Oil Painting Frames and Floaters

Oil paintings on stretched canvas need deeper frames than prints. Measure the canvas depth first.

Updated Oct 20, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Art supply shops, craft stores and custom framers sell frames for canvas. Online framing shops cut to exact sizes. Ready-made frames suit standard canvas sizes.

Professional insight

Framers measure canvas depth before width. A deep stretcher can stop a frame from fitting.

Gallery wrap canvas is usually 1.5 inches deep.
Floater depth should exceed canvas depth slightly.
Oil paint needs air, so skip glass.
Offset clips beat nails for removable mounting.

Check the label

Frame size is the canvas size, not the outer size.
Rabbet or channel depth is listed in inches.
Frame type is stated: floater or traditional.
Material is listed: solid wood, MDF or polystyrene.
Offset clips or mounting hardware are included.
Hanging hardware suits the frame's weight.
Finish color matches the listing photos in daylight.

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Sizing

Matching frame depth to canvas depth
Canvas depth	Common name	Floater depth to look for
0.75 in	Standard or gallery thin	About 0.875 to 1 in
1.25 in	Mid depth	About 1.375 to 1.5 in
1.5 in	Gallery wrap	About 1.625 to 2 in

Want a visible gap? Pick a floater about half an inch larger each way. That leaves roughly a quarter inch reveal on every side.

Types

Floater frame

Canvas sits inside an open channel, edges visible. Modern look for stretched canvas.

Traditional deep frame

Lip covers the canvas edge. Needs a rabbet deep enough for the stretcher.

Ornate gilded frame

Carved or cast profile in gold or silver leaf. Suits classical oil paintings.

Canvas panel frame

Shallow rabbet for flat canvas boards. Will not fit stretched canvas.

Tools you will need

Tape measure for width, height and depth.
Screwdriver for offset clips.
D-rings and picture wire for larger pieces.
Soft cloth to rest the painting face down.

Setup tips

1Make sure the oil paint is fully dry to the touch.
2Lay the frame face down on a clean soft surface.
3Drop the canvas into the frame, face down.
4Fit offset clips near each corner and mid side.
5Tighten gently so the wood does not split.
6Add D-rings and wire, then hang level.

Common questions

Should an oil painting be framed under glass?: Usually not. Glass adds glare and can trap moisture against the paint.
What frame fits a gallery wrap canvas?: Pick a floater slightly deeper than 1.5 inches. The canvas then sits flush.
Can I use a regular photo frame for a canvas?: Only for flat canvas boards. A stretched canvas is too deep for most photo frames.