How to Fit a Stretched Canvas into a Picture Frame (Z-Clips Tutorial)

How to fit a canvas into a picture frame

Prefer our earlier video? Watch “How To Fit Your Canvas Into A Canvas Frame” on YouTube.

Before you start

You'll need a small hammer, a flat-head screwdriver the same width as a Z-clip, and pliers. The Z-clips come with the frame. Work on a blanket or soft cloth, to protect the edges of the frame.

Check the fit

Lay the frame face down and drop the canvas into the back of it. It should go in with a little movement. If the fit is too tight, the canvas can go baggy over time as the wood expands and contracts.

Step by step

1. Position the Z-clips

Lift the canvas out again. Allow about one Z-clip every 30cm (12 inches) round the frame, and make a small starter hole with the screwdriver at each position, taking care not to damage the inner lip of the frame.

2. Tap in the Z-clips

Stand the frame upright, with the side you're working on resting on the table, so its rebate wall faces up. Stand the clip's prong in the starter hole, with its leg bent outwards over the back of the frame, and tap it straight down with the hammer until it's fully seated. The table takes the force, so the frame can't crack. Ask someone to hold the frame steady while you tap.

Turn the frame to do each side in turn, then lay it face down again, with all the clips bent outwards.

3. Fit the canvas

Lower the canvas gently into the frame. Then bend each clip over onto the stretcher bar, and tap it gently into the wood to hold the canvas.

Final checks

• Check that every Z-clip is properly seated.
• Leave a little movement, so the wood can expand and contract.
• For very large canvases, use extra Z-clips.