An Easy Way to Repurpose Old Canvas Art

Repurposing and reusing old canvases is the best way to create custom artwork for free! Add an easy wood frame, a little paint and you have the perfect modern art piece.

A few weeks ago, I cleaned out my husband's office, which included going through a lot of old decor. As I was preparing bags to be packed up for Goodwill I hesitated adding a few old art canvases to the "donate" pile. I knew they would be easy to update, so I set them to the side for future projects.

If you saw my Fall Home Tour on Monday than you may have already seen my new DIY artwork. I actually finished this project and took photos before I fully decorated for fall, but wasn't able to get the post written in time. Better late than never, right?

DIY canvas art, repurposing, modern farmhouse, dining room

I had previously purchased artwork for the spot above my new bar cart, but ended up moving it downstairs when I was finishing the vintage modern bathroom makeover. That left me with a blank wall in the dining room that was just asking to be filled.

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO REPURPOSE OLD CANVAS ART

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*** You may notice that I use a lot of the same supplies. It's an upfront expense, but once you have the supplies you can create endless projects***

- Art canvas (keep your eye out at thrift stores and clearance aisles if you don't have an old one laying around)

- Paint (I used plaster and black milk paint)

- 1x2x6 boards (length depending on how big your canvas is)

- Wood stain (I used Weathered Oak and Special Walnut)

- Nail gun

- Mitre saw (or hand saw and mitre box)

- Silicone glue brush

HOW TO REPURPOSE AN OLD CANVAS INTO NEW ARTWORK

I started with a canvas that had been previously hanging in our basement. It was during a time when I was all over using bright colors, especially orange and aqua. Obviously, it's no longer my style, but that's nothing a little paint and wood couldn't fix.

I measured and cut my 1x2's at 45 degree angles to build a frame for my canvas. This isn't necessary, but it definitely gave my piece more contrast and a more expensive look.

After I had all my wood cut, I painted my canvas and stained the wood.

I first went over the wood with Weathered Oak stain then a light coat of Special Walnut.

Once everything was dry I attached the wood frame to the canvas using my nail gun. I knew I wanted black and white art and since I have zero drawling ability I went with simple arrows,

I used a silicone glue brush because it leaves brush strokes, which creates great texture. I didn't measure when painting the arrows. I wanted to keep things imperfect, but intentional.

Repurposing an old canvas into modern artwork with paint and an easy wood frame.

updated canvas with paint and a wood frame

I love the contrast of the black and white against the wood frame and the fact that I can swap out the basement artwork with this one when I feel the urge for a change.