How to Upcycle Old Canvas Art

Practical

Posted 24/05/2018

 

Many of us have them – old canvases featuring art we’re no longer in love with. Perhaps we bought them years ago, when that style was in fashion, or perhaps they were bought as a gift. It seems a waste to throw them away, but what can we do with them instead? Upcycle them, of course! Here’s a quick and easy tutorial on how to make the most out of old canvases.

 

1. Source and cut some fabric

What kind of fabric you use will depend on the style of your home. Rustic country homes might suit hessian, whilst for an urban home, you might want something sleek and black. You probably already have an old shirt or fabric offcut that will work perfectly so there’s no need to spend a fortune on anything fancy.

 

Once you’ve found your fabric, you’ll need to cut it to size. You’ll need it to cover the front of your canvas and it’s worth including an excess of at least 4 – 5 inches, depending on the thickness of your canvas – remember you’ll need enough to attach at the back too.

 

2. Attach the fabric to the canvas

Place the fabric face down on a flat surface, and put the canvas – also face down – on top in a central position. Wrap the fabric around one side and secure it to the back of the canvas using a staple gun – be careful! – avoiding any staples already there. If you don’t have access to a staple gun, you may find flathead drawing pins work just as well.

 

Continue to secure the fabric all the way around the canvas, pulling it taut but without stretching. You may need to cut fabric from the corners as you go, as a lot will gather there. Then, cut off any excess fabric around the edges.

 

3. Add an image

If your fabric is heavily patterned and you’re happy with the look, then by all means leave it there and get that canvas hung! If not, choose a shape, whether it be a heart or a star, or something more complex if you’re a bit of an artist! Cut yourself out a stencil or template using some card or sturdy paper.

 

Place the stencil on the face of your canvas and secure it with weights or some tape. Then use a paint pen, or a small paintbrush and the colour of your choice, to outline the shape and then, having removed the template, fill it in. Remember to do this in a well-ventilated area.

Allow it to dry and voila! Your canvas is ready!

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