Loose canvas prints are a beautiful and versatile way to display fine art. Unlike traditional stretched canvases, they offer flexibility—you can frame them exposed or behind glass, mount them temporarily, or have them custom-fitted to your style.
I offer a large collection of fine art prints, all printed on museum-quality canvas, and they pair beautifully with the mounting methods I’m about to share! If you’re ready to frame your loose canvas print with the canvas exposed, this guide will walk you through a simple DIY method—plus a few convenient done-for-you options.
(Tip: smaller prints, 10x10” and under, can simply be placed in front of the glass in most frames without any extra mounting!)
Option 1: The Easy DIY – Mount Directly Over Glass or Acrylic
This method is quick, reversible, and requires no special tools.
What you’ll need:
- A frame with removable glass or acrylic
- 2" or 4" wide carpet tape (double-sided, designed to keep rugs in place.)
- A loose canvas fine art print
Steps:
- Remove the glass or acrylic from the frame and clean the surface.
- Apply rows of wide carpet tape directly to the glass or acrylic, covering most of the surface.
- Tip: It’s better to place tape on the glass rather than on the back of the print to avoid any residue.
- Gently place your canvas print on top of the taped surface, smoothing it out with your hands so it adheres evenly.
- Pop the frame back together.
The beauty of this method is that the carpet tape won’t damage your canvas—you can peel the print off at any time if you decide to change things up.
Tip: Be sure to order a frame that matches the exact size of your print. All of my prints are cut true to size—so if you purchase a 20x20" print, you’ll need a 20x20" frame. The frame opening will fit your print perfectly, no extra measuring or trimming required.
Option 2: Professional Dry Mounting
If you’d like a professional option, you can always take your canvas to a professional framer. Ask for a dry mount with the canvas exposed. This method secures the print flat to a backing board while leaving the texture of the canvas visible and framed with your selected choice. It’s sleek, archival, and a great option if your budget allows.
Option 3: Skip the DIY—Select a Framed Print
If you’d prefer a ready-to-hang option, you can order any fine art print already framed directly from my site. Prints 16x16" and larger are securely mounted to a board and finished in a classic gold frame for a polished, gallery-style presentation.
All 16x16" and 16x20" framed prints automatically come mounted this way, so you can simply select your favorite artwork and have it arrive beautifully framed and ready to display. For custom sizes up to 24x30" not listed on my site, just open a live chat and I’ll be happy to walk you through the options.
Smaller framed prints (10x10" and under) don’t require additional mounting. They’re designed to be displayed in front of the glass—just place the print over the glass, smooth it out, and pop it back into the frame. Each smaller framed print is prepared this way, giving you the flexibility to display it with or without the glass depending on the look you love.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer a professional finish, there are plenty of ways to mount and frame your loose canvas prints. For the simplest route, carpet tape and a standard frame will do the trick beautifully. If you’re looking for longevity and a more refined finish, dry mounting or a custom frame may be the perfect fit.
Your art should be easy to enjoy—choose the method that feels right for your space, your style, and your budget.
