Craft a simple rustic picture frame for large posters or art using affordable 1×2 boards and stain.
I recently found two wonderful art prints at a thrift shop.
They were exactly what I needed for a particular space.
However, they lacked a frame.
Expensive custom frames aren't necessary; we made a quick DIY frame with budget-friendly 1 x 2 boards.
Here are the materials required for this homemade picture frame:
- 1x 2 boards—sufficient to encircle your art print completely, plus a small surplus.
- Miter saw (Alternatively, precise cuts can be obtained from your local hardware store if you measure carefully.)
- Air Brad Nail Gun
- Wood Stain (We used Minwax Provincial for staining ours.)
- Foam brush
- Rag
- Staple Gun
- Sawtooth hanger
First, gauge the width of the top and bottom edges of your art print.
Utilizing the miter saw, trim 2 sections to the length determined by your measurement.
Next, determine the side piece length by resting the top and bottom rails onto the art print.
The side pieces must span the gap between the top and bottom rails; cut 2 pieces to this length.
Assemble the 4 rail pieces at the corners using a brad nailer.
Position the brads on the top and bottom corners, ensuring they remain concealed when the frame is displayed.
The final step involves applying stain or paint to the frame.
You have the freedom to use any desired finish, or simply leave the wood in its natural state.
We opted for the Minwax Providence Stain for our project.
Here are some helpful suggestions for staining wood creations:
- Ensure the wood stain is thoroughly mixed using a stir stick.
- Use a foam brush or a rag to spread the stain onto the wood.
- After application, wipe away any surplus stain with a lint-free cloth.
- For a subtle stain effect, apply it with a rag and layer with subsequent coats as needed.
- To achieve a deeper stain, allow the stain to rest on the surface for a few minutes before wiping it off.
Next, fasten the art print or poster to the reverse side of the frame utilizing a staple gun.
Place a sawtooth hanger in the middle of the top rail on the frame's back and secure it with a nail.
Since these frames are light, one sawtooth hanger on the back suffices; however, larger frames might benefit from hangers on both the left and right top corners.
Common Questions Regarding DIY Large Frames
What amount of wood is required?
Sum the measurements of all four sides of your artwork, then account for an additional foot for cutting. Typically, one 8-foot 1×2 board is sufficient for a medium poster.
Can glass be included in this frame?
This frame has an open, rustic design with the art stapled to the back, so it cannot support glass. For protection, size-cut acrylic can be stapled behind the frame along with the print.
Is this suitable for a canvas painting?
Yes! For a stretched canvas, construct the frame slightly bigger than the canvas and attach it from the rear using small screws instead of staples.
Other DIY frame or poster ideas:
- Check out this DIY large wall art |How to frame an Engineer Print.
- Finishing off a photo or art print for wall display can also be achieved quickly and easily by mastering how to mount photos on foam board.
Access Free Printable Art to Frame
After mastering the frame creation, consider adding a beautiful piece of art inside! I have created a selection of complimentary home printables, ranging from delicate plant illustrations to timely seasonal artwork, which appear wonderful within a basic wood frame such as this.
Should you prefer a nature-inspired aesthetic, begin with one of my complimentary botanical art print collections. Enter your email address below, and I will deliver my free winter landscape art print, along with immediate entry to my extensive collection of over 100 free home printables. This offers the simplest method to beautify an empty wall for nearly no cost.
To discover further inspiration for wall decorations, visit my Wall Decor Pinterest Board here.
