How to Make Stamped Canvas Artwork with a Drywall Masher

You'd never know this modern framed artwork was handmade. See how we used hardware store supplies to make this one-of-a-kind piece!

living room close-up of pictures on shelves

Forget the home decor department—you can make the best artwork from items found at your local hardware store. This modern stamped canvas is easy to make and delightfully easy on the budget. Pick up a canvas and a drywall mud masher, and you're all set! We used moody gray paint leftover from other home projects to make it even more budget-friendly. Check out the steps below to see how we did it. Since it's mostly stamping, you don't need to have an artistic bone in your body to do this one right.

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Working Time 2 Hours
Start to Finish 1 Day
Difficulty Projects Easy
Involves Painting, Carpentry Skills

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What you need

Tools

Paintbrush
Paint tray
Paint sticks
Drywall mud masher
Table saw
Nail gun

Materials

Canvas
White paint
Paint, in various colors (x3)
1X1-1/2X96-inch board
Stain
1-1/2-inch nails

How to do it

Step 1 Paint Canvas

The best way to start a canvas project is by making sure the canvas you’re working with is a white, clean slate. Paint the entire canvas white using a paintbrush. Make sure the paint is applied evenly and reaches down the edges. Let dry completely.

Step 2 Mix Paint

As the white paint dries, mix the paint you will use to make the pattern. In one paint tray, pour a little bit of your lightest color. (We used a range of grays.) Next to that combination, pour the next darkest shade. Swirl the edges of the two colors together to create a marble effect.

Repeat this paint mixing process in the second paint tray with the medium hue and the darkest hue.

Step 3 Stamp Pattern

Now it’s time to stamp the pattern. Dip the drywall mud masher in the lighter paint tray. Make sure you get a good variety of hues on the masher. Place masher over the canvas and stamp in the upper left corner. Continue stamping across the first row, picking up more paint, if necessary.

When you move on to the second row, use the darker paint. As you continue stamping the canvas, alternate light and dark colors in each row. Let paint dry.

Step 4 Add Trim

living room close-up of top artwork in frame

Finally, line your canvas with trim. You may want to stain or paint the trim first—we made ours a classic black. Cut the trim pieces to size, leaving room for butt joints. Line the trim up to the edges of the canvas, and use a nail gun to set in place, nailing into the canvas frame. The trim will offer a more finished look to your work.