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Canvas paths
Already stretched, unstretched, or printed canvas jobs can be guided into the right path.
Canvas stretching and framing
Canvas floating frames for stretched canvas artworks
Finish stretched, unstretched or printed canvas with a custom float frame that leaves a clean shadow gap, protects edges and keeps the canvas texture visible.
5 mm
Shadow gap
A clean reveal gives the canvas its floating look.
Many
Frame looks
Black, white, oak, veneer, metallic and mixed-finish float frame options are available.
Service paths
Which canvas service do you need?
The right path depends on whether the canvas is already stretched, needs stretching first, or still needs to be printed.
Already stretched canvas
Add a float frame
For canvas artwork already on stretcher bars and ready for a finished outer frame.
- Choose a floating frame style
- Keep the canvas surface visible without glass
- Create a clean reveal around the artwork
Unstretched canvas
Stretch then frame
For canvas prints or artworks that need stretching before a floating frame can be fitted.
- Plan stretching and framing together
- Confirm final canvas size before framing
- Choose float frame options after stretching needs are clear
Printed canvas
Print, stretch and frame
For customers starting from a file or print order who want a finished canvas display.
- Use canvas print options where relevant
- Add stretching and framing to complete the display
- Ask the team if you are unsure which path fits
Materials
Materials and display options
Choose from workshop materials that match the item, room and level of protection needed.
Float frame finishes
- Black and black grain options
- White, off-white and soft white options
- Raw oak, natural raw and pale oak looks
- Gold, silver, pewter and mixed accents
Canvas fit
- Designed for stretched canvas presentation
- 5 mm shadow gap around the canvas
- No glass over the canvas surface in normal float-frame presentation
Service options
- Frame an existing stretched canvas
- Stretch and frame an unstretched canvas
- Link canvas print work into the framing path
Process
How canvas floating frames work
A canvas floating frame is selected after the canvas size, depth and stretching needs are clear.
Identify the canvas type
Tell us whether the canvas is already stretched, unstretched, or still needs to be printed.
Confirm the size
Measure the canvas or planned print size so the frame can be made to suit the finished stretched dimensions.
Choose the float frame
Select from black, white, oak, veneer, metallic and mixed-finish float frame options.
Finish the display
The canvas is stretched where needed, fitted into the float frame and prepared for Australia-wide delivery or Roselands pickup.
Floating frames work best when the canvas depth and finished size are known. If your canvas is not stretched yet, stretching should be planned before the final frame is selected.
- Existing stretched canvas artwork
- Unstretched canvas prints or originals
- New canvas prints that need a finished frame
Float frame design
What makes a canvas floating frame different?
A canvas floating frame is built for stretched canvas rather than paper artwork. Instead of sitting over the face of the image, the frame sits around the canvas with a small reveal, so the artwork looks like it is floating inside the frame.
- Best suited to stretched canvas pieces
- Slim face widths that do not overpower the artwork
- Canvas texture stays visible because glass is not normally used
Other displays
Float frames can suit more than canvas
Canvas is the most common use, but the same visual idea can also work for selected rigid or block-style pieces where the edge depth is part of the presentation. Contact Frameshop if you are unsure whether a floating frame is suitable for your item.
- Stretched canvas paintings and printed canvases
- Selected acrylic, metal or wood block-style prints
- Tiles or dimensional panels where the edge can remain visible
FAQs
Common questions
What is a canvas floating frame?
It is a frame made for stretched canvas, with a small reveal so the artwork appears to float inside the frame.
Can you frame an already-stretched canvas?
Yes. Already-stretched canvases can be fitted with a floating frame once the size and canvas depth are confirmed.
Can Frameshop stretch an unstretched canvas first?
Yes. Unstretched canvas artworks or prints can be stretched first, then finished with a floating frame.
Do canvas floating frames use glass?
Canvas floating frames are usually displayed without glass so the canvas texture, brushwork or printed surface remains visible.
Can a floating frame be used for non-canvas items?
Sometimes. Floating frames can suit selected acrylic, metal, wood block or tile-style pieces, but it depends on the item depth and how it can be safely fitted.