How To Frame Large DIY Wall Art For Under $150 (Even If You’ve Never Tried DIY)

I had no idea how expensive framing large wall art could be.

I walked confidently into a framing shop, fully expecting to walk out with a gorgeous frame an hour later, all within my £200 budget.

I picked out the moulding, he measured everything, calculated the corners and finish…

“That’ll be £900,” he said.

I blinked. “What if we do it without glass?”

“£820.”

Right. Cool cool cool. Sorry for wasting your time…

I knew I had to figure something out so here’s what I did.

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How to DIY a Custom Frame for Large Wall Art

What You’ll Need

Materials

• Printed Art – I found a budget-friendly digital print on Etsy. and had it printed on Hahnemühle Bamboo
• Plywood – I got 5mm thick plywood. (L) 2440mm (W) 1220mm (T) 5mm from B&Q
• Frame Moulding – I got the 34mm ‘Auric’ Antique Gold Leaf, cut to 1530.00 mm x 889.00 mm
• Wood glue -I used Titebond lll Ultimate Wood Glue
• Command Strips – Choose a set with a weight limit slightly above your finished art.
• Mod Podge Glue – a small bottle is plenty for this project.

Tools

• Ratchet Strap – Keeps the frame tight while glue dries.
• Foam Brush/ paint brush – For applying Mod Podge.
• Spirit Level – To make sure it hangs straight.

Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1

Order or cut your frame moulding to the same size as your art.

I am referring to the inner measurement of the frame.

I ordered my frame moulding from Lion Pic – they offer a chop service where you give them the frame measurements and they cut the mitred pieces for you.

Step 2

Cut your plywood to roughly the same size as your art, or about 1–2 millimetres smaller on all sides.

I don’t own any tools at home, so I used the cutting service at B&Q.

Cutting it slightly smaller ensures the art completely covers the plywood because you don’t want any of it peeking through.

Step 3

Place your plywood on a stable, flat surface and wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.

Lay your art over it, making sure it’s positioned exactly where you want it, and secure it with weights.

RELATED POST: How To Hang A Perfect Grid Gallery Wall With Command Strips

Step 4

Apply Mod Podge only to the edges of the artwork to avoid bubbling.

I tried gluing the entire surface and it was a terrible mistake.

Let it dry for a few minutes.

Step 5

While your art is drying, start assembling your frame.

I used just a ratchet strap. I didn’t have one long enough for the full frame, so I joined two together.

Apply a small amount of glue to both mitred edges, wipe off any excess, and leave it to sit for 24 hours.

Don’t move it before then.

Step 6

Once the art is dry, attach a few Command Strips (check the weight first) and secure the artwork to your wall of choice.

Use a spirit level to make sure it’s straight.

Step 7

The final step – remove your ratchet straps and place Command Strips on the back of your frame.

Simply align and press it over your artwork.

It’s honestly so simple.

The Final Look + What It Cost Me

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I printed mine on Hahnemühle Bamboo, a beautifully textured paper that gives your print the look and feel of real art.

It was a personal splurge that cost me £211.58 for the size I wanted, so I haven’t included the printing cost in the total below.

There are so many more affordable printing options if you look.

Here’s what the rest of the project cost.

Here are some more of my favourite budget decor ideas:

• Affordable IKEA Pantry Hack For The Most Spacious Pantry Ever
• How We Built an Affordable Media Wall With IKEA BESTA Cabinets