DIY Textured Wall Art & Custom Frame

DIY Textured Wall Art & Custom Frame
DIY Art Project: Affordable, Creative, and Perfect for Large Spaces

Introduction

Get ready to turn an ordinary thrifted canvas into a show-stopping piece of artwork for your home. This fun and creative DIY project combines art, texture, and craftsmanship to fill large spaces with custom beauty.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s everything to gather before you start.

Where to buy? You can find supplies online (links below via Amazon) and at your local hardware and art stores (I sourced materials additional materials from Lowe's and Michael's). List, links and pictures for reference below:

• Canvas: Thrifted or new (I used a 1.5-inch canvas from the attic!)
• Tools: Saw, screwdriver, measuring tape
• Painting Supplies:
  • Acrylic Paint (Color of your choice, I used Titanium White Acrylic)
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Masking Tape, Scotch Tape
  • Acrylic Paint Brushes
  • Palette Knife Oil Painting Tools
  • Joint Compound
  • Drop Cloth
• Framing Supplies:
  • 1.5-inch pine measured to fit canvas
  • Corner Braces
  • Minwax, oil-based stain (224 Special Walnut)
  • 220 Grit Sandpaper
  • Shop Towels
  • Wire for hanging

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prime the Canvas

Start by applying a coat of acrylic white paint to the canvas. Feel free to mix colors if you want a custom base coat. I did two layers, you can do more or less, and it will just affect how many layers you put on top of the joint compound at the end to cover any prior painting. One is probably good for a fresh canvas.

Step 2: Prep Pattern(s) & Set Up for Joint Compound

Prepare your area: lay down a tarp, gather your tools, and tape off the canvas edges and any patterns you want to keep clean. I opted for stripes using scotch tape but recommend thinner tape and would opt to try that next time (this is really just preference).

Tip: Measure lines carefully with a measuring tape to keep them straight

Step 3: Apply Joint Compound

Using gloves, take handfuls of joint compound and spread it across the canvas. Work in sections, aiming for a 1/8-inch layer. Use a spatula to spread and palette knife to create textures or lines. I used a single palette knife scraping in non-perfect lines from top to bottom.

Step 4: Remove Tape and Dry

Carefully peel off the tape while the compound is still wet to avoid sticking. Let the compound dry completely before moving on.

Step 5: Paint the Canvas

Once dry, start painting with acrylics. I used white for a clean, layered look, using a small brush so I could reach crevices. Apply multiple coats for an even finish or until you get it to your liking.

Step 6: Build the Frame

Measure your canvas and cut 45-degree angles in the pine wood for the frame corners. We assembled using a staple gun, followed by corner braces and then filled in the nail holes with wood glue. You can also just use wood glue & braces, but this got a tighter finish for us (although the tradeoff was you could slightly see some wood glue spots). 

Step 7: Finish & Stain Frame

Sand the top and edges with 220 grit sandpaper, which will allow your stain to absord to a smooth finish (like we had with the pine wood).

I used shop towels to apply stain. I did small amounts of stain at a time, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain and only applying new stain to areas that didn't have stain on it. If you need to clean up and add to a few spots, use an already damp but not freshly dipped area of your shop towel to blend some stain in without overdoing it. You can always start lighter but not go backwards, so test out sparingly and apply coats to your desire. 

Let the frame dry prior to placing the canvas inside (follow the stain instructions). Recommend laying the frame down on a flat surface and carefully placing the first corner in at a time and then adjusting it place.