You’ve just opened your new paint by numbers kit. The canvas is in front of you, covered in tiny numbered sections ready to be filled with color. Your paints and brushes are set up, and then you notice the wooden stretcher bars or the frame you bought. Suddenly, you wonder: should you put the frame together and mount the canvas before you start painting, or wait until your masterpiece is finished?
This question is one of the most debated topics among paint by numbers fans. If you look online, you’ll find strong opinions on both sides, each with good reasons. The truth is, there isn’t one right answer. The best choice depends on your kit, your painting space, and what you prefer. What’s important is knowing the pros and cons so you can decide what will give you the best painting experience and a result you’ll love.
This guide will help you look at all the options, compare the pros and cons of framing before or after painting, explore some in-between solutions, and figure out what works best for your project.
Part 1: Understanding Your Starting Point
Before you can decide when to frame, you need to know exactly what you have in front of you. Paint by numbers canvases typically arrive in one of three conditions:
Rolled Canvas (NoRolled Canvas (No Frame): This is the most common setup. Your canvas comes rolled or folded in the kit and isn’t attached to any wooden support. You have the most flexibility: you can paint it flat, tape it to a board, or stretch it over a frame before or after painting. nvas: Some premium kits come with the canvas already stretched over an internal wooden frame—essentially, it is "pre-framed" for painting. If you purchased a kit that included this option, the decision has already been made for you: the canvas is mounted and ready for your brush. You will paint directly on this stretched surface, and once finished, it is ready to hang or be placed in a decorative outer frame. As one expert notes, "If you choose this option, your work is already done! You need a nail or picture hook to hang your art and admire your work."
DIY Frame Kit Included: Some retailers offer kits that include four wooden stretcher bars along with the rolled canvas. This gives you the choice of when to assemble the frame. The canvas is not pre-attached; you will need to stretch it over the bars yourself. This is the scenario in which the "before or after" question is most relevant.
Figuring out which type of kit you have is the first step.
Part 2: The Case for Painting First, Framing Later (The Most Common Approach)
For the vast majority Most painters recommend painting the canvas while it’s still flat and unstretched, then adding the frame after the painting is finished and dry. Both kit makers and experienced artists suggest this for several good reasons.Nothing First
Unobstructed Access to Every Corner
When your canvas is flat on the table, you can reach every numbered section, even the edges and corners, without a frame blocking you. This is important in paint by numbers, where you need to be precise, especially with small details near the edges. A frame can make it harder to get your brush into those tight spots.
No Risk of Stretching Distortion
Many beginners miss this detail: when you stretch a canvas over a wooden frame, the fabric gets pulled tight. If you stretch a canvas after it’s been painted, you might distort the image, especially if the paint is thick or you pull unevenly. Painting on a flat, unstretched canvas first, then stretching it later, helps keep your painting looking just like you intended.
Freedom to Paint Horizontally
Many painters like working on a flat surface. You can lay your canvas on a clean desk or table, lean over it comfortably, and enjoy the steady support. Painting flat can feel relaxing, since you can rest your hand for control and don’t have to worry about the canvas moving around while you work.
No Accidental Paint on the Frame
If you paint on a canvas that’s already in a decorative frame, any stray brushstroke that goes past the edge could end up on the frame and spoil its clean look. Painting first avoids this problem, since the frame isn’t near your work until everything is dry and finished.
Maximum Framing Flexibility After Completion
When your painting is done, you can take your time picking the right frame. You don’t have to decide before you see the finished colors. You might choose a floating frame, a traditional frame with or without glass, or just stretch it over bars for a gallery look. As one guide says, "If you paint your masterpiece before framing, you'll have different framing options to choose from."
Important Considerations When Painting First
If you go this route, keep a few things in mind. Your rolled canvas may have creases from folding or rolling. Before you start painting, flatten it out. You can put heavy books on the corners overnight, or gently iron the back on a low setting (no steam) to remove wrinkles. Having a smooth, flat surface really helps.
You’ll also want a firm, steady surface to paint on. Many painters tape or clip their canvas to foam board, cardboard, or even a box lid. This gives you a sturdy, portable surface that keeps the canvas from shifting and makes it easy to carry your work.
Part 3: The Case for Framing Before Painting
Although most people recommend painting first, some painters strongly prefer framing before painting, and in some cases, it’s the better choice.
The Advantages of Framing First
Paint Vertically Like a Real Artist
If you have an easel or like to paint standing up, you’ll need a stretched canvas. Putting your canvas on a frame lets you paint vertically, just like professional artists. This can be more comfortable for long sessions and helps prevent neck and back strain from leaning over a table. As one source says, "It lets you paint your canvas vertically like a real artist."
Less Surface Area to Paint
When you stretch a canvas over a frame, the edges wrap around the sides and get attached to the back. This means you won’t be painting those wrapped parts. If your design extends to the edges, you’ll have a little less to paint, which can be nice for detailed projects. This only matters if you don’t plan to paint the edges for a gallery wrap look.
Zero Risk of Damaging the Finished Painting During Framing
This is probably the best reason to frame first. Stretching a canvas—pulling it tight over the bars and stapling it—can be tough on a finished painting. You might scratch the paint, crack dried acrylic, or leave smudges. If you frame before painting, you avoid these risks. Any marks made while stretching will be covered up when you paint.
A Professional Feel from the Very First Brushstroke
Painting on a stretched canvas just feels different. It feels solid, like you’re making real art. The tight surface gives a nice, springy feel under your brush that many painters enjoy. If you want the full artist experience, starting with a stretched frame can help set the mood from the start.
Important Considerations When Framing First
The main thing to watch out for when framing before painting is that a stretched canvas isn’t ideal for painting on a flat table or desk. If you rest your hand or arm on it while you paint, the canvas can lose its tightness over time. This can make the surface sag and become uneven. That’s why many experts say if you don’t have an easel, it’s better to paint first and frame later. "A stretched canvas is not ideal for painting on a table or desk since it can lose tension if you lean on it."
If you own an easel or plan to prop your canvas against a wall at an angle, framing first becomes a far more viable and enjoyable option.
Part 4: The Middle Ground—Temporary Mounting Options
What if you don’t want to choose one way or the other? Maybe you want a stable surface to paint on, but also want to pick your frame later. Many experienced painters use a practical middle-ground approach.
Tape or Clip to a Foam Board
This is probably the most popular compromise. Get a piece of foam board that’s a bit bigger than your canvas (you can find it at any craft or dollar store). Use painter’s tape or clips to hold the canvas flat against the board. This gives you a firm, portable surface to paint on, like a stretched canvas, but it’s not permanent. You can paint flat or put the board on an easel. When you’re done, just remove the tape and frame your painting however you want.
Use a Temporary Stretcher Bar Set
Some painters use cheap stretcher bars to mount the canvas just for painting. They stretch it enough to make a firm surface, but not so tight that it’s hard to remove later. Once the painting is finished and dry, you can leave it on those bars if you like, or remove the staples and move the canvas into a nicer frame.
Work on a Clipboard
For smaller paint by numbers kits, a big clipboard works well. It keeps the canvas flat and secure, and the clip holds it in place without causing damage. This is great if you like to paint in different spots around your home.
These middle-ground options give you the best of both worlds: a steady surface to paint on and the freedom to choose your frame after you see your finished painting.
Part 5: A Quick Reference Guide to Help You Decide
Not sure which option is right for you? Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
| Your Situation | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| You have a pre-stretched canvas | Paint directly on it (decision already made for you) |
| You own an easel and enjoy painting vertically | Frame before painting |
| You prefer painting flat on a table | Paint first, frame after |
| You don't have an easel | Paint first, frame after |
| You want maximum framing flexibility | Paint first, frame after |
| You're worried about damaging a finished painting | Frame before painting |
| You want to paint the wrapped edges (gallery wrap) | Frame before painting |
| You're a beginner just starting out | Paint first on a flat surface |
As one manufacturer puts it: "Ultimately, the choice of whether to frame your paint by numbers canvas before or after painting is up to you. Consider your personal preferences and budget, and choose the option that best suits your needs."
Part 6: How to Frame Your Canvas (Whenever You Choose to Do It)
Once you've decided when to frame, it helps to know how to frame. The procesOnce you’ve decided when to frame, it’s good to know how to do it. Stretching a canvas over wooden bars works the same way whether you do it before or after painting, but be extra gentle if your painting is already finished and dry.
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vas face down on a clean, soft surface, such as a towel, to protect the painted or numbered side. If you are stretching a finished painting, this step is especially important to prevent scratches.
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Assemble the frame: Fit the four wooden stretcher bars together at the corners to form a rectangle. Make sure the corners are square and firmly seated.
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Centre the frame: Place the assembled frame on the back of the canvas, carefully positioning it so the image is perfectly centred.
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Staple the first side: Fold the excess canvas over the back of one bar, then place a single staple in the centre of that side.
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Stretch and staple the opposite side: Move to the opposite side, pull the canvas firmly but gently taut, and place a staple in the center. Do not over-pull; you want tension, not tearing.
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Repeat for remaining sides: Do the same for the other two sides. You should now have one staple in the center of each of the four bars.
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Work outward: Continue adding staples, alternating sides and working from the center toward the corners. This ensures even tension across the entire canvas.
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Fold the corners neatly: The final step is to fold the excess canvas at each corner into a tidy triangle and staple it down. This creates a clean, professional look from every angle.
If you are framing a finished painting, allow the paint to dry completely for at least 24 to 48 hours before you begin this process. Acrylic paint may feel dry to the touch quickly, but it takes longer to cure fully. Stretching too soon can cause the paint layer to crack or distort.
Traditional Framing vs. Stretching
It's worth distinguishing between two different types of framing. "Stretching" refers to wrapping the canvas around wooden bars to create a frameless, gallery-wrapped look. "Traditional framing" refers to placing the canvas (whether stretched or not) into a decorative picture frame, often with glass.
Traditional frames are designed for thin photos and prints, not for the relatively thick surface of a painted canvas. For this reason, most paint-by-number canvases are first stretched over bars and then, optionally, placed into a decorative outer frame.
Part 7: The Final Verdict
So, should you frame your paint by numbers before painting?
For most people, the answer is no. Paint your canvas first, flat on a table, and frame it after it’s completely dry. This gives you the most flexibility, makes it easy to reach every part of the design, and avoids any risk of damage from framing or stretching. Most kit makers and experienced painters recommend this, especially for beginners.
But if you have an easel, want to paint vertically like a pro, or worry about damaging your painting while stretching, framing first is also a good option. Just remember, you shouldn’t paint a stretched canvas flat on a table, since leaning on it can cause it to loosen over time.
The middle-ground options, like taping your canvas to foam board or using a temporary mount, give you the best of both worlds and are great if you’re still unsure.
In the end, there’s no wrong choice. What matters most is that you feel comfortable, confident, and excited to start painting. Whether your canvas is flat on a table or standing on an easel, the real magic happens when you start filling in those numbered sections. Pick the approach that fits your space, your style, and your painting journey. When you hang up your finished work and admire it, you’ll know you made the right choice for you.
