Quick answer
You can give any completed paint by number kit a framed look without buying a custom frame by mounting the canvas on a stretched frame or using a floating frame technique.
Why skip a traditional frame?
Custom framing can cost more than the kit itself and may not be necessary for a paint by number piece. A simple mounting method preserves your work and lets you display it right away. The key is choosing a technique that matches the kit's size and your decor.
What you'll need
Most paint by number canvases are pre-primed and sized to fit standard frames. For a no-frame finish, you'll need a canvas stretcher bar set (or a pre-assembled frame), archival tape, and a clean, flat workspace. Optional: a mat board or foam core for added depth.
Steps to frame your paint by number without a custom frame
- Prepare the canvas: Lay your completed painting face down on a clean, flat surface. Gently fold the edges of the canvas over the back of the stretcher bars, pulling taut. Use archival tape to secure the canvas to the bars, working from the center out to avoid wrinkles. A common mistake is pulling too tight, which can distort the image. Check the front as you go.
- Mount on a stretcher frame: Choose a stretcher bar set that matches your canvas dimensions. Assemble the bars, then center your canvas over them. Fold and tape the edges as described. For a cleaner back, trim excess canvas after taping. If the canvas is slightly larger than the bars, trim it evenly before mounting. Uneven edges can cause the image to shift.
- Use a floating frame effect: Instead of a traditional frame, place the mounted canvas inside a shadow box or a floating frame that holds the canvas from the back. This creates the illusion that the artwork is suspended within the frame, highlighting the edges. Floating frames work best when the canvas has a decorative border or a painted edge, like the slate blue border on Breit Cottage.
- Add a mat for depth: If you prefer a more traditional framed look, insert a mat board between the canvas and a standard frame. Cut the mat opening slightly smaller than the canvas to hide any uneven edges. This adds a professional gallery feel. Make sure the mat is acid-free to prevent yellowing over time. A white or cream mat complements most paint by number color palettes.
Products that work well with these techniques
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Breit Cottage Paint-by-Number Kit: Breit Cottage depicts a rural country homestead with blue window shutters and a rolling red roof. The preprinted portion sets this scene against a cloudy sky with a slate blue border that features Mary’s stylized red roses. The slate blue border acts like a natural mat, making it a great candidate for a floating frame or a simple stretcher bar mount.
Breit Cottage Paint-by-Number Kit
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Mary's Craft Table Paint-by-Number Kit: Mary’s Craft Table shows whimsically arranged art and sewing supplies on a wooden table, with the words Arts & Crafts in white lettering on a pale blue wall. The pale blue wall and wooden table details create a built-in background, so mounting on a stretcher frame preserves the scene without needing a mat.
Mary's Craft Table Paint-by-Number Kit
