How to Float a Canvas Frame

A floating frame is one that surrounds a picture or painting without covering any of the front surface. Most float frames incorporate a small gap between the painting and the frame, which creates a dramatic effect and is well-suited to canvas paintings. You can add your own floating frame to a wrapped canvas painting or picture in a few steps. Accurate measurements are important when ordering the framing material, but the material is easy to install around the canvas.

Measuring tape
Canvas painting or picture
Framing material
Finishing nails
Hammer
Hanging kit

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height and width of your canvas. Measure multiple times for better accuracy, and write down the exact dimensions.
- 2
  Order the floating frame material from a framing store or online. Give the exact dimensions and decide how much of a floating gap you would like for your frame.
- 3
  Lay the canvas painting face down on a table or other surface. Assemble the frame pieces around it so that the front of the frame is also facing down.
- 4
  Hammer finishing nails through the framing material and into the wood frame of the stretched canvas. Continue around the frame hammering a nail every 3 inches.
- 5
  Attach a hanging kit to the back of the frame if you plan to hang it. Follow the installation instructions that came with the kit, as each kit is slightly different.

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