How to Glue an Artist's Canvas to Wood

When hanging a piece of art on canvas on the wall, you may choose to mount the canvas onto a piece of wood that can be framed or used on its own to add flair to the artwork. There are some precautions you should take before you mount the canvas so that you won't damage the piece. It is also important to choose a type of glue that is strong enough to support the weight of the canvas but gentle enough to not damage the integrity of the canvas.

Determine what type of glue works best for your needs. You will need a glue that is acid-free and sturdy, such as wood glue. Wood glue can be found at many home-improvement stores.

Sand the wood with coarse-grit sandpaper. Smooth any uneven patches of the wood and remove any splinters. Once the surface is sanded, wipe down the wood with a warm, damp cloth. Allow the wood to dry.

Prime the surface of the wood you are attaching to the canvas; this is only necessary if you plan on painting the wood. Prime and paint before you glue the canvas onto the wood. Allow the primer and paint to dry fully. Mark on the wood where you want to mount the canvas.

Using a paintbrush, apply a layer of adhesive glue to the underside of the artist’s canvas. Apply a thick enough layer of glue to thoroughly cover the underside of the canvas. With a thin paintbrush, apply glue to the edges of the canvas. Avoid using excess glue.

Place the canvas in position over the wood. Press the canvas flat with your arm to smooth out the glue. Adjust if needed quickly before the glue dries. Wipe away any excess glue that bleeds over onto the wood.

Cover the canvas with a sheet of felt or linen. This will protect the art from being scratched or damaged while the glue sets. Weigh down the canvas with paperweights, or clamp it in place with a vise. Allow the glue to set for 24 hours.