The Framers Forum

It isn't really a 'help', more of a 'can it be done'?

The standard off-the-peg canvas boards that artists use - maybe 3mm thick? Are there any fixings that can be put on the back to hang them as they are? No frame wanted, just to display as cheaply as possible.

I've been asked, so have been browsing through framing catalogues, but can't see anything jumping out at me. Unless I stuck the board to something like MDF, but even then it would only be 5mm thick or so I guess.

Any cheap and cheerful options?

Not sure if this helps but we used to cut a piece of mdf put a d ring or split ring in it and then glue it to the board. A bit rough but works.

Joe

Velcro?

That type of panel is only really meant for artists to do quick sketches on.

They are perfectly fine until someone wants to hang them unframed. You have little choice than to glue
them to something. There used to be glue-on hangers that were a piece of cloth with a ring though it.
Don't know if they still available.

Thanks - rough and ready is no problem. Glueing some wood/MDF seems and a D-ring seems easiest and cheapest I reckon. Just PVA or something stronger?

I wondered about Velcro but think they want to hang on string.

I would avoid even giving advice on something like this to a customer. I certainly would not be glueing it onto a board for them.

My advice would be to put it in a frame. If they don't want to pay to do that I would leave them to it. Then when it goes wrong it's not your problem!

It is just a quick favour for a friend

You could use mirror clips. Something like the attached photo.

The

They weigh nothing so how about a couple of those seriously sticky pads used for sticking dash cams to windscreens, then stick on a couple of bits of thin acrylic slightly longer with a hole drilled in one end for your cord,

When it warps it might come in for proper framing!

I've given out cloth Gummed hangers from Lions. Local art group like using them for light items they don't want to frame.

You can get the from Lions. Item number 1097.

This is when a little bandsaw is handy. I cut down a couple of wood squares, pva then under weights to the back then hot glue a d ring to each. The plate hangers mentioned by folly framing is a great idea, I've only ever used them on plates!

A little frog tape on the wall and the back of the panel. Then velcro. The frog tape protects the paint on the wall and the paper on the back of the canvas panel, that's so long as you get the painter's stuff that removes cleanly. If you're feeling posh, water activated conservation tape would work. But at art school we needed our money for the student union.

A nicer option is small wooden cleats as they give the artwork a nice spacing from the wall and it looks more intentional.

I've seen all sorts at art school though, including mapping pins at the top and bottom to hold the panel. Note... not through the panel like some students would do .

Thanks all,

I have some plate disc hangers actually, I hadn’t thought of those! I reckon jobby jobbed I think,

I know you're sorted now but another suggestion is to add a 'cradle' to the back - cut a simple stripwood frame (I use 18mm from b&q) about 30mm smaller than the board. Inset it 15mm all round so it doesn't show, glue it on with titebond, d rings and cord as normal. Minimal cost, ready process, but secure. It also helps keep the board flat, as they have a tendency to bow.

Obviously though it's permanent, so they need to be aware. Also means you can tray frame it when they realise how much better that will look!

girlfromkent wrote: Fri 31 Jan, 2025 9:03 pm I know you're sorted now but another suggestion is to add a 'cradle' to the back - cut a simple stripwood frame (I use 18mm from b&q) about 30mm smaller than the board. Inset it 15mm all round so it doesn't show, glue it on with titebond, d rings and cord as normal. Minimal cost, ready process, but secure. It also helps keep the board flat, as they have a tendency to bow.

I like the sound of that, but do you need to apply it all round rather than just the sides - is it likely to distort if you only do the sides?

I am thinking I might go for that actually. I have lots of random bits of strip wood. Thanks!

You'd need to cradle it all round. I'll try to attach a pic.

Thank you.