In today’s post I’m going to show you how to make a reverse canvas. A reverse canvas is where you take the actual canvas off of the frame, apply a design, and then re-attach it to the back of the frame. You might be wondering why do I want to make a reverse canvas?
There are several reasons as to why you may want to make one, but the main reasons are they are quick, easy, require minimal equipment, and are so versatile compared to wood signs. Wood signs can be time consuming. They require lumber that needs to be cut, sanded, assembled, painted or stained. Who has time for all of that? Especially if you just want a cute holiday or special occasion sign. Reverse canvases are also budget friendly. Most craft stores regularly have canvases and canvas packs on sale. They also come in many different sizes (another added bonus).
Time & Materials:
- Project time: Approximately 30-90 minutes
- Skill level: Beginner – Intermediate
- Cost: $ (fairly inexpensive to complete)
- Materials Needed
- Artist canvas
- Cricut, Silhouette, or other cutting machine
- Razor knife
- Heat transfer vinyl (HTV)
- Heat press or iron
- Paint or stain
- Foam brush or paint brush
- Staple gun
- Scissors
- Pen or other marking utensil
- Optional Materials
- Saw tooth hanger
- Wood filler
- Chalk
How to make a reverse canvas:
1.Choose an artist canvas for your project. They come in many sizes but try to avoid canvases that are too small because the frame may take up most of the space. Larger ones may have additional wood supports that you have to remove.
2.Using a razor knife remove the canvas from the back of the wooden frame. I like to cut just above the staples. Personally, I leave the staples in the back of the frame. You can remove them for a cleaner look but it’s the backside of the canvas.
3.Once the canvas is off you will notice there are small slots nears the inside corners of the frame. You can fill these spaces with wood putty or plastic wood (pictured below). I usually just leave them alone. If you are staining the frame a dark color they are barely noticeable.
4. Next prepare to paint or stain your frame. I love using chalk paint because it dries super fast. If you are using stain be sure to wear gloves to project your hands.
I was going to use this metallic gold paint but found the coverage to be lacking. I opted to use spray paint I had on hand instead. Yes, spray paint is an option for your frame as well. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area if doing so.
5. While you are waiting for your frame to dry create a design in your design software that comes with your cutting machine.
6. Measure the space available for your design with the frame rested on the canvas. Resize your image in your design software so that it fits on your newly framed canvas.
7. Trace the outer edges of the frame on the canvas with a pen or other marking utensil. You will not see the markings once the project is complete.
8. Cut your design using heat transfer vinyl (htv) and prepare your design for transfer. Don’t forget to mirror your image!
9. Turn on your heat press and set the temperature to the htv’s recommended heat setting. If using an iron make sure the steam feature is off.
10. Determine the placement of your design on the canvas. (It’s ok if it’s not perfectly centered.) I used some chalk to mark my design placement on the canvas.
11. Press your htv in the heat press just long enough to get the htv to adhere to the canvas (~5 seconds). Remove the carrier sheet and quickly press again. Make sure that you are using parchment paper or a teflon sheet when pressing.
12. Remove the excess canvas you marked off with a pair of scissors.
14. You are now ready to attach your newly designed canvas to the backside of the frame. Here’s a few insider tips: start on the left side of the canvas and shift your design to the left. The canvas is going to stretch a little so shifting the canvas helps to center your design and accommodate for the stretch. With your staple gun attach the left side to the frame. I like to staple closer to the inside of the frame and remember to press down firmly when stapling.
Place a few staples along the first side and then pull the canvas taut. Staple the far side of the canvas in the same manner as before and then transition to the top and bottom of the frame.
13. Using your razor knife cut away any excess canvas using the previous staples as your guide.
14. Optionally you can add hanging hardware to the back of the sign. Reverse canvases make good shelf sitters or they can be leaned against other things. I used a small saw tooth hanger on mine.
Pro tip: use needle nose tweezers to hold the small nails while hammering them in to secure the saw tooth hanger.
15. Flip your newly framed canvas over and voila! You just finished a reverse canvas!
Like it?
If you found this tutorial helpful please share it on Pinterest. Don’t have the materials to complete the project yourself? I would be happy to create a reverse canvas sign for you. Simply fill out the form below to get started on your custom sign.
Thanks for checking out my diy tutorial and stay up to date on all of my projects here. Keep your eyes out for a future post on where my warrior sign ended up.
