DIY Canvas Prints
May 28, 2012 by Dawn
I LOVE the look of canvas prints…but, I haven’t been able to persuade my frugal little self to actually pay for them. Then, along came this idea. It was inspired by my super crafty sister in law. She’s amazing, really. And after seeing what she did with her family photos…I thought to myself : “I wonder if you could wrap your own photos onto canvas?“….turns out…YOU CAN!!!
Here is what you will need:
-CANVAS 2″ smaller on each side than your actual photo. For example: my print is an 11×14 and my canvas is a 9×12. (So if you wanted a 10×10 canvas you would print a 12×12 photo)
-PHOTO 2″ larger on each side than your canvas. Be sure that your photo is printed primo quality. Seriously, it makes a difference. I get mine printed at The Imaging Depot…they are awesome!
-WOOD GLUE (make sure it’s the white wood glue…NOT the yellow stuff!!)
-TEXTURE CREAM or CR TEXTURE COATING If you are in Utah (SLC area) you can go in and purchase a 6oz jar of texture cream for $8.95 at The Wood Connection. Or, you can go online & order 1 quart of the cream technically called CR Texture Coating at gluefast.com for $15.90. (FYI: one 6oz jar will cover approx. a dozen 12×12 surfaces)
-FOAM ROLLER I have used two different kinds of rollers for my canvas’s. A craft roller will give you more of a rough texture and the roller pictured here (I bought it at Lowes) gives a tighter more even texture…I like this look/texture best.
STAPLER any old stapler will do…just a good old home/office use stapler
SMALL PAINTBRUSH & SCISSORS
Instructions:
Squeeze the wood glue onto the canvas. Make sure you get a good even coat of glue on there. But not too much…it will bubble your picture. Use your paintbrush to smooth it out.
Be sure to go all the way to the edge of the canvas with the glue.
Next, lay your photo face down on your working surface (make sure the surface is wiped clean). Place your canvas (glue side) down onto the backside of your photo. Center it on all sides.
Grab a credit card or squeegee and smooth it out. Start in the center and work your way to the edges. Work out any air pockets.
This is a bit tricky…try to squeegee your way to the edge. Work your way under the frame, all the way around. Then, turn it over and make sure you can see a smooth surface. Let that dry for at least an hour.
After your top surface wood glue is dry, you can start to fold your photo around the edges and make your crease marks like this:
Next, take your scissors and make your cuts on each corner. (Later on, you are going to wrap your corners and then fold.)
You want the edge of the wrapped flap piece to sit flush with the top edge of your canvas…like this:
Squeeze glue onto the edges of the canvas…spread it out evenly with the paint brush. (note: glue one side at a time…then wrap and staple…then glue the next side, wrap and staple…etc.)
Start in the center and fold the photo over the edge of the frame.
Grab your trusty stapler and staple the photo in place. Staple every inch or so until your first side is done. Then move on to the opposite side.
It should look similar to this:
Now for the corners. When you are gluing your two final edges, make sure you put glue under and on top of the corner flaps you are going to wrap. After they are glued down, wrap the photo and staple it down.
Here’s the fun part! The cream!!
Lay down something to protect your work surface and be careful not to get this cream on your skin.
Spoon the cream onto your photo wrapped canvas. Grab your roller and start rolling it out. To ensure that you have the right amount of cream on your photo, start with a spoonful and if you need more add it a little at a time. Roll it out until it looks even.
Don’t forget the edges! It will look similar to this, a little milky…but don’t worry…it dries clear.
It takes a while to dry so put it somewhere safe for a good 12 hours.
I LOVE how these turned out! They look like the real deal…for a fraction of the cost! Have fun making your own, and with all the money you will save, you can justify buying yourself a new pair of shoes!! 
Happy Canvasing!!
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Cool!!!!
Where do you get the texturizing cream at? Do you know what brand it is? It looks amazing!
In the beginning of the post there are a couple of links that will take you to where you can get the cream.
What a great idea! Those pictures of your kids are adorable.
Thanks Missy!
Dawn I love these. I’ve seen these up in your house and I think they are wonderful and look so professional. I thought that you had them done professionally! Thanks for sharing your secret and posting pics of your kids!!
Alison you are sweet! Thanks. Really, these canvas’s are so fun to do!
THANK YOU for this amazing idea. They turned out great. So much better than the framed photos. I want to thank you for the GREAT tutorial. I need pictures! Keep up the amazing work!
This looks really awesome. I have put up pictures on canvas using ModPodge. But I never knew about texture coating – will have to see if I get it here.
could you use modpodge?
Why wood glue? Can something else substitute? And they look awesome! Thanks!
Laura, I actually just tried Aleene’s Tacky Glue…it comes in a gold bottle. It works just as well…and it’s easier to find!
Hi, where can I get the texture cream for the photo. Does it sell under any other name? I am from Namibia and we find it difficult to buy all the stuff needed for creative ideas like this.
I found a web site that seems to fit the bill quite nicely:
http://www.binding101.com/canvas-texture-coating-kit.html
Absolutely FABULOUS!!!!!!!!
Did you have the photo printed on photo paper or canvas?
Awesome! Can you please tell me what size photo I need for a 16×20 canvas? Thanks!
Generally you would print an 18X22…but most photo places offer 18×24. So that is what you will use. If you are familiar with photoshop or something similar you could size your photo to 18×22 and then have it printed as an 18X24. There would just be a blank strip on each side of your actual photo…which wouldn’t be seen after you wrap the edges onto the canvas. You’ll also have a little more to play with when you are stapling!
I so have to do this! I always wanted a canvas print of a really close-up photo of my granddaughter’s face when she was a baby and thanks to your wonderful tutorial I can now make one myself… eh, or try to do it.
The canvasses of your kids are beautiful.
Ohh wow… Gotta try this!!!! Thanks so much
Love this post. Can’t wait to try it! Also love the canvas with the kind phrases on it… Will you share where you got that??
I found the subway art on pinterest…and just did it myself. But, you can purchase the vinyl lettering at Etsy from Design Divas wall art-Vinyl Lettering Decal – SUBWAY ART -Family rules
I can’t wait to try this! The last picture on this post…did you purchase the black with white text from someone on Etsy?
nope…just copied someone on pinterest! It’s a canvas…I put the vinyl lettering on it and then spray painted the entire thing black. After it’s dry you pull the letters off. (I did the vinyl with my silhouette.)
fantastic! thanks for sharing. i will have to give this a go
this will be so cool for making our own gifts
Dawn
I’m not sure I could pull off this project with such Patience to get the result that you achieved. Great result. Lovely photos of your boys.
Tell me what is the source of the lovely positive words in the poster to thr left of your boys portraits? Did you make it yourself? Have you got a clearer photo of it or the URL where I could see it? Let me know. Thanks.
Tanya
This is so great.. Thanks for sharing and for the great step by step photos!
This is great, definitely going to try it!
I love the canvas picture and will give it a try. I would also like to know what the subway art in the picture says, it looks awesome. Thanks
I looooove it. I will try this at home. Do you know if there are different types of canvas texture cream? Or have you tried any other ones?? Thanks for sharing!!
OMG your photo canvas is AMAZING! You have totally inspired me!
Quick question – I just checked out the links for the CR texture cream – which version of the cream did you use? Matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss? Thanks so much for your help – your blog is fantastic!
Thanks
Rebekah
I used the semi-gloss cream
Love this idea. I wanted to pin it, but there is a problem when trying to include on Pinterest. Anyone else have this problem?
Wow–this is absolutely awesome! I haven’t come across a tutorial in a while that made me stop and read through the whole thing. I can’t wait to try this–thanks!
So I’m confused on the primo prints. What does that mean? and is it just regular printing paper? Can i do it at walmart?
Good quality photo paper works best. If you have had photos printed there and have been happy with the results…go for it.
Wow they look great!! Great tips, thanks
so cool~ thanks for the how to info!!
Does it matter if your photo has a matte or glossy finish?
Matte finish works the best
do you use regular photo paper for the photo enlargement?
yes, regular photo paper works best!
What an awesome project and it truly does look easy. I know others have asked but is there another medium you can use other than texture cream? I found it online at gluefast.com and was more than willing to pay the 15.90 but was so disappointed to find they wanted over 13.00 for shipping
I’m going to search my local are and maybe I’ll get lucky and find it!
I love this idea, however, I went to the website and since I live in Canada the shipping will cost me 24.00!!!
Can you recommend another medium for the glue (like modge podge or anything else) or would craft stores like Michaels carry the glue??
Yikes! Bummer that shipping is so high for you in Canada!! Michaels doesn’t carry the canvas glue. I haven’t tried modge podge. You could try rolling it onto a picture and see how it dries. Worth a shot, especially if it saves you $$! Good Luck
Did you end up use mod podge and did it come out good
just wondering if it matters if the base of the photo is canvas or not? i’ve seen these projects done with wood base and other things… so does the glue do all the work in making the print look like canvas? or is does it work together with the canvas base to give the look? just wondering if it can be done either way?
Heidi, you can use wood. Depending on what kind of wood you use, you might have to use a craft stapler to staple the picture down after you wrap it. Also, it would be a little heavier to hang on the wall. Totally do-able though!
What are primo prints?
Awesome! What type of paper and service from The Image Depot are you using to get great photos that you can put on canvas?
Thanks in advance!
Nancy
Primo prints are just good quality premium photo prints. The Imaging Depot is a local printing company here in Northern Utah that I LOVE!! I have used prints from Costco and they work great too!
Saw this post on Pinterest, thought those boys looked familiar. Nice work Dawn!
Hi Amy!! Thanks!
Loved the tutorial. Definitely will be using it this holiday season. Thanks so much.
Your canvasing editorial was so inspirational. I’ve been looking and searching a way to do this with a favorite picture of mine. Thanks. Your blog is awesome.
I just ordered the texture cream, and I CAN’T WAIT to make this!! Thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial. I know what everyone is getting for Christmas!
Where did you order it? All I can find is the quart and it is expensive to have shipped to me
does it matter what kind of wood glue?
The white wood glue is what I used. The yellow wood glue might discolor your picture. I have also used Aleene’s Tacky Glue and it works just as well.
printed primo quality??? I’m not sure what do you mean by that? Matte (Luster) or
Glossy or Pearl or Deep Matte??? I’m not sure which one to pick one. Please help me out… I dying to make canvas of my photos work…
Primo prints are just good quality prints. I used the matte(luster) finish photos.
OMG You are awesome!! Just the thought of knowing that there is a site out there that is willing to help others, especially those of us who are craft challenged, is amazing!!
Thank you!!
for the cr texture coating is it matte, hi gloss, semi gloss, matte extra scratch resistant?
semi gloss
I see that you said to order a photo two inches larger than the canvas. I’m having a hard time finding someone who will print an 18×22 photo for a 16×20 canvas same problem if I were to downsize. Any suggestions? I’ve tried Walgreens Walmart and Costco.
Danielle, you would just print a 18×24 photo. Depending on your picture, if the main subject is not near the edges you should be fine…you will just have a bit of excess around the edges of the long side. Or, if you have access to photoshop you can format your picture onto a 18×24 sheet but your actual photo would only be 18×22. Which would mean that you would have a blank strip on each side of the photo when you have it printed. When you wrap the photo the blank sides will be hidden on the back of the canvas. Hope that makes sense! I did this with a friends family photo and it worked out great!
This is awesome!!! Can i use mod podge for the cream? Thanks!
I haven’t tried mod podge. Im sure it would probably work…you might get a slightly different texture and finish. Try testing it out on a small picture first, definitely worth a try!
Can mod podge be used in place of the texture cream? I love how these turned out! They are beautiful. I am definitely gonna give it a go but just wanted to know if you have tried the mod podge. I have about a gallon of that stuff on hand at any given time, I figure it would save me money & time if it works but don’t want to waste the money on high quality printed pics testing it! I’m hoping someone already did that for me.
Thanks so much for the post. Great work! Make your day fabulous!!
DID YOU USE MODGE PODGE AND HOW DID IT TURN OUT?
Can’t find the Texture Cream in anything but a quart!?!?! Help
I did three 16x20s today and they turned out great. Thank you very much for clear and detailed directions!
Dawn – What type of vinyl letters did you use when you spray painted the canvas black to create the sayings?
I love this! But was wondering what would happen if you use the yellow wood glue instead of the white. I already had 2 bottles of the yellow and the 3 stores I’ve been too didn’t have any in white.
The white wood glue is what I used. The yellow wood glue might discolor your picture. I have also used Aleene’s Tacky Glue and it works just as well.
i was wondering what this texture cream felt like. does it make it feel like canvas too?
It gives the pictures a texture similar to canvas. The texture will vary depending on what you use to apply the cream.
Hi Dawn!
Love your canvas print tutorial! I am going to make them for the whole family for Christmas this year! Starting a little late so wish me luck! I wanted to ask you about the texture coating though. I went to the website you recommended and wasnt sure if I should order matte or semi gloss. Any suggestions?
Thanks!!
Shawnie
Thank you Shawnie! I used semi gloss.
These turned out sooo good! I love them. I made them for Christmas gifts for family and they turned out great. Thanks for the step by step instructions.
Hi!
Do you think spray adhesive or mod podge would work in place of wood glue? I’ve seen alot of variations to this same kind of thing, just wanted to know your thoughts.
Thanks!
Just wondering where you get the texture cream from? dying to try this project!
I absolutely adore this idea!! I was going to ask, how long does it generally take for the texture coating to turn clear? Mine’s been painted with the paste for about 5 hours and is still white (although I did read you say it takes 12 hours to dry fully). I have seen online that some texture pastes dry white, and some dry clear, so I am hoping mine is not a white one, LOL! But if it stays white I plan to put many more photos onto canvas this way, as it looks so fabulous and saves a ton of money
Thank you for sharing!!
HEY! this is so cool! im doing this for a photography project but I was wondering if itll turn out ok if I don’t use the texture cream ?
HAS ANYBODY USED MODGE PODGE ON THERE CANVAS PHOTO ? AND ANY INFO WOULD BE HELPFUL THANKS
Yes, Mod Podge works! Another site showed directions for making canvas prints with Mod Podge. Tried a small canvas photo as an experiment. Used 3 coats and looks great. Going to make 2 larger canvas prints next. Used glossy photo paper, no problem, even tho matte photo paper is suggested.
Hi Dawn! You are awesome! What kind of CR Texture Cream did you get? Hi Gloss?
Oh also, do you get the gallery wrap canvas at the image depot?
Have you done bigger canvases before or known anyone too? I want to do the bigger ones. Do you think it’d work as well? Thanks!
I was wondering if the texturing cream would make it really difficult to write on? I am planning on doing a diy canvas print as a guestbook for my wedding. However it it is a super rough surface than it won’t be easy for the guests to sign.
Thanks!
Tianna, the surface does have a texture. You could try writing on it, but I am thinking that it wouldn’t be smooth enough to make the writing look good and be legible.
Hi Dawn, Thanks for posting this, unfortunately I tried it and the paper crinkled any suggestions?
Darlene, what kind of paper did you use? If you use a high quality thick photo paper it should work out great. Good luck!
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for sharing this project. I am making 12 of these for my sons first birthday party, one for each month. Unfortunately I realized after starting a 4×4 size is a little tought to work with
I have not been able to ceneter all the photos because too much of the main picture gets cut off but I’m looking forward to making bigger ones. Do you have any tips for getting the staples in flat and straight. My stapler keeps slipping…
If you come in off the back edge of the canvas about 1/4 inch with your stapler you should be fine! What a great idea to do a canvas for each of the first 12 months! Darling!
Thanks for posting! Do I need to have a backing to glue the picture to beforehand? I asked my husband to just make me frames, but he pointed out that you actually glued the pictures to actual fabric. Just wondering if we could glue and staple the pictures to the stand alone frames and then put the texture cream over it to get the textured look? My husband thinks it wont have the same effect??
Dawn…thank you so much for answering my question so fast:) Blessings!
just wow! I’ve seen a few other diy’s but yours looks like the most likely to succeed! Wow, you had great results! Thanks for this post
that great !!!!