Woo-hoo — the bedroom horse art arrived, so here’s the full how-to on mounting prints to canvas. Spoiler: it took two tries to get it right.
First I tried spray adhesive (a $4 can from JoAnn with a coupon). Back in art school it was our go-to—acid-free, labeled “all purpose” and “permanent,” and usually great for mounting prints without harming them.
The process was simple: spray the back of the poster (face down) and the front of the canvas, line up a corner, and slowly roll the print down to adhere it. I did this solo and even snapped a midway photo — girl power.
I worked in the sunroom so I could ventilate the fumes, wear a mask, and keep the rest of the house sealed off. Spray mounting is best done outside or in a well-ventilated space.
After laying the poster, I smoothed it with my Kroger card (gentle pressure to avoid scratches or dents):
Then I repeated the same with the other print:
I hung them up proudly, thinking it was done — and it took roughly 20 minutes. But within about 12 hours small separations and speed-bump-like bubbles appeared between the print and the canvas. I was disappointed, but the prints peeled off easily so I could start over.
For round two I searched for a stronger method and found recommendations to use acrylic medium as an adhesive. I used Liquitex Matte Varnish from Michael’s (about $3 with a coupon):
I brushed a thin, even coat of the medium onto the canvas surface…
…and onto the back of the poster…
Then we aligned and applied the print in the same rolling motion I used with the spray adhesive. This time John helped hold corners while I smoothed the rest down, which made lining things up easier and reduced creases or bubbles. A few small air pockets did form, but we worked them out from the center toward the edges with the palm of our hand. Note: some people can react to acrylic medium, so consider wearing thin latex gloves while handling it.
After adhering both prints with Liquitex varnish, we laid them flat for a full 24 hours to cure so they wouldn’t buckle or slide while drying. After a few steamy showers in the adjoining bathroom, they appear securely attached — much more reliable than the spray mount. I’ll report back if anything changes, but so far they’re holding strong.
For the canvas sides I considered charcoal, deep brown, or metallic paint, but left them white to match the trim and the mirror above the sink. We also decided to keep the smooth print finish on the front rather than coating it with another layer of medium or Mod Podge; if you plan to apply a protective coat, test a small area first to ensure it won’t cloud or run.
We switched which print hung on each side of the bed after realizing we preferred the opposite arrangement from our original rendering — now each of us wakes up to our favorite image (his is the beach print; mine is the wild horses). I’ve always had a soft spot for animal imagery, so these luminescent prints suit me perfectly.
Cost-wise, having the posters printed on canvas at the size I wanted would have been around $169 each. By DIYing the prints and canvases, I spent roughly $64 per piece (poster plus canvas), saving more than $200 total.
These horse photos are a departure from the beachy, light style of our first house, but we’ve been enjoying taking more design risks in this home. Bold choices have paired well with calmer areas — the lively, moody prints balance the light, airy sink nook and our white-framed hall gallery. Mixing contrast with quieter zones creates a home that feels layered and personal.
Ultimately, this project was a reminder to try things, accept mistakes, and adjust as needed. The acrylic medium method produced a secure, long-lasting result for mounting prints to canvas — and it cost far less than ordering custom canvases. So if you’re considering a similar DIY, give the varnish method a try and lay the pieces flat to cure for at least 24 hours. Happy creating — and quit horsing around: give it a go.
P.S. If you’re feeling nervous about a bold choice, remember: paint, art, and decor can usually be changed. Try one thing, live with it for a while, and if it doesn’t work you can always switch it up.