What you will need:
- Canvas print in a certain size
- IKEA frame
- Spray Paint
- Dropcloth
01 | Assemble your IKEA BJÖRKSTA Frame
To start assembling the frame, you'll want to lay out the four frame pieces on a clean, flat surface. You want the back sides - the sides with the channels - face up.
Slide one of the metal L-shaped corner braces into the bottom channel of one of the frame pieces, and then slide it into the bottom channel of the adjacent piece. Pinch the two frame pieces together to eliminate any gaps in the corner.
Place a screw into each of the four holes on the corner brace and use the end of the Allen wrench to help nudge them into place. Tighten each screw enough so they are firmly secured, but maintain a little give until all four corners are completed.
Once all four pieces of the frame are secured, double-check to make sure all the pieces are fitting snugly in each of the four corners. You want to take the time now to adjust the frame and eliminate any gaps. Trust me, you'll regret it later if you don't. Firmly tighten all the screws one last time and the frame is complete!
02 | Spray Paint the Frame (optional)
A little spray paint helps enormously to elevate a basic Black or Aluminum frame. You can choose from a ton of different colors and finishes, but the two colors below are my GO-TOs. The Satin Bronze is a nice warm gold color with a soft matte metallic finish that looks fantastic with a bunch of artwork options. The Oli-Rubbed Bronze is a rich, metallic dark brown that I like with a moody print.
To start, lay your assembled frame face up on a drop cloth in a clean, well-lit, and ventilated area. I like to do this in my garage because it's protected from the wind which can kick up dust and debris that can get stuck in the paint. If the lighting isn't great - grab a flashlight - you will want good lighting to help you see how the paint is covering the frame.
Next, I like to elevate the frame up off the drop cloth so it's easy to spray paint the edges of the frame. To do this, I tuck 8 pieces of cardboard (roughly 4"x4") into the inner channel on the backside of the frame. I use 2 pieces on each side of the frame to create little "feet" to elevate the frame off the drop cloth.
Follow the instructions on the can, and spray paint the frame in light, thin layers - allowing the paint to fully dry between layers. If you get bubbles or debris caught in the paint, lightly rub it with a microfiber cloth and spray another layer.
04 | Prepare the Canvas
Once the frame is fully dry, place it face down on a flat, soft surface that won't scratch the paint. Open the canvas and place it face down on the frame.
Line up the edges of the canvas with the edges of the frame. On the 55x40" IKEA BJÖRKSTA frame, I typically have 1/4" of overhang on the long sides, and the canvas just barely covers the frame on the short sides.
05 | Stretch the Canvas
First, lay out the channel clips along the perimeter of the frame. It's helpful to know where you'll want to place each one before we start securing the canvas into place.
Starting on one of the long sides, begin clipping the canvas into place by placing one plastic clip into the inner channel of the frame. Press the clip down until it sits firmly inside the channel against the canvas. Repeat on the opposite side, then move to the shorter sides.
06 | Hang Your New Artwork
Starting on one of the long si