t wait too long as dry glue doesn’t work well.

[@scetchport]

Appreciate your input. Is the PVA glue waterproof and Archive quality ?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Not water proof, but that is why I use it - in case it needs to be removed at some point. Archival, yes, if you buy it from an art store. I wouldn’t trust Elmers.

[@wctpw3911]

Exactly what I was looking for.

[@MichaelKingArt]

+wctpw Excellent.

[@rrdd8457]

i like those marking ideas. thanks.

[@MichaelKingArt]

+Rrdd Your welcome. It makes alignment so much easier.

[@priyankagoel8901]

Thank you so much for explaining this so simply...still I've a query... If on a mdf board which is mounted with canvas ( 6×2 ft), I want to paste/fix some wooden circles/ semicircles to complete a art piece. How can I paste it. With which medium. Could you please help me in this... would be happy to see you reply.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Yeah, that would be above my knowledge of what is best to use. Sorry.

[@christinetite2829]

Thank you Michael for sharing...Can I varnish the back of my birch wood support to prevent warping after canvas is dry? Thanks, well done video, clear and precise....cheers

[@MichaelKingArt]

That’s a good question. If it is a water based varnish it may warp the board but if a solvent based one I am not sure. Would be worth a test.

[@christinetite2829]

Thanks Michael for replying.....I used a solvent Varnish from Liquitex, no problems and it emphasized the grain making the back look very nice. I used 3 m Auto tape to neatly cover canvas edges and prevent the frayed canvas strings from showing. Laid flat with weight overnight, no warping, all looks very neat as the back of a painting should, in MHO. Hope this helps others. Now to painting! Cheers

[@MichaelKingArt]

Nice. Now I’m going to have to try it. :)

[@kimazz1]

thank you, can you please identify the glue you used in writing ? I couldn't quite get it. Great video, thank you again.

[@MichaelKingArt]

The glue is called PVA Glue. I believe it stands for Poly Vinyl Acetate.

[@udayanipathapati422]

Hi Michael, thanks for the wonderful video. I have a question... how do we lay the canvas flat if its got thick textures in it? Do you have any suggestions? Also, I have a store bought canvas board which has modeling paste details in it and it warped on one corner.. how can I fix this.. please help! _/\_

[@MichaelKingArt]

For the thick texture I’d probably use one or two thick towels to help protect the texture. Not sure what to do about the warped corner though.

[@udayanipathapati422]

@@MichaelKingArt Thanku so much for your suggestions!

[@OurGentleJourneys]

This is an excellent video, thank you!

[@StevePhillips]

Brilliant tips saved me whole lot of unnecessary work. But rather than trim I folded over the canvas and stapled to the wood.

[@mikeramirez2356]

Your wood would (lol) have to be thicker than the staple depth though right? I wonder how it'd be done if it were thin plywood … does gluing on the back work just fine?

[@KateEmeryProductions]

Thanks! Very helpful. Question: I have a couple of paintings with pretty thick paint. Is there a way to adhere the canvas without using weights? I’m afraid it will crush the raised texture of the paint.

[@MichaelKingArt]

The only idea that comes to mind is to place the painting face down on a thick towel before placing the weights down.

[@KateEmeryProductions]

Thank you - Great idea.

[@southphillylilly]

This might be silly but, what kind of board did you use? Can you recommend a fairly light board?have some fairly large paintings on canvas and I am going to need the board to be light enough that I can manage it myself and I’m not that big of a person ,so I’m kind of limited in the weight that I can put onto the wall. Limited in what I can lift to hang and also in what my walls can handle

[@MichaelKingArt]

I used a cradled panel from a local art store. If you have large canvas, stretching it would be best. If that isn’t possible, to save weight you may want to try Gator Board. It’s a very strong, light weight foam board. Not the easiest to find but framers will usually carry it though.

[@donnaschirmer4925]

Could I use a canvas board and where do you purchase that type of glue. Very helpful video. To the point. Thank you.

[@MichaelKingArt]

I’m not sure about the canvas board. Maybe if the back is very flat. You can usually buy neutral ph PVA glue from most art supply stores in person or online.

[@mfr336]

I love that painting!

[@MichaelKingArt]

Thank you.

[@donnasimmons5440]

Hi! Very nice painting. Where did you get the wood board? What is the board called?

[@MichaelKingArt]

They are called Cradled Panels and can be found at your local art stores, or even on Amazon.

[@DeanMarsh1962]

Please I'm new to this. What is the benefits of working on unstretched canvas, then mounting it later on what looks like you would buy already stretched? I'm very interested in painting on unstretched canvas. Thank you.

[@MichaelKingArt]

+Dean Marsh For me, its easy to paint any size you want, if it doesn't work out I can just toss it and it's cheaper than pre stretched canvas. Cons are u need to pin or tape it to a firm surface.

[@microscope]

@@MichaelKingArt Are there hazards to mounting the canvas to board before sizing and painting?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I can’t really think of any but I am not a conservator. In the end, if it lasts your lifetime I would call it a success. 😀

[@BeccaW888]

Do you recommend a primed or unprimed cradled board? Or does it not matter? Thank you!

[@MichaelKingArt]

Good question. I would use an unprimed board for better adhesion.

[@BeccaW888]

@@MichaelKingArt Thank you! Perfect :)

[@jenmuse2141]

Thanks for this!

[@garylamb7849]

Have you or could you use a roller to spread the PVA to be absolutely uniform?

[@MichaelKingArt]

For sure, but given it would apply a thinner coat I may apply a layer to the back of the canvas as well.

[@garylamb7849]

@@MichaelKingArt Great. Thanks for the quick response

[@daveymichael6891]

I have some small thin 6x4 wood panels but they have rounded corners instead of straight edged corners like in your video. I can trim the excess off on the sides but have issues with getting the blade around the rounded corners. Is there any better method for this?

[@MichaelKingArt]

After the canvas is mounted and dried, I’d trim the corners first fallowing the curve and being very precise. After the corners are cut finish cutting the straights and it it all should come off cleanly.

[@asm4589]

You are very generous!! Thanks heaps!!!

[@nidaljabarin4743]

Thank you for this video, What is the best per GSM maximum should be linen to attach plywood in egg tempera? I am waiting for answering, thank you.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Sorry, that question is above my knowledge. I’ve never looked into the best GSM adhesion strengths for different materials.

[@psoadministrator4130]

Would this method work with a synthetic canvas? I ordered a painting from Etsy (for a 3 year old's room) and it came very poorly stretched with ghosting of the stretcher bars. I took it off the frame and steamed it slightly, which got rid of the ghosting, but unlike cotton canvas, it really has a lot of give/stretch to it so I'm worried that if I just buy a new stretcher it will happen again.

[@MichaelKingArt]

It should work, yes. As in the video, just make sure it’s a thin layer of glue and you press it flat.

[@tonidipalermo6772]

Great video, thank you! One comment; I could barely hear you even though I had the audio turned up all the way. If you can increase the volume on your end, that would be so helpful. Your painting is just gorgeous! Thanks again.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Interesting. Thank u for the feedback. I’ll make sure to increase the volume on future videos.

[@chrisgrayling7584]

Came in loud and clear at my end.

[@2Fennie]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MollyPederson]

can I leave the extra canvas there without trimming it? I like the look of raw canvas on my work.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Absolutely. It’s your vision.

[@leeneedham782]

i'm thinking of trying the pre primed canvas but am unsure how well a larger piece would staple to a stretcher frame.Do you ever use stretcher frame instead of board and any tips?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I do sometimes mount onto stretcher frames after painting. Be careful not to stretch too tight or you will find the paint cracks around the edges.

[@mmooresmithiv60]

If my canvas painting is 16x24 what size board do you recommend to put it on?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I would mount it to the same size board unless you plan to crop the scene. With any painting you will lose at least 3/8” (9.5 mm) per edge when framing.

[@mmooresmithiv60]

@@MichaelKingArt thank you!

[@MichaelKingArt]

Anytime. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@dorothyscott701]

Very helpful❣️

[@MichaelKingArt]

Excellent!

[@mysabic8096]

Thank you, Michael!

[@SuperXrunner]

Pretty Cool

[@mfa8086]

Thank you.

[@starlaferguson1893]

Can you use this kind of glue with a watercolor painting which has been painted on 100%cotton 140lb

[@MichaelKingArt]

Technically yes but I would not advise it. The water in the glue may effect the painting. You would be best to visit a framing and have it dry mounted.

[@AdventuresWithRobin]

You can definitely use this with water colour and you can either use cold wax (Dorland's) or a spray UV varnish if you don't want to frame it. Check on line for the best brand for your area. In Canada I use Krylon spray varnish. If you have a gel medium (golden, liquitex etc) it will also work to adhere your paper to the cradle board!

[@tbowes701]

Hi, and thanks for the great mounting idea! Beautiful! I followed your instructions - except for one step I forgot: The final check on centering - after working out the bubbles. Now my wife's PBN is 1/2" off-center! (crying emoji). Any tips on removing the painted canvas from the dried PVA /board so I can try again?? Thanks for any help you can offer! Tom

[@MichaelKingArt]

No tips for that. Once it’s dried it’s set. Sorry to hear about the mistake.

[@Sophiegirl032603]

I would like to mount a canvas cardboard panel onto a wooden cradle panel, so I can put it in a floater frame. Will this PVA glue work for this cardboard canvas panel?

[@MichaelKingArt]

It should. Just make sure you apply enough weight on it when drying.

[@macaroon147]

After painting on loose canvas which I stuck to my easel with tape to stretch it as I paint. Can I remove it and let it dry unstreched? What's the normal process of letting an oil painting dry on loose canvas?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Yes, it will be fine. Just make sure it’s flat when drying.

[@People_R_Foolish]

How do you paint on that type of canvas? Is there a hold for it?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I just pin it to a wall or tape it to a board.

[@gustavoares170]

Hi Michael. thanks for this tutorial.. I wonder how you set the canvas to pain on it? do you have any tip? Since I am learning, I start doing it on paper (300gr), but I would also like to try on canvas.... Thanks

[@MichaelKingArt]

I just tape the canvas corners to a board and paint. As long as it doesn’t fall off your good. :)

[@gustavoares170]

@@MichaelKingArt Thank you very much!, do you use any particular canvas? (I have the home depot canvas and was planing to start with that one) any tip on that?, gessoing, priming? hope you keep your channel alive! great paints there!!

[@MichaelKingArt]

I prefer pre-primed canvas as it saves a step. That being said, what you are using is fine. To gesso it, try to tape or pin it flat as it will make applying gesso easier. I’d even add a little water to the gesso to make the first layer easier to apply. Not too much though. After the first coat dries apply another. I don’t sand between coats as I like texture. If you do, best to wear a mask. Hope that helps. Always working on new vids but have been short on time theses days.

[@gustavoares170]

@@MichaelKingArt thanks for the comments. I wonder whether you primed this particular canvas? seems to be very flexible to be gesso it. Are you using any particular gesso to maintain the flexibility of the canvas? I thought that the gesso would get off if you bend the canvas, or at least crack.

[@MichaelKingArt]

The canvas in video is pre-primed with acrylic gesso. It will crack if bent too far but in general acrylic gesso is quite flexible. Saying that, thin coats are better than thick coats.

[@PogueSquadron]

Will this work easily for large sizes as well? I'm looking to do something similar at 24" x 36".

[@MichaelKingArt]

You could. Just ensure you push out all the air and have a large flat space to turn it over onto with enough weights to ensure everything stays flat.

[@kalintini]

Can you use Mod Podge for gluing ?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I would this yes but isn’t it quite thick?

[@jmscott31]

The glue doesn't ruin the integrity of the painting? Sorry if it's a ridiculous question. Just seems odd to use a glue on a painting. I know nothing about this. But I have 3 paintings I purchased out in Guatemala. I plan to mount them myself after finding out how much a local store would charge LOL. 8" x 24", they want almost 200 dollars :) I will not pay anything near that. I'd rather do it myself, but don't want ot mess up!

[@MichaelKingArt]

If oil or acrylic, it shouldn’t. If another medium was used, always possible. 18x24” is fairly large. Plan, measure and go through a few dry runs to make the process smooth. Once it’s glued, it’s not coming off without professional help and $$$$.

[@jmscott31]

@@MichaelKingArt Thank you for the reply!! Greatly appreciated.

[@yonken357]

Nice work, thank you for the video

[@speedexshahindore2922]

There is very wide range of PVA glue. We don't understand which PVA should we use to mount canvas on Sunboard or MDF board?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Best to purchase a brand that specifies it is archival.

[@speedexshahindore2922]

Here what is the meaning of Archival? Sorry this might be a silly question from me. But I am not very good with English.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Ph neutral and has no acid in it that would start to deteriorate canvas or paper. Elmer’s glue is a PVA glue that is slightly acidic. Archival would mean a Ph of 7, no acid. Hope this helps. If you buy the glue from and art store they can help you.

[@allisonbutcher8856]

Could this type if painting be stretched? Or is mounting the only way?

[@MichaelKingArt]

If there is enough border around the painting then, yes, it could be stretched. Typically you need at least 1.5” of border for this, although you may be able to do it with 1”.

[@NarendraVarunArts]

Nice

[@MichaelKingArt]

Thanks

[@WSUGLUE]

Michael, I was wondering if the PVA Size sold by Gamblin would work for this? Thank you!

[@MichaelKingArt]

I think Size is diluted PVA so it may be too watery. Something to check.

[@powercatsp]

Can you do this with a photo print on canvas?

[@MichaelKingArt]

That is an excellent question. In this day and age I would think yes but you’ll need to do research on inks used, etc to come to a firm conclusion. I would personally do a test first by mounting one and seeing the results. Since I have not I can cannot fully recommend it.

[@powercatsp]

@@MichaelKingArt thank you

[@zol5583]

I guess cutting it is the easier way to go, I was so eagerly waiting for you to show how to wrap around the board

[@MichaelKingArt]

That’s too much work. :D

[@dorothystevens5951]

What is the glue you use to do this???

[@MichaelKingArt]

PVA glue. Acid free kind.

[@nompoo3115]

Thank you! I have a question. Does a finished painting warp if removed from a stretched canvas to mount on board?

[@MichaelKingArt]

It shouldn’t. The extra canvas on the sides will be all bend and deformed from the stretcher bars but the painting itself should be fine.

[@mariamendoza-vo3kw]

Just what I was looking for. But I was looking for that glue and couldn’t find it. I googled it and mod podge and elmers glue came up. Would that work?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Let’s put it this way.. both will work and stick the canvas to board. What I cannot vouch for is how well it will hold over time or how it will affect the canvas.

[@fury_dz7881]

Thank you....

[@marye8624]

Do you ever use spray adhesive? Seems easier then spreading wet glue and more level? Just curious. Thanks for sharing

[@MichaelKingArt]

I don’t know. You can but be aware that spray adhesives are solvent based and can stain, no idea what it would do to the canvas, and are not archival; meaning it would yellow, dry and crack over time, leaving your painting peeling of the board you put it on.

[@mollyrauber9400]

Can u glue to just a plain board?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Absolutely.

[@beatricefisher9413]

Thank you very much for sharing.

[@natalieperitore9304]

What kind of glue you using

[@MichaelKingArt]

Acid free PVA glue.

[@natalieperitore9304]

@@MichaelKingArt thank you

[@barbcox2497]

Thank you. Will use this technique to mount my dad's painting after his death.

[@DOTTYTIME]

Hi do you have any suggestions for framing Diamond Paintings

[@MichaelKingArt]

By diamond, I assume you mean the four sided shape with points up and down & left and right. Hmm, I would think it would have to be a custom frame of sorts. Wish I could give you more advise than that obvious statement. Hmmm.

[@gwenharlow4328]

Very clear and helpful. Thank you.

[@sonyacharles5938]

thanks very helpful

[@joeblock62]

I quit using PVA glue after discovering Earl Lube Paste. PVA is essentially wood glue. PVA is an acidic polymer and brittle along with many other bad traits that are not good for art. The reason everybody makes PVA based adhesives is because it is cheap. Earl Lube Paste is an acrylic type wheat paste the is non acidic and will stay flexible (like you canvas) forever.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Good to know. FWIW, Archival PVA glue is acid free and safe to use long term.

[@cathleenrocco4804]

why would one use this method instead of mounting to a stretcher frame?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Two reasons. 1) You can’t get a stretcher frame in the size you want 2) There are not large enough borders on the canvas to allow the painting to be stretched.

[@malydia5032]

Am I be able to use Elmer's glue instead?

[@paulbouchard9521]

This is a great instructional video but I've never heard of a PVA glue that's reversible.

[@lydiabliss444]

thanks !!!

[@joebrann261]

I like your method

[@beast11135]

Where do I buy a board? Would Hobby Lobby or a similar store have them?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I’m not familiar with Hobby Lobby. Local art stores should have them. They are also referred to as cradled panels.

[@anyssaverdugo2367]

Thank you!!!!!

[@aprilharvey2225]

If your painting is an odd size what kind of board do you Use?

[@MichaelKingArt]

I will either cut a board myself or get one made depending on the size.

[@robertb3077]

It seems to me that you should use an odd size board.

[@SuperMysavior]

I tried to mounting painting on canvas to blank canvas with same glue, but it got very wrinkly.but I spread glue over the painting to. Is it why I got it all wrinkly?

[@MichaelKingArt]

You mounted canvas to canvas?

[@robinmccartan6639]

Hi, can I ask, is it ok to keep adding to the painting that you have mounted or once it has mounted do you have to leave it as is?

[@MichaelKingArt]

+Robin McCartan It shouldn’t be any problem to touch up here and there or glaze a few layers. I’m sure you could repaint the entire thing and it wouldn’t be an issue. Just don’t leave it in the rain. :)-

[@AliBaba-ke5jn]

Hi. Please explain how to frame this.

[@MichaelKingArt]

Since this is on a cradled panel you can use a front loading frame. If just on a piece of board you can use a regular frame.

[@udayanipathapati422]

@@MichaelKingArt Hi Michael, could you please provide links for these front loading and regular frames for artworks, google just provides too many options without proper pictures and description for frames. I have a canvas board (1/8" thick) with heavy impasto work, I am looking for a frame for it :) TIA _/\_

[@MichaelKingArt]

Front loading frames for panels are usually custom as they are usually designed for 3/4” or 1.5” canvas. It seems they are also call floater frames. Here is a KZbin vid explaining. kzbin.info/www/bejne/an2Ze5KDrdKIjsk

[@udayanipathapati422]

@@MichaelKingArt Thanku so much, yes floating frames I have heard of :) thanks again!

[@thegudii0000]

thanks for this

[@MichaelKingArt]

Glad it helped!

[@mutedearthvirgo]

where does one find a cradled canvas?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Must be my mumbling, I am mounting the canvas to a cradled panel.

[@voneal627]

Where do you find a board like that?

[@MichaelKingArt]

You can get these, called cradled panels, at most art stores.

[@pei-hsuanperry2031]

Where can I get the board? Thank you

[@MichaelKingArt]

You can find a variety of boards and cradled panels at art stores. If your handy, you can cut your own.

[@pei-hsuanperry2031]

Thank you, Michael

[@ezraindgjer8383]

Just to verify, can you use this same method with an OIL painting as you don't specify. Thank you

[@MichaelKingArt]

+Ezra Indgjer An important details it seems I missed in the video. Yes, this works with oil paintings as well. In fact, the painting in the video is oil. Just make sure it is well cured (dried), especially if you have impasto work on the painting.

[@ezraindgjer8383]

Thank you!

[@MichaelKingArt]

+Ezra Indgjer Glad I could help.

[@davidschneider5419]

Can you mount photographs on canvas the same way?

[@MichaelKingArt]

+David Schneider Hmmm, I'm not sure.

[@latination2013]

what brand of glue and name?

[@MichaelKingArt]

+Jay Geo I used my local art store brand, but what you are looking for is just a PVA glue.

[@MichaelKingArt]

+hypermom31 That's a good question. I don't really know specific brands. I use my art stores brand. What you want to look for is glue described as PVA glue that is neutral PH or archival. Sorry, I cannot help you more than that.

[@linseybuckler551]

Just out of curiosity, why a board rather than a ‘frame’?

[@MichaelKingArt]

Stability to make it easier to frame. Canvas is too floppy without support.

[@linseybuckler551]

@@MichaelKingArt thank you for replying. I’ll bare this in mind.

[@davidparkes7977]

Wouldnt you put rhe canvas on the panel than paint on it.Pva and oilpaint dont mix😮

[@MichaelKingArt]

Painting on loose canvas is easier for studies. Storage is easier and if it doesn’t work out, less expensive.

[@beekeepermariadelgado6806]

What if painting had no margin or a narrow margin

[@MichaelKingArt]

Placement will be a little trickier. Good luck.