From Kit to Masterpiece: Framing and Displaying Your Paint by Number Art

You've meticulously filled in every numbered section, watched your design come to life, and now hold a finished piece of paint by number art. Congratulations! But the journey from kit to masterpiece isn't quite over. How you choose to frame and display your creation can significantly enhance its visual appeal and transform it from a hobby project into a cherished piece of home décor. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various options for framing paint by number and displaying paint by number art, ensuring your hard work gets the presentation it deserves. Whether you're looking for a simple solution or a more professional finish, understanding your choices for how to frame paint by number will help you showcase your artistic achievement with pride.

The Importance of Framing: Protecting and Enhancing Your Art

Framing isn't just about aesthetics; it also plays a crucial role in protecting your finished paint by number artwork. A frame provides a physical barrier against dust, dirt, and accidental damage. Furthermore, the right frame can significantly elevate the perceived value of your piece, making your paint by number look professional and seamlessly integrate it into your home décor. The choice of frame can complement the colors and style of your painting, adding a touch of sophistication and completing the artistic vision.

DIY Options: Stretching Your Canvas for a Gallery Look

Many premium paint by number kits come with rolled canvases. Stretching these canvases onto wooden stretcher bars is a popular DIY framing method that gives your artwork a gallery-wrapped look, ready to hang without an external frame.

• Gather Your Supplies: You'll need wooden stretcher bars (ensure they are the correct size for your canvas), a staple gun with staples (ideally for canvas stretching), canvas pliers (optional but helpful for a tight stretch), and scissors.
• Prepare Your Canvas: Lay your painted canvas face down on a clean, flat surface. Center the stretcher bars on the back of the canvas, leaving a few inches of excess canvas on all sides.
• Staple the Corners: Fold the excess canvas over one corner of the stretcher bar and staple it in the center. Repeat on the opposite corner, pulling the canvas taut but not too tight. Then, do the same for the remaining two corners.
• Staple the Sides: Starting from the center of one side, fold the excess canvas over the edge and staple it to the back of the stretcher bar. Work your way outwards towards the corners, pulling the canvas taut as you go. Repeat this process on the opposite side, ensuring the canvas remains evenly stretched. Do the same for the remaining two sides. Use canvas pliers for a firmer grip if needed.
• Neaten the Corners: Fold the remaining corner fabric neatly and staple it down. There are various ways to fold corners (e.g., a clean, triangular fold); choose the method you find easiest and most aesthetically pleasing.
• Hanging Your Stretched Canvas: Once stretched, your canvas is ready to hang directly on the wall using picture hooks or nails. This DIY framing option for paint by number art offers a clean and contemporary look.

Ready-Made Frames: Quick and Convenient Solutions

For those who prefer a quicker and less involved option, ready-made frames for paint by number are readily available.

• Finding the Right Size: Measure the exact dimensions of your finished canvas. Most standard-sized paint by number kits will fit into common frame sizes (e.g., 16x20 inches, 12x16 inches). Check the inside dimensions of the frame to ensure a snug fit. You can often find affordable frames for your paint by number at craft stores, department stores, and online retailers.
• Types of Ready-Made Frames: Consider different frame styles (e.g., simple wooden frames, ornate metallic frames) and materials to complement your artwork and home décor.
• Securing Your Artwork: Most ready-made frames come with backing boards and clips or flexible tabs to hold your canvas in place. Ensure your painting is securely positioned within the frame.

Custom Framing: A Personalized and Professional Finish

For a truly bespoke and professional presentation, custom framing for paint by number is an excellent choice. While it may be a more significant investment, it allows you to select the exact frame style, matting (if desired), and glazing options to perfectly enhance your artwork. Consult with a professional framer who can offer expert advice and create a presentation that truly elevates your piece and makes it look exceptionally professional.

Creative Display Ideas Beyond Traditional Framing

Framing isn't the only way to showcase your paint by number art. Here are some creative paint by number display ideas:

• Canvas on a Mini Easel: Small to medium-sized stretched canvases can be displayed on decorative mini easels on shelves, desks, or mantels.
• Hanging with Magnetic Hangers: Lightweight canvases or even unstretched canvases can be hung using magnetic poster hangers, offering a modern and minimalist look.
• Clips and String: For a more casual and artistic vibe, hang your painted canvas using decorative clips attached to a string or wire.
• Gallery Wall: Create a visually appealing gallery wall by grouping multiple framed or stretched paint by number pieces of varying sizes and themes.
• Leaning Against a Wall: Larger stretched canvases can simply be leaned against a wall on the floor or a shelf for a relaxed and contemporary display.
• Displaying on a Plate Rack: Smaller canvases can sometimes be displayed on decorative plate racks.

Protecting Your Masterpiece for Lasting Enjoyment

To ensure your paint by number art lasts for years to come, consider these protective measures:

• Varnishing: Applying a coat of acrylic varnish (should I varnish my paint by number before framing?) can protect your painting from dust, UV rays, and moisture, and can also enhance the colors and provide a consistent sheen (matte, satin, or gloss). Ensure your paint is fully dry before varnishing and follow the varnish manufacturer's instructions.
• Glass or Acrylic Glazing (with Frames): When using traditional frames, consider adding glass or acrylic glazing to provide an extra layer of protection against dust and damage. Acrylic is lighter and less prone to shattering, while glass offers a more traditional look.

Your completed paint by number artwork is a testament to your patience and creativity. By carefully considering your options for framing paint by number and exploring various displaying paint by number art techniques, you can transform your finished kit into a true masterpiece that you'll be proud to showcase for years to come. Whether you choose a simple stretched canvas, a classic ready-made frame, or a personalized custom framing solution, the effort you put into presentation will undoubtedly elevate your artwork and allow you to fully enjoy the fruits of your artistic labor – truly taking it from kit to masterpiece.