How to Spray Mount Canvas on Foam Board

Last week, we talked about working with roll canvas — a great option for experimenting, studying, or painting freely without the commitment of a stretched frame. But sometimes, those “just for practice” pieces surprise you. When a study turns out better than expected, spray mounting it to foam board is a quick and professional-looking way to preserve and display it.

What You’ll Need

• Spray adhesive (artist’s or photo-mount type) like this one from Blick

• Foam board slightly larger than your canvas

• Sharp razor or X-Acto knife

• Metal ruler or another straight edge

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Work in a well-ventilated area. Lay your foam board flat and make sure it’s clean and free of dust. Position your canvas so you know where it will sit before you begin spraying.

Step 2: Apply the Adhesive

Shake the spray adhesive well. Spray evenly across the board in one direction, then again in the opposite direction to ensure full, even coverage — especially the corners and edges. This helps prevent bubbling or lifting later.

Step 3: Mount the Canvas

Line up one edge of the canvas with the foam board and begin smoothing it down from that edge to the opposite side. Work slowly and evenly, pressing out any air pockets as you go.

Step 4: Trim the Edges

Once it’s mounted, use a sharp razor and a ruler (or another board) as a straight edge to trim away the excess foam board. Take your time with this step — a clean cut makes all the difference in the final presentation.

Step 5: Display or Frame

Now your piece is mounted, flat, and ready to display. You can frame it as-is or simply lean it on a shelf or easel. It’s a quick and affordable way to give your work a polished look without stretching or professional framing.

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Read Last Week’s Post

If you missed it, check out last week’s blog: Working with Roll Canvas — it covers how to prepare and paint on unstretched canvas and why it’s a great way to explore ideas freely before committing to a final piece.