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You spent hours painting a beautiful piece of art. The final step, framing and display, transforms your paint by numbers project from a craft hobby result into genuine home decor. The right presentation elevates the artwork and makes it look intentional and polished rather than like an arts-and-crafts project.
This guide covers every display option: pre-framed canvases, DIY stretching and framing, professional framing, and creative display ideas that make your work look its best.
Step 1: Finishing Your Painting Before Framing
Inspect for Uncovered Areas
Before framing, carefully examine your painting under good lighting. Look for any sections where numbers show through, white spots from missed areas, or uneven coverage. Touch up these areas and allow them to dry completely.
Apply Varnish
Varnishing is the single most impactful finishing step. It protects your painting, evens out the surface sheen (eliminating the patchy look from different paint thicknesses), and enhances color vibrancy.
- Matte varnish creates a soft, gallery-like finish. Best for landscapes, portraits, and classical designs.
- Gloss varnish makes colors pop and adds a polished sheen. Best for vibrant, colorful designs and florals.
- Satin varnish splits the difference with a subtle sheen. The most versatile choice.
Apply two thin coats with a wide, soft brush. Stroke in one direction across the entire canvas. Allow each coat to dry 24 hours before applying the next.
Step 2: Choose Your Framing Method
Option 1: Pre-Framed Canvas (Easiest)
If your kit came on a pre-stretched canvas with wooden stretcher bars (common with Ledgebay and many Amazon brands), your painting is already framed. Simply add hanging hardware: screw two D-ring hangers into the stretcher bars about one-third of the way down from the top, connect them with picture wire, and hang.
Cost: $3-5 for hanging hardware. Time: 10 minutes.
Option 2: Stretcher Bars (DIY Canvas Stretching)
For paintings on rolled canvas, you can stretch them yourself using wooden stretcher bars from any craft store. Stretcher bars are sold in pairs by length, and you assemble them into a rectangle matching your canvas size.
- Assemble the stretcher bar frame and verify the corners are square (measure diagonals; they should be equal).
- Lay your canvas face-down on a clean surface, place the frame on top.
- Starting from the center of one long side, fold the canvas over the bar and staple it to the back using a staple gun.
- Move to the opposite side and pull the canvas taut before stapling. Repeat for the short sides.
- Work from center to corners on each side, alternating sides to maintain even tension.
- Fold corners neatly and staple flat.
Cost: $8-15 for stretcher bars + a staple gun (if you do not have one). Time: 20-30 minutes.
Option 3: Ready-Made Frame
For paintings on board or for a more traditional framed look, ready-made frames from Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or Amazon work well. Standard sizes (11×14, 16×20, 20×24) match common paint by numbers dimensions.
Choose a frame with enough depth to accommodate the canvas thickness. Shadow box frames or canvas floater frames work particularly well because they let the canvas edges show, giving a gallery-quality presentation.
Cost: $15-40 depending on size and material. Time: 10 minutes.
Option 4: Professional Framing
For your best work or for special gift pieces, professional framing adds a level of polish that DIY options cannot match. Frame shops can mount, mat, and frame your painting with archival materials that protect it for decades.
Bring your painting to a local frame shop and ask about canvas-appropriate options. Most shops offer a range of prices from economy ($50-80 for a 16×20) to premium ($100-200+) with custom mat cuts and museum-quality frames.
Cost: $50-200+ depending on materials and shop. Time: Usually 1-2 weeks.
Display Ideas
Gallery Wall
Group three or more completed paintings in a curated arrangement. Mix sizes and orientations (landscape and portrait) for visual interest. Use uniform frames for a cohesive look or mixed frames for an eclectic, collected feel. Maintain 2-3 inches between frames.
Statement Piece
Display a single large painting as the focal point above a sofa, bed, fireplace mantel, or dining area. Center it horizontally and hang the center of the painting at eye level (approximately 57-60 inches from the floor, which is gallery standard).
Shelf Display
Lean completed paintings on a picture ledge or floating shelf. This allows you to easily swap artwork in and out as you complete new pieces. Picture ledges are inexpensive ($10-25) and can be installed without heavy-duty hanging.
Staircase Gallery
Hang paintings ascending a staircase wall. This is an excellent way to display a growing collection. Use consistent frame styles and follow the angle of the staircase with consistent spacing.
Hanging Tips for Heavy Canvas
- Use two hooks, not one. Two hooks spaced 12-18 inches apart distribute weight evenly and prevent tilting.
- Use wall anchors in drywall. Canvas paintings are heavier than they look. Drywall anchors rated for 30+ pounds provide secure hanging.
- Check for studs. For large or heavy pieces, screw directly into a wall stud for the most secure mount.
- Use bumper pads. Small adhesive bumper pads on the bottom corners of the frame prevent wall marking and keep the painting level.
The Architectural Digest guide to hanging art provides detailed height and spacing guidelines for professional-looking gallery arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to varnish before framing?
Varnishing before framing is strongly recommended. A clear acrylic varnish protects the paint surface from dust, UV damage, and accidental scratches. It also evens out the sheen across the painting, giving it a more polished, professional appearance. Allow the varnish to dry completely (24-48 hours) before framing.
Can I frame a paint by numbers without glass?
Yes, and many framers recommend it. Paintings on canvas look best displayed without glass, which can create glare and flatten the appearance of brushstrokes. If your painting is on canvas (stretched or unstretched), skip the glass. If it is on paper or thin board, glass protects the surface.
How much does it cost to professionally frame a paint by numbers?
Professional framing for a standard 16×20 paint by numbers typically costs $50-150 depending on frame material and the shop. Budget options like ready-made frames from craft stores run $15-30. DIY stretcher bars cost $8-15. Many painters save framing costs by choosing pre-framed kits.
Should I use a mat when framing?
A mat (the border between the art and the frame) adds a professional gallery look and can make smaller paintings appear more substantial. A 2-3 inch white or off-white mat works well for most paint by numbers paintings. Mats are optional for canvas-stretched paintings but recommended for paper or board-mounted work.
Frame Styles That Work Best
Modern Float Frame
Float frames wrap around the canvas with a small gap between the canvas edge and the frame, creating a floating effect. These are the most popular choice for canvas paintings because they add a polished gallery look without covering any of the painted surface. Available in black, white, natural wood, and metallic finishes.
Traditional Wood Frame
Classic wood frames in oak, walnut, or painted finishes work well for landscape and traditional-style paint by numbers designs. Pair with a mat board for a more formal gallery presentation. This style works particularly well for paintings on board rather than canvas.
Minimalist Metal Frame
Thin metal frames in black or silver provide a contemporary look that suits modern and abstract designs. They are lightweight, affordable, and draw attention to the artwork rather than the frame. Many craft stores carry them in standard paint by numbers sizes.
Protecting Your Artwork Long-Term
Acrylic paintings are durable but not invulnerable. To keep your paint by numbers artwork looking its best for years:
- Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure fades colors over time. Hang paintings on walls that do not receive hours of direct sun.
- Dust gently. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. Never use wet cloths or cleaning products on unvarnished paintings.
- Maintain stable humidity. Extreme humidity can cause canvas to stretch or warp. Avoid hanging paintings in bathrooms or unheated rooms.
- Varnish is your best protection. A clear acrylic varnish blocks UV, repels dust, and prevents accidental smudges from handling.
Your Art Deserves to Be Seen
Framing and displaying your paint by numbers work is the most satisfying part of the hobby. It transforms hours of focused painting into a permanent piece of home decor that you created with your own hands. Whether you choose a simple DIY stretch or a professional custom frame, the effort of proper presentation makes all the difference.