How to Frame a 3mm Thick Canvas Board – Different Framing Options Explained

Canvas boards are a popular painting surface for artists working in oils and acrylics. They provide a firm, lightweight and affordable alternative to traditional stretched canvases.

Most standard canvas boards are approximately 3mm thick, which makes them quite different to frame compared with a stretched canvas.

The good news is that there are several ways to frame a canvas board, from simple solid wood picture frames to contemporary floating and tray frames.

The main thing to understand is that the thickness of the board determines how it needs to be fitted into the frame.

Here are five different framing methods and the important things to consider with each one.

1. Solid Wood Picture Frames Without a Mount

The simplest way to frame a 3mm canvas board.

One of the most straightforward methods is to use a traditional solid wood picture frame without a mount.

Simply choose a frame with an internal size that matches the dimensions of your canvas board. For example, if your canvas board measures 20 × 25cm, you will need a frame designed to accommodate artwork of that size.

The canvas board sits directly into the frame rebate, with the front lip of the frame overlapping the edges of the artwork slightly.

Because the board is only 3mm thick, it will usually fit comfortably into the rebate of most standard solid wood picture frames.

Things to consider:

• Choose a frame size that matches your canvas board.

• Check that the frame rebate is deep enough to accommodate the board and any backing materials.

• The frame will cover a small amount of the painting around the edges.

• No additional mount or spacer frame is normally required.

This is an excellent option for artists looking for a simple, attractive and cost-effective way to frame their canvas boards.

2. Solid Wood Picture Frames With a Small Mount

A subtle way to add separation between the painting and the frame.

Another option is to use a solid wood picture frame with a small mount or border around the canvas board.

With this method, you can still purchase a frame corresponding to the size of your canvas board, provided the chosen frame and mount arrangement can accommodate it.

A narrow visible mount creates a small border between the painted surface and the frame, giving the artwork a little more breathing space.

The important consideration is how the mount is positioned relative to the board and the frame rebate. Because the board is 3mm thick, the arrangement must be designed so the painting sits securely and at the intended depth.

Things to consider:

• A narrow mount provides a subtle visual border.

• The frame and mount dimensions must be planned together.

• The 3mm board needs to be supported securely.

• The mount opening and overlap need to be calculated carefully.

This method works particularly well when you want a more refined finish without dramatically increasing the overall size of the framed artwork.

3. Solid Wood Frames With a Regular Mount

A traditional mounted appearance, with one important challenge.

Using a regular picture mount around a canvas board can create a beautiful finished presentation, particularly for smaller paintings.

Unlike the previous option, a regular mount typically increases the overall size of the finished picture frame.

For example, a 20 × 25cm canvas board could be displayed within a larger frame, with a generous mount surrounding the artwork.

However, the main challenge is how to mount a 3mm thick canvas board correctly.

Traditional picture mounts are generally designed for artwork on paper, which is much thinner than a canvas board.

If a standard mount is placed directly over a 3mm canvas board without considering the thickness, the mount may not sit correctly.

The solution is to create a suitable mounting arrangement that accommodates the thickness of the canvas board while supporting it securely.

Depending on the artwork, this may involve a recessed support, additional backing layers or a specially constructed mount assembly.

Things to consider:

• The mount opening should be cut accurately to suit the artwork.

• The 3mm thickness must be accommodated.

• The board needs secure support without inappropriate pressure or damaging adhesives.

• The mount should sit neatly and evenly around the painting.

When properly assembled, this method can give a small canvas board the appearance of a professionally presented gallery piece.

4. L-Shaped Picture Frame Profiles

A contemporary framing style that requires additional height.

L-shaped framing profiles are an attractive option for displaying modern artwork.

Unlike a conventional picture frame, an L-shaped profile creates an open presentation around the artwork, allowing the full painted surface to remain visible.

However, when framing a 3mm canvas board, there is one important issue.

The canvas board is too thin to sit at the correct height within many standard L-shaped profiles.

For example, when using an L-shaped frame designed for a standard-depth canvas, a 3mm board will sit much lower than the front edge of the frame.

To overcome this, a spacer frame can be fitted behind the canvas board to raise it to the desired position.

For a standard-edge L-shaped frame, a 15mm spacer frame is a useful example.

The spacer raises the artwork, allowing the painted surface to sit at a more suitable height relative to the front edge of the L-shaped frame.

The exact spacer thickness should always be checked against the dimensions of the chosen frame profile.

Things to consider:

• A 3mm canvas board will generally need to be raised.

• A 15mm spacer frame may be suitable for standard-edge L-shaped profiles.

• The spacer frame should provide even support.

• The artwork should be positioned consistently within the frame.

• The finished height depends on the particular frame profile.

This approach gives artists the option of using contemporary L-shaped frames with thin canvas boards.

5. Canvas Floater Tray Frames

Creating the appearance of a stretched canvas without the depth of one.

Canvas floater tray frames are designed to create a small gap between the artwork and the surrounding frame.

They are particularly popular for contemporary paintings because they allow the complete painted surface to remain visible.

Although these frames are commonly used with stretched canvases, they can also be used with 3mm canvas boards.

The main challenge is once again the thickness of the artwork.

A standard 3mm canvas board is much thinner than the stretched canvas that a typical floater tray frame is designed to accommodate.

To achieve the correct presentation, the canvas board must be raised within the tray.

For a standard-edge canvas floater tray frame, a 15mm spacer frame can be used to increase the height of the board.

This spacer can be constructed from suitable timber or other rigid, stable materials, depending on the requirements of the artwork.

Once the spacer has been fitted, the canvas board can be positioned within the tray, leaving an even gap around its edges.

Things to consider:

• The board needs additional height to suit the tray frame.

• A 15mm spacer frame is one possible solution.

• Alternative spacer materials may also be suitable.

• The spacer and board must be securely supported.

• The gap around the artwork should be consistent.

• The finished artwork height should be checked against the front edge of the frame.

This is an excellent way to give a thin canvas board the visual impact of a stretched canvas presented in a contemporary floater frame.

Choosing the Right Frame for Your Canvas Board

There is no single correct way to frame a 3mm canvas board.

A traditional solid wood frame can provide a simple and economical solution, while mounted frames offer a more spacious presentation.

For artists who prefer contemporary framing, L-shaped profiles and canvas floater tray frames provide attractive alternatives, although they generally require additional preparation to accommodate the thin board.

The key is to choose a framing method that supports the artwork correctly while achieving the desired appearance.

At Strand Framing in Clonakilty, West Cork, we understand that different paintings require different framing solutions. Whether you're framing a single canvas board or preparing a collection of paintings for exhibition, choosing the right profile and fitting method can make all the difference.

Contact Strand Framing Clonakilty to explore framing options for your canvas board paintings.