The Complete Guide to Framing Your Artwork: From Selection to Display
Every piece of art deserves a frame that enhances its beauty and protects it for years to come. Whether you've just completed your first painting or you're looking to properly display a cherished piece, understanding the fundamentals of picture framing can transform how your artwork is perceived and preserved.
Understanding the Art of Picture Framing
Picture framing is more than just putting a border around your creation. It's about creating a cohesive presentation that draws the eye to your work while protecting it from environmental damage. The right frame can elevate a simple piece into a gallery-worthy display, while the wrong choice can detract from even the most stunning artwork.
When you frame artwork, you're making several important decisions: the frame style, matting options, glazing type, and mounting method. Each of these elements plays a role in both the aesthetic appeal and the long-term preservation of your piece. For artists and collectors alike, understanding these components helps ensure that your investment in framing matches the quality of the art itself.
Where to Frame Your Paintings and Artwork
One of the most common questions artists face is where to frame a painting or print. You have several options, each with distinct advantages. Local frame shops offer personalized service and the ability to see materials in person. These establishments typically employ experienced framers who can guide you through design choices and ensure proper handling of your artwork.
Custom framing studios provide the highest level of customization, allowing you to select from hundreds of frame profiles, mat colors, and glazing options. While this route tends to be more expensive, it offers unparalleled quality and the expertise of trained professionals who understand conservation framing techniques.
Big-box craft stores present a middle ground, offering both ready-made frames and custom framing services at competitive prices. These locations work well for standard sizes and straightforward framing needs, though the selection may be more limited than specialized shops. Big-box craft stores present a middle ground, offering both ready-made frames and custom framing services at competitive prices.
Online framing services have gained popularity in recent years, allowing you to upload images of your artwork, select framing options digitally, and receive the finished product by mail. This option offers convenience and often lower prices, though you sacrifice the ability to see materials in person before committing.
Choosing the Right Frame for Your Art
Selecting frames for art requires consideration of multiple factors. The artwork's style should guide your frame selection. Traditional oil paintings often pair beautifully with ornate gold or dark wood frames, while contemporary pieces may call for sleek metal or simple wood profiles. The frame should complement rather than compete with the artwork.
Color coordination matters significantly. Consider the dominant colors in your piece and the wall where it will hang. A frame that picks up accent colors from the artwork can create visual harmony, while a neutral frame allows the art to remain the focal point.
Scale and proportion are equally important. A delicate watercolor can be overwhelmed by a heavy, wide frame, while a bold abstract painting might look lost in a thin, minimal frame. As a general rule, the frame width should be proportional to the size of the artwork, with larger pieces supporting wider frames.
The Importance of Matting
Matting serves both aesthetic and protective purposes when you frame your artwork. The mat creates visual breathing room between the art and frame, preventing the piece from feeling cramped. It also provides physical separation between the glazing and the artwork surface, which is essential for preventing moisture damage and sticking.
Standard mat widths range from two to four inches, though this can vary based on the artwork size and desired effect. Wider mats tend to create a more formal, gallery-like presentation, while narrower mats keep the focus tightly on the artwork itself.
Mat colors should be chosen thoughtfully. White and off-white mats are classic choices that work with most artwork, providing a clean, neutral border. Colored mats can enhance specific elements of the piece but should be used judiciously to avoid overwhelming the artwork.
Glazing Options for Protection
When you frame my artwork or any valuable piece, selecting appropriate glazing is crucial for protection. Regular glass is the most economical option and provides basic protection from dust and physical damage. However, it offers no UV protection and can create glare under certain lighting conditions.
UV-filtering glass or acrylic blocks harmful ultraviolet rays that cause fading and deterioration over time. This option is particularly important for works on paper, photographs, and any artwork displayed in direct sunlight or bright indoor lighting.
Museum glass represents the premium choice, offering maximum UV protection combined with anti-reflective coating that virtually eliminates glare. While significantly more expensive, it provides the clearest view of the artwork and the highest level of protection, making it ideal for valuable or irreplaceable pieces.
Acrylic glazing offers a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It's an excellent choice for large pieces, artwork that will be shipped, or frames hanging in high-traffic areas where safety is a concern.
Personal Experience: Learning Through Trial and Error
I remember the first time I attempted to frame my art independently. I had just completed a series of watercolor landscapes and was eager to display them properly. Thinking I could save money, I purchased inexpensive store-bought frames from a discount store. The result was disappointing. The frames were flimsy, the glazing created terrible glare, and within months, I noticed the artwork beginning to warp due to improper mounting.
That experience taught me the value of proper framing. I visited a local custom frame shop and worked with a professional framer who explained the importance of acid-free materials, proper spacing, and UV protection. The difference was remarkable. Not only did my artwork look significantly better, but I had peace of mind knowing it was properly preserved. While the investment was higher initially, those pieces still look pristine today, while my first framing attempts had to be completely redone.
DIY Framing Considerations
For artists working with limited budgets, learning to frame artwork yourself can be a practical skill. Basic framing supplies are available at craft stores, and numerous online tutorials can guide you through the process. Start with simple projects using standard sizes, which allow you to use ready-made frames and pre-cut mats.
Invest in proper tools if you plan to frame regularly. A mat cutter, T-square, and quality adhesive materials are essential. Always use acid-free materials for mounting and matting to prevent long-term damage to your artwork.
However, recognize when professional help is warranted. Valuable artwork, unusual sizes, works that require special mounting techniques, or pieces with sentimental significance often justify the cost of professional framing.
Maintaining Your Framed Artwork
Once you frame your artwork properly, maintenance becomes important for longevity. Dust frames regularly with a soft, dry cloth, avoiding cleaning products that might damage the frame finish or seep under the glazing. Keep framed pieces away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Inspect your framed artwork periodically for signs of deterioration such as mat discoloration, condensation under the glazing, or loosening of the frame components. Addressing these issues early prevents more serious damage to the artwork itself.
Making the Investment Worthwhile
Picture framing for artists represents an investment in the presentation and preservation of creative work. Quality framing enhances the perceived value of artwork, making it more appealing to potential buyers and more enjoyable for personal display. When you frame my art or commission framing for any piece, remember that proper framing protects your investment for decades.
The frame becomes part of the artwork's story, influencing how viewers perceive and appreciate the piece. Taking time to select appropriate materials and styles ensures that your artwork receives the presentation it deserves, whether it hangs in your home, a gallery, or a collector's space.
By understanding the options available and making informed choices about where to frame a painting and how to approach the framing process, you ensure that your artwork not only looks its best today but remains preserved and beautiful for generations to come.
