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Signs are easy to make using the reverse canvas method. The possibilities are endless and there are a variety of sizes that you can make them. These would be great for the holidays, general home decor or wedding or baby gifts.

Previously, I had made signs by putting vinyl on wood. You can read about that here. I’m beginning to think that I almost prefer the reverse canvas method for the final look, however, I’m not giving up on wood signs yet.

Supplies for Reverse Canvas

1. Canvas wrapped frames – these are usually located in the art section of either Michaels or the dollar store. These are the ones in which the canvas is wrapped around a frame and stapled in the back – you cannot see the actual frame. The Michaels ones are a bit more expensive but look nicer. I have heard (but do not have personal experience) that the dollar store ones are hit and miss – sometimes the frames are on the loose side and/or are not as nice looking. They come in a variety of sizes.
   

   

2. Tools to remove staples – a flat screwdriver or an awl and needle-nose pliers; other tools will work too but these are the ones I used. I know of others who have found a staple remover from the hardware store that works well.
3. Finish or paint for the wooden frame.
4. HTV graphic – a quote and/or picture cut out on your Cricut or similar machine using HTV (heat transfer vinyl) – don’t forget to mirror!
   Don’t forget that for sizing, the maximum dimensions are the INSIDE of the frame.
5. Heat press or iron to apply the HTV
6. Staple gun
7. Scissors to trim the canvas (I used my sewing scissors)
8. Optional:  brown kraft paper to cover up the back. I just got a roll from the dollar store.

Step by Step Process for Reverse Canvas

Turn the canvas over and remove the staples using tools. I used a flat head screwdriver and an awl to loosen them and then used needle nose pliers to pull them out. You just need to lift the staple up a little bit so that the needle-nosed pliers can slip under. This was the hardest part of the project.

Turn the canvas over and remove the staples using tools. I used a flat head screwdriver and an awl to loosen them and then used needle nose pliers to pull them out. You just need to lift the staple up a little bit so that the needle-nosed pliers can slip under. This was the hardest part of the project.

The canvas, will look beat up and torn and the wood frame will have dents from prying up the staples – don’t worry – the canvas will be trimmed and the back of the wood frame covered so no one will see.

You will be left with 2 pieces – the canvas and the wooden frame.

Finish or paint the frame using your desired finish or paint and any colour you want. This was the longest step for me – mainly because I used a gel finish and did 2 coats. It needs to dry sufficiently in between coats. I applied with a sponge brush and then used an old rag to rub it in. There are other finishes out there – some may be quicker to dry than what I used, but I used what I had on hand. The finishes I used were cherry and walnut.

Prepare and apply your HTV graphic onto the canvas – you can use either a heat press or iron.

Position the canvas over the back of the frame. Using a staple gun, re-attach it to the BACK of your wooden frame using a staple gun.
For me, the hardest part was trying to decide which frame to use.

Once it is all stapled, it will look like this:

Trim excess canvas. I found the easiest way to do this was to stand the frame up, fold the excess canvas over and trim. Otherwise, my scissors got too close to the frame and I actually ended up cutting the frame. If that happens, don’t worry – just touch it up with some more finish.

There you have it – beautifully framed canvases, all made from reverse canvas.

Look – you can even get fancy and layer different colours with reverse canvas.

One of the main reasons why reverse canvas is such a great project is that applying HTV to canvas can be challenging in that you would have to put something in behind in order to press it (typically a towel or a book). Having the canvas separate like this makes it way easier to use your heat press or iron. Also, you don’t need to find a frame – it’s included. Who knew that a nice frame was hiding underneath? I wish I knew who thought of taking these canvases apart and coming up with this idea – I would sure love to credit them.

Some people put adhesive vinyl on these canvases. They look nice as well but require more work. You have to prepare the canvas as an extra step. I may try it one day, but for now, I love the ease of using HTV on reverse canvas.

There you go! An easy and great project with endless possibilities.

Want to remember the process for reverse canvas? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.